This 1999 main game shooter shifts the classic green vs. tan army conflict to the skies. You pilot various helicopters—like the Huey and Apache—engaging in aerial combat while defending critical assets such as tanks, trains, and even UFOs from the opposing forces and interfering insects. It focuses on intense, objective-based flight missions across its available platforms.
This is a Main Game title, originally released in 1999 for the PC (Microsoft Windows) and PlayStation platforms. It shifts the familiar conflict between the green and tan plastic armies into the aerial domain, placing the player directly into the role of a helicopter pilot engaged in intense combat missions.
The gameplay centers on fast-paced shooter mechanics executed from an aerial perspective. Players engage in missions that require both offensive engagement against enemy forces and critical defensive maneuvers. The primary loop involves selecting a mission, piloting a chosen aircraft, eliminating threats, and ensuring the survival of allied assets.
The game features a roster of distinct helicopter types, each contributing a different dynamic to the missions. Players command aircraft such as the agile Huey, the heavy-lift Chinook, the powerful Super Stallion, and the dedicated attack platform, the Apache. Mastering the unique handling characteristics of these vehicles is central to mission success.
The game distinguishes itself by focusing heavily on objective-based defense within the aerial shooter framework. Success is often measured not just by enemy destruction, but by the protection of ground and air infrastructure. Players are tasked with safeguarding a variety of vulnerable targets, including tanks, trucks, friendly helicopters, a train, and even an unusual objective like a UFO.
While the primary opposition comes from the opposing tan army, the environment itself presents obstacles. Players must contend with large insects that interfere with flight paths and combat effectiveness, adding an unpredictable layer of chaos to the standard military engagements.
As a standalone main title, there are no officially released downloadable content packs or expansions available for this game. The experience is defined by the core set of missions and aircraft available at launch.

Similar to Army Men: Air Tactics and Army Men: Air Attack, except in pocket form. There are 16 missions in total, ranging from saving fellow Army Men to destroying enemy territory or delivering supplies.

3DO's Army Men franchise hits a higher level again with Army Men: Air Combat! As Captain William Blade, the toy pilot of several plastic toy helicopters, you are battling with the evil tan army and their terrifying war machines. Real-world settings include backyard, playgrounds, campgrounds and giant sandcastles, spread out over 16 single player missions and competitive multiplayer modes. For your battles, four types of helicopters are available (Chinook, Apache, Huey and Super Stallion) to fight enemies like toy robots, electric trains, killer bees and dragonflies. In addition, interactions with your environment are also possible; pick up dog dishes, soda cans, doughnuts or bags of fertilizer for use against the evil tan toys and wipe them out!