I just bought the probably worst Choplifter version (for Famicom) and did some research on the series. Seems like Choplifter: Search and Rescue (or "C..: Crisis Shield") has been cancelled but it looked actually quite good on some trailers you can find on IGN or Youtube. Is it definite that there was no release at all? Not maybe under a different name in Europe by a small publisher? All I know is that it got cancelled in the US under its original name, but it's such a shame... there are betas in collector's hands though.
Actually the name of the game would be ChopLifter: Crisis Shield. The first one was released in both Japan and Europe as Air Ranger: Rescue Helicopter. http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/image/563018.html The second one Air Ranger 2 / Air Ranger 2 Plus, was only released in Japan http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/image/567375.html http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/image/919154.html The second one was supposed to be released as Choplifter in US. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va57OmaBOic I almost got the second one, but the guy selling was asking too much for it.
