HERO

H.E.R.O. (Helicopter Emergency Rescue Operation) - the 1984 action
cavern rescue game for Commodore 64 from Activision.

Descend into collapsing mines with a personal rotor pack to rescue
trapped miners, cutting through rock and dodging hazards with limited
power.

Core loop
- fly and hover through twisting mine tunnels
- blast walls with dynamite to reach deeper chambers
- avoid lava, bats, and cave creatures
- find and rescue the miner to clear each level

Systems and items
- rotor pack - limited energy; landing pads recharge partially
- dynamite - clears blocked paths but can injure if too close
- laser visor - short-range beam to destroy enemies
- score multipliers - bonus for fast rescues and unused lives

Level design and feel
Side-view scrolling tunnels mix vertical shafts and tight passages.
Timing dynamite blasts and conserving fuel adds strategy to the twitch
action. Smooth scrolling and sharp controls make precision key.

Why it is notable
- designed by John Van Ryzin, later creator of “Barnstorming” and “Saboteur”
- praised for its smooth physics and hybrid of puzzle and arcade action
- one of Activision’s standout technical showcases on C64

Tips
- place dynamite, then retreat a full tile before it explodes
- conserve energy—hover only when absolutely needed
- use the laser visor to clear bats without wasting time or bombs

At a glance
Year - 1984
Developer - Activision
Design and programming - John Van Ryzin
Graphics - Activision team
Music - in-game sound effects only
Publisher - Activision
Genre - Action adventure
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2