After Burner II vs After Burner III
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
After Burner II is an arcade‑style flight shooter released by Sega in 1987. Players pilot an F‑14 Tomcat, blasting enemy aircraft while dodging incoming fire in a fast‑paced aerial battle. The game is best known for its immersive sit‑down cabinet that tilts and banks in sync with the on‑screen action, delivering a thrilling physical experience. A simpler upright cabinet version also offered the same high‑octane gameplay for arcade operators with limited space.
Strap into the Navy's fiercest jet, the F‑14 Tomcat, and blast through enemy defenses with blazing afterburners. Experience rapid, arcade‑style dogfights as you dodge cannon fire and lock onto targets. Roll 360 degrees to obliterate desert tank patrols, radio towers, and missile sites, delivering nonstop aerial action that tests your reflexes and precision.
- Immersive motion cabinet enhances gameplay.
- Fast, addictive shooting action.
- Iconic F‑14 Tomcat control scheme.
- Simple controls suitable for all skill levels.
- Fast, exhilarating gameplay
- Simple controls suitable for newcomers
- Varied target types keep action fresh
- Authentic F‑14 Tomcat experience
- Limited to single‑player experience.
- Original hardware required for full effect.
- Graphics are dated by modern standards.
- Limited to single‑player mode
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- Short overall campaign length
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to After Burner II
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Fly the F‑14 Tomcat and unleash afterburner fury in high‑speed arcade combat.
Strap into an F-14 and blast through waves of enemies in high‑octane arcade action
Alternatives to After Burner III
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High‑octane arcade air combat with massive multiplayer battles
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAfter Burner III offers a priced, structured single‑player campaign with progressive difficulty, while After Burner II relies on a motion‑cabinet experience and high‑score replayability.
Key differences
- •After Burner III includes a defined single‑player campaign; After Burner II is wave‑based with score tracking only.
- •After Burner III lists a price ($19.99); After Burner II’s price is not specified.
- •After Burner II features a motion‑linked sit‑down cabinet for immersive steering; After Burner III does not.
- •After Burner III mentions varied ground targets (tanks, missile installations); After Burner II focuses on aerial enemies only.
Pricing & value
After Burner III states a MSRP of $19.99; After Burner II’s price is not provided.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both are fast‑paced arcade shooters with simple controls and similar core action.
Platform availability
Both are arcade titles; no other platforms are mentioned for either.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only per their specifications.
Content & replayability
After Burner III offers a progressive campaign; After Burner II relies mainly on high‑score replay.
Difficulty & accessibility
After Burner III’s difficulty ramps gradually, making it more accessible than the wave‑based challenge of II.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as having dated graphics by modern standards.
Choose After Burner II if…
Buyers seeking an immersive motion‑cabinet experience and classic high‑score arcade play.
Choose After Burner III if…
Buyers who want a clear single‑player campaign and know the cost up front.
Common questions
What is the price of After Burner II?
The price is not specified in the provided information.
Does either game support multiplayer?
Both titles are single‑player only.
Which game includes ground targets?
After Burner III includes ground targets such as desert tanks and missile installations; After Burner II features only aerial enemies.