Balloon Flyer is a free retro arcade game where you float on two balloons and pop the balloons of your enemies. Flap to stay in the air, land on foes from above and stay out of the sea. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline after the first load.
Inspired by: Balloon Fight, the arcade and console game from 1984.
How to play Balloon Flyer
- You fly with two balloons. Press Flap again and again to rise, and steer left or right.
- Get above an enemy and drop onto its balloon to pop it. The rider then falls into the sea.
- Stay above them. If an enemy touches your balloon from above, you lose one balloon.
- Lose both balloons, or touch the water, and you lose a life. You have three lives.
- Clear all eight waves to win. Later waves bring faster riders and riders with two balloons.
Controls
- Keyboard: Left and right arrows or A and D to steer. Space, Up or Z to flap. Hold the key to keep flapping. P or Esc pauses.
- Mouse: Click on the game to flap and use the keyboard to steer.
- Touch screen: Use the left and right arrows with your left thumb and tap Flap with your right thumb. You can hold Flap to keep rising.
Tips to score higher
- Height is power. Climb above the enemies first and then dive on them.
- Short quick flaps give you better control than one long climb.
- Land on the grassy islands to rest. The sea fish cannot reach you there.
- When you fly off one side of the screen you appear on the other side. Use it to escape.
The story behind Balloon Flyer
Balloon Fight appeared in arcades in 1984 and on the Nintendo Famicom in 1985, and it has a special place in video game memory because of its floating, slightly wobbly way of flying. You have to tap the button for every little lift, so it feels like you are really fighting the air. The sea fish waiting below was a famous surprise for new players. In many Indian homes it was a favourite on cartridge consoles, often played with a friend taking turns for the next go. Balloon Flyer brings back that gentle, floaty feeling with its own riders, islands and sky.
Questions players ask
Is Balloon Flyer free to play?
Yes. It is free, with no sign up, no download and no purchases.
How do I pop an enemy balloon?
Fly above the enemy and touch its balloon with your feet from above. Whoever is higher wins the clash.
What happens if I fall in the sea?
You lose a life. A fish also jumps out when you fly low over the water, so keep your height.
How many waves are there?
There are eight waves. After the last one you see the winning screen and get a bonus for every life you have left.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. The game shows arrow buttons and a Flap button on touch screens.