After Burner (home computers)

From Sega Retro

For other versions of the game see After Burner and After Burner II.

n/a

AfterBurner IBMPC VGA Title.png

After Burner
System(s): Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, IBM PC, MSX, ZX Spectrum
Publisher:
Amiga
Commodore 64
IBM PC compatibles
Sega (US)
Amiga
Amstrad CPC
Atari ST
Commodore 64
ZX Spectrum
Activision (UK)
Amstrad CPC
MSX
ZX Spectrum
MCM Software (ES)
Developer:
Genre: Shoot-'em-Up

















Release Date RRP Code
Amiga
US
Amiga
UK 		£24.9924.99[2][3]
Amiga
UK
(The Hit Squad) 		£7.997.99[4]
Atari ST
UK 		£24.9924.99[5]
Atari ST
UK
(The Hit Squad)
Amstrad CPC
ES
(Cassette)
Amstrad CPC
ES
(Disk)
Amstrad CPC
UK
(Disk) 		£14.9914.99[5][7]
Amstrad CPC
UK
(Cassette) 		£9.999.99[5][7]
Commodore 64
US
(Disk)
Commodore 64
UK
(Disk) 		£14.9914.99[3]
Commodore 64
UK
(Cassette) 		£9.999.99[3]
Commodore 64
UK
(The Hit Squad) 		£2.992.99[6]
ZX Spectrum
ES
(Cassette)
ZX Spectrum
UK
(Disk) 		£12.9912.99[3]
ZX Spectrum
UK
(Cassette) 		£9.999.99
ZX Spectrum
UK
(The Hit Squad) 		£2.992.99[9]
IBM PC compatibles
US 		$39.9539.95[8]
MSX
UK 		£9.999.99[5]

The Western home computer versions of After Burner are shoot-'em-up games released between 1988 and 1991. Despite their names, all are actually conversions of After Burner II, and most refer to themselves as such in-game.

Two versions for both the Amiga and Commodore 64 were released; a set for North American audiences (1988) and another for the European market (1989).

Versions

In the arcades, After Burner (II) relies on real-time hardware sprite scaling which was not supported on any of these formats. As such, just like the home ports of Space Harrier and OutRun, the effect is simulated by switching between different-sized sprites during gameplay, giving a choppier and more simplified look. A benefit of After Burner is that the player's F-14 Tomcat travels much faster than the player does in the aforementioned games, so the choppiness is less obvious.

After Burner does, however, simulate the ground using this method. Due to graphical limitations, the simpler home computers opted to use a solid colour as the ground, which means transitions between levels are more abrupt (although the multi-load nature of the 8-bit versions means a pause is often necessary anyway).

These home computer versions have the plane automatically fire its machineguns at all times, likely as standard computer joysticks of the era only had one button (which in After Burner's case is used for missiles). The space bar is used to either increase or decrease the speed depending on the situation.

The Amstrad CPC version does not include any in-game music. The ZX Spectrum 128K and MSX versions are identical (48K Spectrum owners can also play the game, albeit with no music), though the MSX port runs slower due to a lack of optimisation for the system. Neither version offers the bonus rounds.

Two versions exist for the Commodore 64, built by entirely different teams for different markets. The earlier North American version is played in full screen and is arguably the more accurate of the two, but runs slower, has a very limited HUD and has no in-game music. The European version, by contrast, is faster and has music, but plays in a window. There are also colour clashing issues when enemy planes are drawn above the ground, and the level order is different.

The IBM PC version supports VGA, EGA and CGA graphics (though very little separates the VGA and EGA modes, as the former still restricts itself to 16 colours), but only the PC Speaker as a form of sound (which it also uses for music, to varying degrees of success). Missiles are generally harder to avoid in the IBM version, and the HUD is mostly text-based rather than using the icons seen in the arcade version.

The 16-bit Atari ST version is predictably more accurate than its 8-bit counterparts, and features higher frame rates and sampled speech (which causes minor slowdown when playing). The game cannot handle both music and sound effects concurrently so the user has to choose between the two. Similar to Space Harrier, it can also be played with a mouse.

Again, two different versions for the Amiga were produced, one for North American markets and another for Europe, the latter being an ST port, with better music. The North American version uses a full-screen display but runs slower.

History

Release

Retailers expected the Activision versions of After Burner to be collectively the best selling game in the United Kingdom of Christmas 1988[10]. In the end, they were fifth, ranked behind Ocean Software's home conversions of Operation Wolf and RoboCop, the budget release of Ghostbusters by Mastertronic and Double Dragon by Melbourne House[11].

Production credits

Amiga version (US)

  • Programmed by: Jeff Spangenberg
  • Graphics by: Matthew Stubbington
  • Level Desgin and additonal graphics by: Darrin Stubbington
  • Music and sound effects by: Jason Brooke


Amiga version (EU)


Commodore 64 version (EU)


Commodore 64 version (US)


IBM PC version


Magazine articles

Main article: After Burner (home computers)/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US) #10: "November 1989" (1989-1x-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #85: "November 1988" (1988-10-15)
also published in:
  • ACE (UK) #14: "November 1988" (1988-xx-xx)[12]
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #86: "December 1988" (1988-11-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Amiga version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
70 [2]
31 [17]
50 [18]
29 [19]
Amiga
 45
Based on
4 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
ACE (UK)
70
[2]
Commodore User (UK)
31
[17]
The Games Machine (UK)
50
[18]
Score (CZ)
65
[20]
Zzap!64 (UK)
29
[19]
Amiga
 49
Based on
5 reviews

After Burner (home computers)

Amiga, US
AfterBurner Amiga US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngAfterBurner Amiga EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
AfterBurner Amiga US Disk.jpg
Disk
Amiga, UK

Amiga, UK (The Hit Squad)

Amstrad CPC version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
67 [21]
81 [22]
68 [7]
Amstrad CPC
 72
Based on
3 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
ACE (UK)
67
[21]
Amstrad Action (UK)
81
[22]
The Games Machine (UK)
68
[7]
Tilt (FR)
50
[23]
Amstrad CPC
 67
Based on
4 reviews

After Burner (home computers)

Amstrad CPC, UK (cassette)

Amstrad CPC, UK (cassette) (alt)
AfterBurner CPC EU Box Cassette Alt.jpg
Cover
Amstrad CPC, UK (disk)

Amstrad CPC, ES (cassette)
AfterBurner CPC EU Box Cassette MCM.jpg
Cover
Amstrad CPC, ES (disk)
AfterBurner CPC EU Box Disk MCM.jpg
Cover

Atari ST version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
69 [24]
47 [25]
40 [26]
63 [27]
Atari ST
 55
Based on
4 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
ACE (UK)
69
[28]
The Games Machine (UK)
47
[25]
New Computer Express (UK)
25
[26]
The One (UK)
63
[29]
Tilt (FR)
10
[23]
Atari ST
 43
Based on
5 reviews

After Burner (home computers)

Atari ST, UK
After Burner AtariST EU Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngAfter Burner AtariST EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
AfterBurner AtariST UK Disk1.jpg
Disk 1
AfterBurner AtariST UK Disk2.jpg
Disk 2
Atari ST, UK (The Hit Squad)
AfterBurnerII ST UK Box Back THS.jpgNospine-small.pngAfterBurnerII ST UK Box Front THS.jpg
Cover

Commodore 64 version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
52 [24]
45 [6]
39 [30]
70 [31]
29 [25]
17 [32]
20 [33]
Commodore 64
 39
Based on
7 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
ACE (UK)
52
[28]
Commodore Format (UK)
45
[6]
Commodore Format (UK)
39
[34]
Commodore User (UK)
70
[35]
The Games Machine (UK)
23
[25]
Tilt (FR)
50
[23]
Zzap!64 (UK)
17
[32]
Zzap!64 (UK)
20
[19]
Zzap! (IT)
45
[36]
Zzap! (IT)
65
[37]
Commodore 64
 43
Based on
10 reviews

After Burner (home computers)

Commodore 64, US
AfterBurner C64 US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngAfterBurner C64 US Box Front.jpg
Cover
AfterBurner C64 US Disk.jpg
Disk
Commodore 64, UK (cassette)

Commodore 64, UK (disk)
AfterBurner C64 EU Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngAfterBurner C64 EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
AfterBurner C64 EU Disk.jpg
Disk
Commodore 64, UK (The Hit Squad)
AfterBurner C64 EU Box THS.jpg
Cover
AfterBurner C64 UK Cassette HitSquad.jpg
Cassette

IBM PC version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
77 [38]
IBM PC compatibles
 77
Based on
1 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
IBM PC compatibles
 N/A
Based on
0 reviews

After Burner (home computers)

DOS, US
AfterBurner DOS US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngAfterBurner DOS US Box Front.jpg
Cover
AfterBurner DOS US Disk1.jpg
Disk 1

MSX version

MSX, ES
After Burner MSX EU MCM Box.jpg
Cover
MSX, ES (alt)
AfterBurner MSX ES Box Back Alt.jpgAfterBurner MSX ES Box Front Alt.jpg
Cover
AfterBurner MSX ES Cassette Alt.jpg
Cassette

ZX Spectrum version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
66 [24]
90 [39]
82 [9]
83 [25]
40 [40]
ZX Spectrum
 72
Based on
5 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
ACE (UK)
66
[28]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
90
[41]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
82
[9]
The Games Machine (UK)
83
[25]
New Computer Express (UK)
25
[40]
Your Sinclair (UK)
78
[42]
ZX Spectrum
 71
Based on
6 reviews

After Burner (home computers)

ZX Spectrum, UK (cassette)

ZX Spectrum, UK (disk)

After Burner Spectrum EU Disk.jpg
Disk
ZX Spectrum, UK (The Hit Squad)
Afterburner zx-spectrum eu the-hits-squad outer-sleeve.jpgAfterburner zx-spectrum eu the-hits-squad inner-sleeve.jpg
Cover
Afterburner zx-spectrum eu the-hits-squad tape.jpg
Cassette
ZX Spectrum, ES
After Burner Spectrum EU MCM Box.jpg
Cover
ZX Spectrum, ES (alt)
After Burner Spectrum EU MCM Box Alt.jpg
Cover

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 The Games Machine, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-11-17), page 17
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 ACE, "June 1989" (UK; 1989-05-04), page 77
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Computer & Video Games, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-11-xx), page 16
  4. ↑ Raze, "March 1991" (UK; 1991-01-31), page 93
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Computer & Video Games, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-11-xx), page 17
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Commodore Format, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-03-21), page 43
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 The Games Machine, "April 1989" (UK; 1989-03-23), page 31
  8. ↑ File:CGW US 065.pdf, page 92
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Computer & Video Games, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-03-16), page 72
  10. ↑ File:TGM UK 13.pdf, page 10
  11. ↑ The Games Machine, "March 1989" (UK; 1989-02-16), page 92
  12. ↑ ACE, "November 1988" (UK; 1988-xx-xx), page 36
  13. ↑ ACE, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-xx-xx), page 54
  14. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "January 1989" (UK; 1988-12-16), page 90
  15. ↑ ACE, "January 1989" (UK; 1989-xx-xx), page 100
  16. ↑ ACE, "February 1989" (UK; 1989-xx-xx), page 62
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Commodore User, "May 1989" (UK; 1989-04-26), page 69
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 The Games Machine, "May 1989" (UK; 1989-04-20), page 39
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Zzap!64, "January 1991" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 60
  20. ↑ Score, "Březen 1995" (CZ; 1995-03-01), page 1
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 ACE, "April 1989" (UK; 1989-03-02), page 84
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Amstrad Action, "February 1989" (UK; 1989-01-12), page 40
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Tilt, "Mars 1989" (FR; 1989-0x-xx), page 66
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 ACE, "January 1989" (UK; 1989-xx-xx), page 54/55 (54)
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 The Games Machine, "February 1989" (UK; 1989-01-19), page 59
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 New Computer Express, "November 26, 1988" (UK; 1988-11-24), page 31
  27. ↑ The One, "January 1989" (UK; 1988-12-xx), page 32-34 (32)
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 ACE, "January 1989" (UK; 1989-xx-xx), page 54
  29. ↑ The One, "January 1989" (UK; 1988-12-xx), page 32
  30. ↑ Commodore Format, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-03-21), page 47
  31. ↑ Commodore User, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-11-26), page 16/17 (16)
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Zzap!64, "March 1989" (UK; 1989-02-16), page 78
  33. ↑ Zzap!64, "March 1989" (UK; 1989-02-16), page 60
  34. ↑ Commodore Format, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-18), page 47
  35. ↑ Commodore User, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-11-26), page 16
  36. ↑ Zzap!, "Gennaio 1989" (IT; 198x-xx-xx), page 12
  37. ↑ Zzap!, "Giugno 1989" (IT; 1989-xx-xx), page 40
  38. ↑ Joystick, "Mars 1990" (FR; 1990-02-20), page 145
  39. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-11-xx), page 52/53 (52)
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 New Computer Express, "November 19, 1988" (UK; 1988-11-17), page 28
  41. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-11-xx), page 52
  42. ↑ Your Sinclair, "May 1991" (UK; 1991-04-xx), page 69


After Burner (home computers)

AfterBurner IBMPC VGA Title.png

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Games in the After Burner Series
Arcade
 After Burner (1987) | After Burner II (home computers) (1987) | G-LOC: Air Battle (home computers) (1990) | Strike Fighter (1991) | Sky Target (1995) | Sega Strike Fighter (2000) | After Burner Climax (2006)
Sega Master System
 After Burner (1987) | G-LOC: Air Battle (1991)
LCD handheld game
 After Burner (1988)
Sega Mega Drive
 After Burner II (1990) | G-LOC: Air Battle (1993)
Sega Game Gear
 G-LOC: Air Battle (1990)
Sega Mega-CD
 After Burner III (1992)
Sega 32X
 After Burner Complete (1995)
Sega Saturn
 Sega Ages After Burner II (1996) | Sky Target (1997)
Windows PC
 Sky Target (1997)
Mobile phone
 After Burner II (200x) | After Burner II DX (2007)
Sony PlayStation 2
 Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 10: After Burner II (2004)
Sony PlayStation Portable
 After Burner: Black Falcon (2007)
Xbox 360
Sony PlayStation 3
 After Burner Climax (2010)
Nintendo 3DS
 3D After Burner II (2013)
Google Android OS
iOS
 After Burner Climax (2013)
After Burner related media
Music
 Sega Game Music Vol. 3 After Burner (1987) | After Burner (1990) | Strike Fighter (1991) | Yu Suzuki Produce After Burner II (1997) | Yu Suzuki Produce G-LOC/R360/Virtua Racing (1998) | After Burner Climax Sound Track (2006) | After Burner 20th Anniversary Box (2007) | After Burner II (2018) | G-LOC Air Battle: Series Music Collection (2020)
Film
 After Burner (1987) | After Burner / Super Hang-On (1987)
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