Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sega Ages 2500: Vol.10 – After Burner II faithfully preserves the breakneck pace and adrenaline rush of the original arcade classic. You’re strapped into the cockpit of a Tomcat fighter, hurtling through the sky in a 3rd-person view as you barrel-roll, lock onto multiple targets, and unleash missile barrages. The core loop is simple but addictive: clear each wave of enemy aircraft and ground installations before your fuel or life gauge runs out.

The remake doesn’t just stop at replicating the arcade feel—it builds on it. An “Arrange” mode adds fresh stage layouts, unexpected enemy placements, and branching paths that reward repeated playthroughs. You can also swap out your Tomcat for a Harrier, an A-10 Thunderbolt, or even an F-117 stealth fighter, each with unique handling traits and weapon loadouts. This variety pushes you to adapt your tactics on the fly, whether you’re dodging SAM missiles or lining up strafing runs on heavily fortified convoys.

Controls are tight and responsive, especially if you use an analog stick or compatible flight controller. Target acquisition remains as satisfying as ever, with the classic “lock-on, fire, and watch the explosion” feedback loop intact. The increased difficulty in later stages will test even seasoned players, demanding razor-sharp reflexes and smart use of limited afterburner boosts and missile reserves.

Graphics

One of the most obvious upgrades in this Ages 2500 release is the shift to polygonal models and higher-resolution textures. Fighter jets gleam with realistic metallic sheens, and sprawling battlefields are brought to life with detailed ground structures and lush environmental backdrops. While the original arcade hardware relied on sprite-scaling tricks, this version leans on true 3D rendering to give depth to every aerial dogfight.

Enemy designs strike a nice balance between stylized flair and authentic military hardware. From agile MiGs darting in formation to hulking transport planes lumbering on your tail, each aircraft feels distinct. Explosions bloom with vibrant particle effects, and smoke trails linger in the afterburner plumes, creating an immersive sense of speed and kinetic energy.

Remastered sound effects and a re-recorded soundtrack further enhance the audiovisual package. Rotors whirr, missiles whoosh, and cockpit switches click with satisfying fidelity. The music retains its synth-rock charm but benefits from a cleaner mix, ensuring that every beat pumps up the intensity as you close in for another dogfight.

Story

As with many arcade shooters of its era, After Burner II is light on narrative, focusing instead on pure action. Brief mission briefings set the stage—enemy forces are mounting a global offensive, and you’re the last line of defense in your supersonic fighter. There’s no sprawling plot or character development, but that’s by design: the emphasis is on instant gratification and high-score mastery.

That said, the Arrange mode sprinkles in subtle visual cues and mission variants that hint at tactical objectives beyond simple target elimination. You might be tasked with escorting a VIP aircraft, neutralizing a hidden anti-aircraft battery, or dodging perilous weather anomalies. These touches give the impression of a living conflict zone, even when detailed storytelling is absent.

For players who crave a narrative throughline, the lack of a traditional plot can feel like a gap. However, the pure arcade ethos—jump in, rack up kills, and improve your performance—remains undiluted. Leaderboards and time-attack challenges serve as proxy story arcs, rewarding you with bragging rights and a steady progression of skills.

Overall Experience

Sega Ages 2500: Vol.10 – After Burner II delivers a nostalgic blast for veterans while offering enough modern touches to hook newcomers. The budget “Anniversary series” pricing makes it an attractive proposition for anyone curious about SEGA’s arcade heritage. With both Classic and Arrange modes at your disposal, you’ll find countless hours of aerial combat to master.

Replayability is the game’s strongest suit. Whether you’re chasing high scores on the original stages or exploring the randomized challenges of Arrange mode, each sortie feels fresh. The option to pilot different jets adds strategic variety, encouraging you to revisit earlier missions armed with new tactics and flight characteristics.

While purists might lament the absence of a deep narrative or more elaborate mission structure, the essence of After Burner II remains intact: exhilarating speed, breakneck dogfights, and the thrill of victory when you clear a particularly brutal stage. For fans of arcade shooters or anyone looking to experience a piece of SEGA’s storied past, this remake is a worthy addition to your library.

Retro Replay Score

null/10