TASO 131

About

TASO 131 is a chaotic 90s action game where players wage war using helicopters, missiles, and ground units to siege enemy bases while building defenses. The single-player campaign lets you design and expand your own base with structures like barracks and air defenses, blending real-time strategy planning with fast-paced combat. Up to four players can battle locally via split-screen, with humans or AI opponents sharing one keyboard. The game’s mix of aerial dogfights and base management creates a frenetic, hands-on experience. Developed by Vili Lehdonvirta in 1998, TASO 131 emerged from Finland’s “suomipeli” scene, a grassroots movement of hobbyist PC games shared through BBS and disk swaps. It won top prize in a 1997 national game contest co-hosted by Housemarque. The split-screen mode’s physical chaos, juggling eight fingers on limited keys, adds a layer of humor and teamwork. While its DOS-era graphics feel dated, the gameplay remains punchy and direct, reflecting its DIY roots. Fans of old-school competitive chaos might find it a hidden gem.