After Burner (Master System, 1987)

Release date: Saturday 12th December 1987

Platforms: Master System

Published by: SEGA, Tectoy

Developed by: SEGA, SEGA AM2

Genres: Action, Shoot 'em up

Story Drive📖 1/20
Accessibility🚪 18/20
Depth🤿 3/20
Challenge💀 15/20
Duration⌛ 7/20
Freedom🌎 1/20
Review Scores
4xEC6
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 4
The game has a straightforward structure with a solid base and eighteen stages. The primary variation between these stages lies in the background landscapes and the increasing difficulty level. However, although it seems a very straightforward title, the base gameplay mechanic was complex enough to make this a juicier project.
The Flair: E
The game features arcade-like graphics, which are quite impressive for the Master System. The animations are smooth, and the soundtrack is decent, enhancing the overall experience. However, it's important to note that the graphics are not nearly enough as good and polished as the original arcade title - which is reasonable, obviously.
The Feel: C
The gameplay is enjoyable overall, but the difficulty curve is steep, making it almost impossible to progress without resorting to random movements and hoping not to get hit. A powerup system would had improved the game significantly.
The Fuel: 6
In all honesty, there is little to commend here. The progression through the stages lacks inspiration and variety, with each stage merely increasing in difficulty without adding new elements to keep the player engaged.
Solid
71
Classic Score
Conclusions
After Burner is an old school shmup classic that, although not a must-play game, exemplifies an early showcase of great graphics on a home console and serves as a decent option to pass the time within the SMS library, even today.
After Burner
After Burner (Master System, 1987)
Badge Cabinet
Release date: Saturday 12th December 1987
Platforms: Master System
Published by: SEGA, Tectoy
Developed by: SEGA, SEGA AM2
Genres: Action, Shoot 'em up
Trait Chart
Story Drive 📖 1/20
Accessibility 🚪 18/20
Depth 🤿 3/20
Challenge 💀 15/20
Duration ⌛ 7/20
Freedom 🌎 1/20
Review Scores
4xEC6
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 4
The game has a straightforward structure with a solid base and eighteen stages. The primary variation between these stages lies in the background landscapes and the increasing difficulty level. However, although it seems a very straightforward title, the base gameplay mechanic was complex enough to make this a juicier project.
The Flair: E
The game features arcade-like graphics, which are quite impressive for the Master System. The animations are smooth, and the soundtrack is decent, enhancing the overall experience. However, it's important to note that the graphics are not nearly enough as good and polished as the original arcade title - which is reasonable, obviously.
The Feel: C
The gameplay is enjoyable overall, but the difficulty curve is steep, making it almost impossible to progress without resorting to random movements and hoping not to get hit. A powerup system would had improved the game significantly.
The Fuel: 6
In all honesty, there is little to commend here. The progression through the stages lacks inspiration and variety, with each stage merely increasing in difficulty without adding new elements to keep the player engaged.
Conclusions

After Burner is an old school shmup classic that, although not a must-play game, exemplifies an early showcase of great graphics on a home console and serves as a decent option to pass the time within the SMS library, even today.

Solid
71
Classic Score