I previously said I’d start covering a wider variety of games in 2026, not just the major strategy releases. So, I’m starting with Cleared Hot, a new title from MicroProse Software. I hadn’t paid much attention to it before, assuming it wouldn’t be particularly interesting. However, with fewer big game releases lately, I was looking for something new to play, and Cleared Hot seemed like a good fit.
What Is Cleared Hot?
Cleared Hot is a fun, old-school arcade shooter played from an overhead, angled view, and it strongly reminds me of classic games like Desert Strike. It instantly brought back memories of Mass Destruction, a Sega Saturn and PlayStation game where you controlled a tank and caused satisfying chaos – grabbing powerful upgrades and just having a carefree, explosive time. I’d been missing that simple, pure gaming experience, and I’m happy I tried Cleared Hot. It perfectly hit that urge to switch off my brain and just blow things up for a few minutes.
Cleared Hot has earned an incredible 97% positive rating on Steam, even though it’s still in early development. While its faithful recreation of classic gameplay is likely a big part of its appeal, and why many players are buying it, that’s not the only reason for its success.
Physics-Based Arcade Fun
Let’s talk about how the game handles physics. For a game like Cleared Hot, being able to destroy things is a big draw, and this game really delivers. Unlike older titles, everything in Cleared Hot reacts to the physics engine, including buildings that can be destroyed. Plus, your helicopter can pick up almost anything – or anyone – with a rope, which opens up a lot of possibilities. You can grab a wrecked car and throw it at a wall, an enemy vehicle, or even a group of enemies – it’s a lot of fun! Some missions even require you to clear obstacles from the road to let your troops through.
The physics in this game really changes how the helicopter feels to fly. It’s not instant – there’s a smooth, realistic delay to everything you do. If I’m flying full speed and try to stop, it takes a moment to actually come to a halt. Turning around isn’t immediate either. And carrying stuff? Forget about quick turns! The weight really slows me down and makes things tricky. Honestly, it’s a really rewarding system to learn – if you like a challenge. But even beyond that, it just feels good to zip around the battlefield, dodging bullets and missiles with precise helicopter movements.
Solid Content, But Needs More, More, More
That covers the main features, but beyond the excellent movement and physics, what does the game offer? Right now, it’s a bit short on content – I finished the first chapter in about three and a half hours. However, the developers plan to add two more story chapters after the Early Access period, which should bring the total playtime to around 10 to 15 hours, particularly if you aim to unlock everything.
Even though the game currently only has one chapter, it boasts a diverse selection of nine helicopters, each with unique handling characteristics. The developers have focused on quality over quantity, featuring top-tier models like the Huey, Hind, Apache, and Comanche. It’s refreshing to see a game prioritize distinct aircraft rather than offering numerous, nearly identical variations. The Cleared Hot team deserves praise for this bold and focused approach to helicopter selection.
You can also customize your helicopters with weapons like machine guns and missiles, which you’ll unlock as you play. The number of weapons each helicopter can carry varies depending on its size and available slots.
You can unlock more kites with better abilities by completing missions and collecting bonus cash during those missions. The game has one chapter with 12 short missions, and it’s nice that they’re fully voiced and have a story, though I don’t usually focus too much on the narrative in games like this. The missions themselves involve typical objectives – going somewhere to destroy enemies, defending a location, or escorting a convoy. There’s enough variety in the enemies to keep the gameplay interesting throughout, which is great. My only real complaint is the lack of a map; it’s frustrating to search for a single missed objective. Otherwise, the game is solid. I especially enjoyed the final mission, but I won’t spoil it for you.
Visually, Cleared Hot is pretty good. The sound is acceptable, and the graphics are simple, clear, and have a cartoonish style – nothing too flashy. The ragdoll physics when characters are hit are a bit exaggerated, but in a funny way. I appreciate good-looking games, and the art style is a smart choice for performance, meaning the game should run well on most computers.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Arcade Shooter Worth Getting
To be honest, it’s hard to find anything truly negative to say about Cleared Hot. My biggest wish is that there was more of it! After finishing the 12 missions, I just wanted to keep playing – it’s rare to find a game that’s simply pure, uncomplicated fun, and this one delivers.
Since Cleared Hot is currently under $15 and the price will go up soon, especially after the Early Access period ends, I recommend buying it now if you’re interested.
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2026-01-13 23:43