# Do You Recall *Desert Strike*? *Cleared Hot* is an Unofficial Remake, Thanks to Reddit
In the early 1990s, *Desert Strike* emerged as a beloved classic for gamers who appreciated its distinctive combination of helicopter combat and strategy. Released in 1992 by Electronic Arts, it marked the debut in the *Strike* series, which later produced four sequels. However, the last installment in the series, *Nuclear Strike*, came out in 1997, leaving fans waiting for over 27 years for new content. For indie developer Colin Karpfinger, that delay was far too long. Driven by nostalgia and a zeal for the genre, Karpfinger took the initiative and created *Cleared Hot*, a spiritual successor to *Desert Strike*. He owes much of the project’s success to the Reddit community.
## The Importance of the Reddit Community
Karpfinger’s path to launching *Cleared Hot* was not straightforward. After dedicating years to game development, he sought feedback and support from Reddit’s gaming community. In a post on the popular subreddit r/gaming, Karpfinger revealed his progress and received an enthusiastic response from users eager about the project. This community involvement proved crucial, helping him secure a publishing deal that brought *Cleared Hot* closer to its release.
“This is so unbelievable,” Karpfinger expressed in a Reddit post, showing his appreciation for the community. He noted that the attention his game garnered on Reddit captured the interest of a publisher, enabling him to elevate the project. The buzz generated around the game ultimately led to a partnership with MicroProse, a renowned name in the gaming industry.
In a subsequent comment on Reddit, Karpfinger elaborated on how vital the community’s backing was for his success. “Three years ago, I shared a prototype here, and that’s how I attracted the attention of the MicroProse CEO, who reached out to me on X (formerly Twitter). We maintained contact, and when you all celebrated the new trailer so much, things really escalated,” he explained.
Karpfinger also mentioned that although he initially thought of launching the game on his own, the expanding scope of the project made it evident that he required a partner. Over the last three years, he assembled a team to help realize *Cleared Hot*, and the rising costs of personnel and marketing underscored the need for a publishing agreement.
## How Does *Cleared Hot* Play?
*Cleared Hot* is an isometric helicopter shooter, closely mirroring the gameplay style of its predecessor, *Desert Strike*. Players maneuver a helicopter through diverse missions while engaging enemy forces. The game includes a single-player campaign in which players can buy and upgrade helicopters, as well as tailor loadouts to fit different styles of play.
One of *Cleared Hot*’s distinctive features is its physics-driven mechanics. Players can deploy a grappling hook to lift enemy soldiers and vehicles, tossing them across the battlefield. Additionally, players can drop allied soldiers into combat, adding a strategic element to the fast-paced action.
While there’s no confirmed release date yet, the game is already available on Steam, where eager players can add it to their wishlists. The Steam page offers a preview of the gameplay, highlighting the retro-style visuals and action-filled missions that fans of the original *Strike* series will likely enjoy.
## A Full-Circle Moment for Karpfinger
For Karpfinger, the experience of creating *Cleared Hot* is profoundly personal. In his Reddit post, he recounted a heartfelt memory from his childhood, recalling how his mother gifted him the flight simulation game *Falcon 4.0*, which was produced by MicroProse in 1998. Now, decades later, seeing the MicroProse logo associated with his own game feels surreal, marking a full-circle moment in his journey.
With *Cleared Hot*, Karpfinger has crafted a tribute to the *Strike* series while fulfilling a lifelong ambition. The support from the Reddit community and backing from MicroProse have transformed his vision into reality.
## The Power of Community in Indie Game Development
Karpfinger’s narrative exemplifies the significance of community in indie game development. Platforms like Reddit provide developers with the opportunity to communicate directly with players, gather feedback, and establish a fanbase even before a game launches. In Karpfinger’s scenario, the encouragement from the r/gaming community was pivotal in helping him secure a publishing deal and widen the reach of *Cleared Hot*.
As indie games gain traction, stories like Karpfinger’s underscore the value of community involvement and the impact that platforms like Reddit can have.