Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Family Computer Disk System, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega Saturn, Sharp X68000, TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine
- Developers: Sega AM2
- Publishers: Sega, Tec Toy
After Burner II (1987): A Retrospective
After Burner II is an arcade-style flight game released by Sega in 1987. It is the second game in the After Burner series, and it was a critical and commercial success. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay, impressive graphics, and pulse-pounding soundtrack.
Gameplay
After Burner II is a third-person flight simulator in which the player takes control of an F-14 Tomcat jet fighter. The objective of the game is to fly through a series of levels, destroying enemy aircraft and ground targets while avoiding incoming fire. The game features a variety of different enemy types, including fighters, bombers, and anti-aircraft guns.
The player’s F-14 is equipped with a variety of weapons, including machine guns, missiles, and bombs. The player can also use the F-14’s afterburners to increase its speed and maneuverability.
Graphics
After Burner II was one of the most graphically impressive arcade games of its time. The game’s 3D graphics were smooth and detailed, and the explosions and other effects were very realistic. The game also featured a variety of different environments, including cities, mountains, and oceans.
Sound
The soundtrack to After Burner II is one of the most iconic in gaming history. The game’s main theme, “After Burner,” is a fast-paced and energetic piece of music that perfectly captures the excitement of the gameplay. The game also features a variety of other sound effects, including the roar of the F-14’s engines and the explosions of enemy aircraft.
Reception
After Burner II was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, impressive graphics, and pulse-pounding soundtrack. The game was also a financial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
After Burner II is considered to be one of the greatest arcade games of all time. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, impressive graphics, and pulse-pounding soundtrack have made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years. The game has also been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Sega Genesis, the Super Nintendo, and the PlayStation 2.
Conclusion
After Burner II is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, impressive graphics, and pulse-pounding soundtrack make it a must-play for any fan of flight simulators. If you’re looking for a challenging and exciting arcade experience, then After Burner II is the game for you.
Additional Information
- After Burner II was developed by Sega AM2, a division of Sega that was responsible for developing some of the company’s most popular arcade games, including Out Run, Space Harrier, and Virtua Fighter.
- The game’s director was Yu Suzuki, who would later go on to create other classic Sega games such as Virtua Fighter and Shenmue.
- After Burner II was ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Sega Genesis, the Super Nintendo, and the PlayStation 2.
- The game has been re-released several times on various digital platforms.
- After Burner II is still considered to be one of the greatest arcade games of all time.
Review Score
9/10