After Burner II

Released by SEGA in July 1987, After Burner is an intense 3D shooting game that tasks players with piloting the state-of-the-art F-14 fighter jet through 22 distinct combat zones. Because its refined successor, II, was released just one month later, the original version has somewhat faded from the historical spotlight. This initial release features a notoriously high difficulty level, as it lacks a throttle lever, forcing players to engage in combat at a constant high speed. Furthermore, the fact that some items in the sound test do not play audio is a documented quirk characteristic of this early arcade version.

As a pilot of the state-of-the-art F-14 "Tomcat" fighter jet, you are tasked with launching a mission to destroy the enemy's secret base. Across a 22-stage theater of war, you must advance by shooting down the waves of enemy aircraft that appear using your machine guns and missiles. Your mission is to break through enemy forces at maximum speed while repeatedly performing takeoffs and landings as you return to your aircraft carrier.