After Burner vs After Burner III
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.
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.
- Pure arcade adrenaline
- Simple yet deep control scheme
- Replayable high‑score focus
- Iconic jet fighter experience
- Fast, exhilarating gameplay
- Simple controls suitable for newcomers
- Varied target types keep action fresh
- Authentic F‑14 Tomcat experience
- Limited to single‑player only
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- No modern multiplayer or co‑op modes
- Limited to single‑player mode
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- Short overall campaign length
More alternatives & similar tools
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 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 short single‑player campaign with varied ground and air targets, while After Burner focuses on pure arcade high‑score replayability; both cost the same.
Key differences
- •After Burner III includes a progressive single‑player campaign; After Burner is level‑based with score‑chasing only.
- •After Burner III features both air and ground targets plus 360° rolls; After Burner emphasizes aerial combat and a final boss.
- •After Burner III was released in 1991 with more detailed desert scrolling; After Burner dates back to 1987.
- •After Burner includes a fuel‑tanker mechanic and laser fire; After Burner III highlights authentic F‑14 cockpit visuals.
Gameplay & fun factor
After Burner III adds a campaign and varied target types, giving more structured fun than pure score‑chasing.
Platform availability
Both are listed without specific platforms; no difference can be determined from the facts.
Price & value
Both priced at $19.99, offering equal monetary cost.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only per specifications.
Content & replayability
After Burner’s score tracking and high‑score focus encourages replay more than the short campaign of After Burner III.
Difficulty & accessibility
After Burner III’s simple controls and progressive difficulty make it more newcomer‑friendly.
Graphics & performance
After Burner, being older (1987), is noted as dated; After Burner III (1991) has slightly newer desert scrolling visuals.
Choose After Burner if…
Players who prefer endless high‑score runs and classic arcade challenge.
Choose After Burner III if…
Players who want a brief story‑like campaign with varied targets and easier entry.
Common questions
Do either games support multiplayer?
No; both are single‑player only.
Is there a difference in price?
Both are priced at $19.99 (one‑time purchase).
Which game offers more variety in mission content?
After Burner III includes a progressive campaign with ground and air targets; After Burner focuses on score‑based levels.