After Burner vs After Burner II
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Take the controls of the iconic F-14 Thunder Cat and soar into a relentless sky‑battle where reflexes and precision are your only allies. Blast laser‑directed fire, dodge heat‑seeking missiles, and perform daring barrel rolls to survive wave after wave of enemy aircraft.\nIf you push far enough, a fuel tanker appears—dock to replenish ammo and keep the adrenaline pumping. This classic 1987 Sega AM2 shooter delivers pure arcade thrills for anyone craving fast‑paced aerial combat.
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.
- Pure arcade adrenaline
- Simple yet deep control scheme
- Replayable high‑score focus
- Iconic jet fighter experience
- Immersive motion cabinet enhances gameplay.
- Fast, addictive shooting action.
- Iconic F‑14 Tomcat control scheme.
- Simple controls suitable for all skill levels.
- Limited to single‑player only
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- No modern multiplayer or co‑op modes
- Limited to single‑player experience.
- Original hardware required for full effect.
- Graphics are dated by modern standards.
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Alternatives to After Burner
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Fly the F‑14 Tomcat and unleash afterburner fury in high‑speed arcade combat.
Alternatives to After Burner II
View all →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
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth titles deliver classic single‑player arcade jet shooting, but After Burner II adds an immersive motion cabinet option, while After Burner is the cheaper, standalone version.
Key differences
- •After Burner II offers a motion‑linked sit‑down cabinet that physically banks, After Burner does not.
- •After Burner lists a concrete MSRP ($19.99); After Burner II’s price is not specified.
- •After Burner II’s cabinet includes dynamic background scrolling and iconic sound effects; After Burner’s audio/visual details are not described.
- •Both are single‑player only, but After Burner II requires original hardware for full experience.
- •Release dates differ by a few months (July vs October 1987), but gameplay core is similar.
Gameplay & fun factor
After Burner II adds motion cabinet banking and richer audio, enhancing immersion beyond the standard arcade action of After Burner.
Platform availability
After Burner is a standalone paid game (MSRP $19.99) usable without special hardware; After Burner II needs the original motion cabinet for full effect.
Price & value
After Burner lists $19.99; After Burner II price is not provided, so a direct value comparison cannot be made.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only, offering no multiplayer or co‑op modes.
Content & replayability
Both feature high‑score tracking and similar wave‑based shooting; no additional content differences are specified.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both use simple two‑button controls and are rated ESRB E, indicating comparable accessibility.
Graphics & performance
Both are noted as having dated graphics by modern standards; no further distinction is given.
Choose After Burner if…
Buyers who want a low‑cost, ready‑to‑play arcade shooter without extra hardware.
Choose After Burner II if…
Buyers who value immersive motion cabinet experience and don’t mind acquiring original arcade hardware.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
After Burner lists an MSRP of $19.99; After Burner II’s price is not specified.
Do either of these support multiplayer?
Both are single‑player only.
Do I need special hardware to play After Burner II?
Full motion‑cabinet effects require the original sit‑down arcade cabinet; otherwise the game can be played on a standard upright cabinet.