After Burner

After Burner

Overview & History

Released by Sega in 1988 for the Master System, After Burner is a masterclass in scaling-sprite technology adapted from Yu Suzuki's iconic 1987 arcade cabinet. While it couldn't match the hydraulic tilt of its arcade predecessor, this 8-bit home port captures the dizzying adrenaline of piloting the fictional F-14 Tomcat "Super Tomcat" fighter jet. Players are thrust into a high-octane campaign orchestrated by the fictional military regime of Zitz, fighting through 18 stages of relentless aerial combat to dismantle enemy air armadas and reclaim the skies. The Master System version stands out for squeezing pseudo-3D depth out of humble hardware, utilizing rapid background scaling to simulate hurtling through blinding desert canyons, deep space, and churning cloud covers.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard side-scrolling shooters, After Burner utilizes a fast-paced, rear-view perspective. The core gameplay loop centers on dodging relentless incoming enemy fire while locking onto hostile fighters using your targeting reticle. Ammo management is crucial; players have an infinite supply of standard machine gun bullets, but must carefully deploy their limited stock of H.A.M. (Heat-Seeking Air-to-Air Missiles) to clear crowded screens of bandits. The game introduces high-speed barrel rolls to evade incoming missile locks. Bonus stages allow players to test their precision marksmanship without enemy pressure, while mid-air re-supply runs grant extra ordnance. The difficulty is notoriously unforgiving, requiring absolute memorization of enemy squadron formations and lightning-fast reflexes to survive the onslaught.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Steer the F-14 Tomcat
• Action Keys: Fire Vulcan Cannon / Launch Missiles
• Enter: Start / Pause