After Burner II

After Burner II

Overview & History

Released in 1987 by Sega and masterminded by arcade visionary Yu Suzuki, *After Burner II* stands as a monumental evolution in pseudo-3D sprite scaling technology. Following the immense success of its predecessor earlier that same year, this definitive sequel was rushed out to arcades to fix balancing issues and introduce crucial refinements. Piloting the fictional F-14 Tomcat, known as the "Super Tomcat," players are thrust into a relentless, high-speed aerial war against an unnamed terrorist syndicate threatening global peace. Powered by Sega’s groundbreaking "X Board" hardware, the game abandons traditional horizontal and vertical scrolling in favor of a blistering, behind-the-jet perspective that simulates dizzying barrel rolls, supersonic acceleration, and aggressive dogfighting across eighteen adrenaline-fueled stages.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike the original *After Burner*, version II finally grants players manual control over their speed via a dedicated throttle lever, allowing for crucial tactical braking and acceleration to evade incoming enemy fire. Armed with an infinite-ammo Vulcan cannon for close-range targets and a limited stock of lock-on missiles, players must paint enemy fighter jets, ground turrets, and massive airships before unleashing a barrage of destructive payloads. Defensive maneuvers are equally vital; tapping the cockpit-mounted roll buttons executes lightning-fast barrel rolls to dodge tracer bullets and incoming heat-seeking missiles. The gameplay loop is an unrelenting sensory overload, punctuated by Hiroshi Kawaguchi's legendary synth-rock soundtrack, dynamic scaling backgrounds, and the iconic hydraulic sit-down cabinet that physically rocked players in synchronization with every fiery explosion and evasive roll.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Steer F-14 Tomcat / Aim Reticle
• Action Keys: Z (Vulcan Cannon), X (Fire Lock-On Missiles), C / V (Barrel Roll Left / Right)
• Enter: Start / Pause