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Story

After Burner, developed by SEGA and first released in 1987, doesn’t hinge on a complex narrative but rather on the exhilarating experience of jet fighter combat. The game places the player in the cockpit of an F-14 Tomcat, a supersonic fighter jet, tasked with a series of high-speed missions. Its storyline is minimalist, a product of its era, focusing on the player’s role as a lone pilot striving to defeat enemy squadrons and achieve air superiority.

The game’s narrative is driven by the intensity of aerial dogfights and the player’s progression through increasingly challenging levels. While the storyline remains sparse, the sense of urgency and adrenaline-fueled action serves as the primary motivator for players, immersing them in the role of an elite pilot on a mission to protect and dominate the skies.

Gameplay

After Burner is renowned for its fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay, which was groundbreaking at the time of its release. The game employs a behind-the-jet perspective, giving players a third-person view of their F-14 Tomcat as they dodge enemy fire, launch missiles, and engage in thrilling dogfights. The controls are simple yet responsive, allowing players to maneuver their jet with precision while targeting and destroying enemy aircraft.

Controls and Mechanics

The control scheme of After Burner is intuitive, designed to accommodate both seasoned arcade goers and newcomers. Players use a joystick to steer their jet left, right, up, and down, while two buttons are used for firing the machine gun and launching missiles. As the game progresses, players must master evasive maneuvers to avoid enemy attacks, adding a strategic layer to the high-speed action.

Levels and Challenges

After Burner features a series of stages, each escalating in difficulty and complexity. Players must navigate through waves of enemy fighters, engaging in intense aerial combat. The game introduces new challenges with each level, including increased enemy numbers, faster enemy jets, and more complex attack patterns. Players are rewarded with bonus stages that add variety and offer the chance to rack up additional points.

Replayability and Difficulty

The game’s fast-paced nature and escalating difficulty curve contribute to its replayability. While the lack of a save feature means players must start from the beginning each time, the consistent challenge and the desire to achieve higher scores motivate repeated playthroughs. After Burner’s difficulty is both a draw and a hurdle, requiring players to hone their reflexes and strategy to progress further with each attempt.

Graphics and Sound

After Burner was a technical marvel in the late 1980s, pushing the boundaries of what arcade games could achieve in terms of graphics and sound. The game utilized SEGA’s proprietary hardware, allowing for smooth sprite scaling and rotation that created a convincing illusion of 3D space. The fast-moving clouds, detailed enemy sprites, and explosive effects contributed to an immersive visual experience.

Visual Design

The visual design of After Burner emphasizes speed and action. The vibrant color palette and dynamic backgrounds enhance the sensation of rapid flight. The F-14 Tomcat is rendered with impressive detail for its time, and the enemy aircraft display a variety of designs, adding visual diversity to the gameplay. The graphics, though simple by today’s standards, were cutting-edge at the time, capturing the imagination of players with their fluid motion and intense aerial vistas.

Audio and Soundtrack

The game’s sound design is equally noteworthy, featuring a driving soundtrack that complements the on-screen action. The music, composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, is energetic and adrenaline-pumping, enhancing the sense of urgency and excitement. Sound effects play a crucial role, with the roar of jet engines, the rattle of machine gun fire, and the whoosh of missiles creating an immersive soundscape that draws players into the heart of aerial combat.

Legacy and Reception

After Burner was a critical and commercial success upon its release, cementing its status as a classic in the arcade game genre. Its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and immersive sound design set new standards for arcade experiences and influenced a generation of flight combat games.

Critical Acclaim

Critics praised After Burner for its engaging gameplay and technological achievements. The game’s ability to deliver a high-speed, action-packed experience in an arcade setting was hailed as revolutionary, and its influence can be seen in numerous flight combat games that followed. The arcade version, in particular, was celebrated for its unique cabinet design, which included a moving seat to simulate the feeling of flight, further enhancing the player’s immersion.

Impact on Future Games

After Burner inspired a host of sequels and spin-offs, as well as numerous imitators. Its blend of straightforward controls, challenging gameplay, and immersive presentation became a blueprint for subsequent arcade and console flight simulators. The game also paved the way for the development of more sophisticated flight combat games, influencing titles like Ace Combat and the modern War Thunder.

Enduring Popularity

The enduring popularity of After Burner is evidenced by its numerous re-releases on various platforms, including home consoles and digital downloads. Its presence in gaming culture remains strong, with references and homages appearing in other games, television shows, and films. The game’s legacy is further cemented by its inclusion in retrospectives and collections celebrating the history of gaming.

Conclusion

After Burner stands as a testament to the innovation and creativity of the late 1980s arcade scene. Its high-octane gameplay, impressive graphics, and immersive sound design captured the imaginations of players and set a new standard for flight combat games. The game’s legacy is reflected in its influence on subsequent titles and its continued popularity among gaming enthusiasts. As a pioneer in the genre, After Burner remains a beloved classic, showcasing the power of arcade gaming to deliver thrilling, unforgettable experiences.