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After Burner: Reviews

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Game Score: 8/10

After Burner is a classic and is still just as much fun to play for retro fans today.

Composed of 18 levels (with a boss--the Flying Fortress--every 6 levels), it's a fun shooter that offers a good diversion, though limited variation in gameplay.

One of the best aspects of the game is the ability to maneouvre over a relatively large portion of the screen, though the levels still run on rails and force you through repetitive scenery (the barrage of missiles and aircraft hurled your way are the only variables that indicate your progress through the stage). Impressively, the horizon spins with you when you perform a barrel roll, something similar games on the NES (Top Gun) would not do. It makes for a much more believable flight simulation, and of course, is one of the only ways to dodge enemy fire. Adding to the realism is the inverted vertical pitch control, something no true aspiring pilot should be without.

The game also offers the opportunity for a refueling bonus: during certain stages, a large refueling craft will appear and attempt to dock with your ship which results in bonus points being awarded. Simply line up your gun sight with the fuel line target and press one of the firing buttons (the cannon, I believe) to initiate the connection.

You are provided with a vulcan cannon and lock-on missiles, plus a HUD in the top right corner (which gives short warning of approaching craft). There are no weapon upgrades, but part of the challenge is becoming adept at using both weapons to eliminate every aircraft that appears for a high score (which eventually rewards you in extra ships). There is no shield meter; a single blow from a missile or enemy craft will take you down. NOTE: while you are initially given only three lives, you can have two extra continue rounds (each with three lives to start) by pressing the following key combination when the Game Over screen appears: Up+I+II

The graphics are average for the Sega system, and the music also typical of the time (though it only changes for each round of 6 stages and the boss battles).

The game is well worth a download for aerial combat fans. While not robust, it is an enjoyable play that's easy to pick up and put down on impulse.