Choplifter
Platform: MSX
Region: Japan
Media: Cartridge
Controller: Keyboard
Genre: Shoot 'em Up > Side-Scrolling 
Gametype: Undefined
Release Year: 1985
Developer: Dan Gorlin 
Publisher: Sony
Players: 1
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Choplifter is a side-scrolling action/arcade game that puts you in command of an attack chopper.  Your mission: Go behind enemy lines and rescue up to 16 hostages per level.  Be careful, though, because tanks and enemy aircraft will try to stop you -- and they won't stop shooting while you are rescuing those hostages!

Originally released for Apple II home computers, Choplifter was later ported to the arcades and a number of video game consoles.  Many imitators and homages would follow.
 
http://www.mobygames.com/game/msx/choplifter