Nuclear Strike is a helicopter-based shooter game with a blend of both strategy and action, which the player views from outside the helicopter from an overhead perspective.[1] It is similar to previous games in the series, but has 15 playable vehicles, a larger number than any of its predecessors.[8] The main helicopter is a fictional Super Apache,[9] with additional helicopters including the Cobra and other Hueys. Playable jets include the Harrier Jump Jet and a fictional V/STOL version of the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The player can use surface vehicles including the M1 Abrams tank, Bradley armoured vehicle, the Multiple Launch Rocket System and a PACV hovercraft.[8]
The game features five different terrain settings, with each level played on a large map divided into several missions.[9] These missions include seek-and-destroy, search-and-rescue, escorts, the destruction of bridges,[8] supply drops and air support. In some sections the player forms part of a coordinated attack with AI-controlled allies, while in others the player directs ground troops[9] in the style of a real-time strategy game.[10] In addition to engaging in combat, the player must avoid running out of fuel and ammunition.[8] The heads-up display shows this information, along with intelligence on missions objectives and on friendly and enemy units and their locations.[9] The compass indicating mission objectives is a feature new to Nuclear Strike,[8] as is a radar showing the positions of nearby enemies.