Machine Guides

Game History

After Burner: Climax is a sequel to Sega's classic 1987 arcade game After Burner, first released to arcades in 2006. Developed by Sega and built on their advanced Lindbergh hardware system, the game represents the first arcade entry in the After Burner series since After Burner II.

The game features the "Brave Fangs" aero team, part of the G.H.O.S.T. squadron from Sega's Ghost Squad series, tasked with stopping an enemy country from launching nuclear war after peace talks fail. Players can choose from three modern fighter aircraft: the F-14 Super Tomcat, F-15E Strike Eagle, or F/A-18E Super Hornet, each available in four different color schemes.

After Burner: Climax includes 20 new stages with diverse environments such as Volcanic Islands, an Iceberg Base, and a Nuclear Arsenal, plus secret and extra stages. The game introduced a "Climax Mode" that slows enemy motion by increasing speed or accomplishing specific missions, adding a new strategic element to the rail shooter formula. The Lindbergh hardware delivered photorealistic air combat animations and depth that was impressive for its time.

How to Play

Objectives

The main goal of After Burner: Climax is to complete missions by destroying enemy aircraft and avoiding their attacks across 20 different stages. You play as a pilot from the "Brave Fangs" aero team, tasked with stopping an enemy country from launching nuclear war. The game emphasizes fast-paced aerial combat and reflexes.

Controls

• Flight Stick: Use the flight stick to steer your aircraft in all directions
• Trigger Button: Press to fire your machine guns at enemy aircraft
• Missile Button: Press to launch missiles at locked targets
• Throttle Lever: Use to control your aircraft's speed

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your aerial combat mission.

• Aircraft Selection: Choose your fighter from three options: F-14 Super Tomcat, F-15E Strike Eagle, or F/A-18E Super Hornet, each available in different color schemes.

• Stage Progression: Navigate through 20 stages with diverse environments including Volcanic Islands, Iceberg Base, and Nuclear Arsenal.

• Combat Mechanics: Use your machine guns and missiles to destroy enemy aircraft while avoiding their attacks and anti-aircraft fire.

• Target Locking: Lock onto multiple enemies simultaneously to unleash devastating missile attacks.

• Climax Mode: Activate Climax Mode by completing specific missions or increasing speed, which slows enemy motion and makes targeting easier.

• Evasion Maneuvers: Dodge enemy fire and obstacles by performing quick evasive maneuvers with your flight stick.

• Mission Objectives: Complete specific objectives within each stage, such as destroying all enemies or protecting friendly units.

• Boss Battles: Face powerful enemy aircraft and boss enemies at the end of certain stages that require special strategies to defeat.

• Game Completion: Successfully complete all stages and missions to achieve the highest score and complete your combat assignment.