After Burner (Japan)

In After Burner for the NES, players assume the role of a fighter pilot commanding a state-of-the-art F-14 Tomcat. The primary objective is to survive through challenging stages by destroying countless enemy aircraft and evading ground fire and incoming missiles.

The gameplay of After Burner is presented from a third-person perspective, behind the aircraft, creating a pseudo-3D environment through sprite scaling techniques. Players can move their aircraft in all directions across the screen to dodge attacks and lock onto targets.

The control scheme is straightforward yet effective: one button fires the unlimited cannon rounds, while the other launches a limited supply of missiles. Missiles are more powerful and feature an auto-locking capability, making them highly useful against large groups of enemies or stubborn enemy planes.

The game features multiple distinct stages, each with its own unique backdrop and challenges, ranging from open sea skies to narrow canyons. The difficulty progressively increases as players advance, with more numerous enemies and more relentless attacks.

A distinctive element of After Burner is the mid-air refueling stage that appears periodically. This is a bonus stage where players must skillfully maneuver their aircraft to connect with the refueling plane. Successful completion grants bonus points and allows you to continue the fight.

While the NES version features simpler graphics and sound compared to its arcade counterpart due to hardware limitations, it successfully retains the high-speed, non-stop action spirit of the original game. After Burner demands quick reflexes and split-second decision-making to dodge and eliminate foes, providing an intense aerial combat experience for players.