Sega
Force Vault
Reviewed
02.17.1997
Publisher
Sega
(JPN)
Spaz
(USA)
Developer
AM2
/ Rutubo Games
Format
1x
CD
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
1996
(Japan)
1997
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2.5D
View
3rd
person
Genre
Flighter
/ Shooter
Player(s)
1
Options
3D
Pad
Backup
16 (JPN)
Backup
46 (USA)
Mission
Stick
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
| Intro |
|
> Sega Ages is a series of Sega retro arcade titles, which
have been released for the Saturn in Japan. According to many
sources, most of these will not see the light of day in the US, unless
you buy the import versions. After Burner II has indeed been
published in America by none other than the turncoats at Spaz, a division
of Working (echo...) Designs. The US release, simply titled Sega
Ages, contains three games from the series: After Burner II, Out Run
and Space Harrier.
> After Burner II was originally released in arcades back in 1987.
It puts you in the cockpit of the U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat. You fly
through wave after wave of oncoming bogeys and an occasional ground attack
mission. Gun ammo is unlimited while your AIM-54 Phoenix missiles
are not.
> If you want the Japanese release then feel free to get it, as it's 100%
importable. Note the US release has three games in one, while those
same titles are sold separately in Japan. Either way it's a collector's
dream to have these AM2 classics fully in tact. |
| Graphics |
|
> The graphics are identical to the arcade in every way. All the
high speed scaling, various levels, smoke trails and demos are exact.
When I say 2.5D, I'm referring to the use of 2D sprites scaling into the
third person view of the action, which creates a pseudo 3D effect.
When all is said and done, it's a dated looking game -- one that was way
ahead of its time to begin with. Another AM2 masterpiece. |
| Control |
|
> Control with the Mission Stick is as close to the arcade as we're
likely to get. Using the other available pads is not bad either.
I like to use configuration "A", which puts the speed control on the X,
Y and Z buttons while the guns and missiles are fired with the A and B
triggers respectively. It's a straight forward arcade shooter with
non stop flight action. Aside from blasting oncoming aircraft, you'll
need to dodge enemy jets and rockets at your six. Thanks to your
after burner and roll capabilities, successful evasion tactics can be employed.
As expected from AM2, the gameplay is tight and addictive. |
| Sound |
|
> The music and sound effects are arcade exact. Exclusive to the
Japanese release, Sega even threw in new versions of the arcade
music (available in the Options Menu) with melodic overtones. The
sound and music may be dated, but it's definitely suited to the action
and enjoyable nonetheless. |
| Fun |
|
> The game is as fun now as it was in 1987. After Burner II is
the benchmark of 2.5D flight / shooters, as nothing else to date has compared.
Try your luck at the Arcade mode or 1,000 Hit mode. It's easy to
pick up and hard to put down. Shooter fans rejoice! |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> If you like the arcade version or are into retro games, look no further.
Obviously at this point, if you buy Sega Ages (USA), then you can
have After Burner II, Out Run and Space Harrier all on one
disk! |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
8.9 | Graphics: 8.0 | Control: 9.5 | Sound: 8.5 | Fun: 9.5 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
