After Burner Complete (32X) (Images source)
By Sigma Project X1
System: Sega Genesis 32 X
Developer: Rebuto Games

Introduction

Afterburner is one of those few classic Sega arcade games ported over to the 32X, with Space Harrier being another one of them. If you are looking for a title that is a lot better than the Genesis version, then you have found your game. If you are looking for a game that pushes the 32X to the max, then this game isn’t for you. After Burner was first released in the Arcade back in 1987, however, the 32X version was developed by Rebuto (sp?) Games and published by Sega of America. The end result is a perfect port of the arcade classic.

Review

Graphics
Great, now this looks just like the Arcade hit. However, sometimes the colors will look a little washed out. Now it’s not a big problem, but it’s minor. The game looks, just as you remembered it in the Arcade.

Sound
I have to admit; I like the music in this game. Really adrenalin’ pumping and it sounds great.

Gameplay
This is where it really shines. The gameplay is a behind the view type of shooter that gives you control of an F14-fighter plane with a bit of room to work with. As most shooting games of the era go, this one really isn't different from the others. When you get into what the game has to offer in terms of the gameplay and even control, there is little here that differs from one stage to the next, leaving you with the feeling of repetitiveness. Weapons are kept simple with machine guns and missiles being your only choice and you’ll have to learn to work with them. The game is very, very fast. In fact, After Burner on the 32X is a lot more fun and faster than the Genesis version. The controls seem a bit finicky at first, but you will get used to it.

Replay Value
Not much sadly, if you want to beat your high score, then go ahead. That’s all there is to this game.

Conclusion

All in all, After Burner is a perfect port of an arcade classic. Not much replay value, but it’s fun to go back time after time and play it. This game is pretty cheap and easy to find. Well worth it!

Sigma Project X1