Overview and Gameplay
Pilot the F-14 Thunder Cat through 23 stages of enemy fighters, incoming missiles, canyon hazards, and refueling stops before returning to the carrier. This North American NES conversion presents Sega’s arcade air combat from a chase-view perspective, emphasizing lock-ons, evasive movement, and survival rather than realistic flight simulation.
The Vulcan cannon has unlimited ammunition, while guided missiles require a target lock and must be replenished. Players begin with three jets and can earn additional aircraft at major score milestones.
Controls And Mechanics
- The directional pad moves the fighter, with inverted vertical movement.
- A fires the Vulcan cannon, while B launches a guided missile.
- Start activates a temporary afterburner speed boost during play.
- Select pauses and resumes the action.
- Quickly reversing horizontal direction performs a defensive roll.
This is a single-player game with no competitive or cooperative mode.
Version Notes
Tengen published this cartridge in North America without Nintendo authorization. The related Japanese Famicom edition is titled After Burner II and includes revised branding, presentation, colors, music, and reduced graphical flicker.
Release And Credits
- NES release: 1989
- Publisher: Tengen
- Original license holder: Sega Enterprises
- Arcade basis: Sega’s After Burner II
