_____ _____ __
/ _ \_/ ____\/ |_ ___________
/ /_\ \ __\\ __\/ __ \_ __ \
/ | \ | | | \ ___/| | \/
\____|__ /__| |__| \___ >__|
\/ \/
__________ .___.___
\______ \__ _________ ____ ___________ | | |
| | _/ | \_ __ \/ \_/ __ \_ __ \ | | |
| | \ | /| | \/ | \ ___/| | \/ | | |
|______ /____/ |__| |___| /\___ >__| |___|___|
\/ \/ \/
After Burner 2 FAQ/Walkthrough:
VERSION 1.00
This guide was created, edited and compiled by GameFAQs member Snazzyhoppy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last Update: May 29, 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes before reading this document:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b) This document is protected by US Copyright Law, and the Berne Copyright
Convention of 1976. This document is for private and personal use only--it
cannot be reprinted in part or in whole or reproduced in any way or in any form
(written or otherwise). It is a free document that cannot be used in any sort
of commercial transaction, including selling it or giving it away as a gift.
Please respect the work I have included in this guide.
c) This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal,
private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed
publicly without advance written permission of the author. Use of this guide
on any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly
prohibited, and a violation of copyright. All rights and ownership of this
guide are bestowed to Christopher Hopkins. Contact GameFAQs and the author
to inquire about reproducing any part of this guide for more than personal,
private use.
d) This document is best read on a plain text reader. Use a standard find
feature to navigate the sections and to find exactly what you're looking for.
e) This guide appears in plain text at GameFAQs and other websites may link
to its location on GameFAQs.
f) I began my research on April 17, 2009 after thinking about the game's use
of scalar graphics and its appearance in the movie "Terminator 2: Judgment
Day." After playing it through with the additional continues provided with a
Game Genie, I began to see myself developing effective strategies to
conserve lives and to get through the game. This guide is a result of
numerous runthroughs of the game as well as sectional play and dissection
of stages. For me, I could reach Stage 16 with the three continues the game
gives you on the hard difficulty setting.
g) The guide was constructed using the Sega Genesis version, although the
guide should be useful for the Arcade version and the other ports of the
game.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Version Changes
2) History of the Game
3) Differences Between After Burner and After Burner 2
4) Facts
5) The Briefing
6) Game Structure
7) Secret Messages
8) Dogfighting Strategies
9) After Burner Challenge
10) Aircraft Strategies
Enemy Plane Types
Ally Plane Types
Possible Enemy Formations
11) Contact
12) Credits
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Version Changes:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.00 - May 29, 2009:
Completed construction of guide on May 29, 2009.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) History of the Game:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After Burner 2 was originally planned to have a World War II theme and make
it a realistic flight sim but was dropped because Yu Suzuki states that "It
would not have fit the arcade scene." A pure dogfighter was not his
intention.
After Burner 2 has been translated and ported to numerous home computers and
consoles, including versions for the PC Engine, Sharp X68000,
Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis, Famicom, FM Towns Marty, Atari ST, Amiga,
Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Sega Saturn and, in Japan,
the PlayStation 2 as part of the Sega Ages classic series. It is notable
that the version released for Sega Saturn is a nearly direct port of the
arcade code, which before consoles like the Saturn and PlayStation was
largely unheard of for a home version.
It can also be played within the game Shenmue II.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Differences between After Burner and After Burner 2:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The waiting-for-start sequence (the screen/music after a player inserts
credits but before starting the game) is different.
2. After Burner 2 added a throttle to the controls, allowing players to vary
their speed while flying.
3. After Burner has 18 stages; After Burner 2 has those same stages but
adds three additional stages that make 21 stages total.
4. After Burner 2 added a few minor enemy changes to introduce new
speed-based challenges (missiles/aircraft behind the player aircraft) to
account for the use of the new throttle control.
5. The player's missiles in After Burner 2 could be fired considerably
more frequently.
6. Musical compositions were the same for both games, though After Burner's
instrumentation is different in spots.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Facts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fighter you fly in After Burner was based on the F-14 Tomcat, complete
with M61 Vulcan cannon.
Although the plane you pilot is a variation of the F-14, the cover art for
the Mega Drive version uses an F-15E Strike Eagle.
Your fighter is equipped with a Vulcan 20 mm cannon. Normally, it fires
automatically. If you wish to control its operation (more authentic to the
Arcade version), select "TRIGGER TYPE 4" in the Control Select screen. Your
supply of Vulcan rounds is unlimited.
Your fighter plane plane departs and returns via Sega Enterprise Carrier 606.
5) The Briefing:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The instruction manual for the Sega Genesis port of After Burner 2 has a
thorough briefing of what is at stake here:
Mission: Destroy Satellite Links!
"Your once-peaceful nation has been under siege by General
Zorbia and his incredibly powerful armed forces from Halvary.
They've advanced relentlessly, and you and your countrymen are
standing with your backs to the wall Ð waiting for the inevitable
final strike!
According to the latest intelligence reports, the enemy is planning
to strike the fatal blow with some outside help. Strong evidence
exists that there will be a communiquŽ sent by Halvary HQ to the
allied forces waiting somewhere along the NESW (Northeast/Southwest)
communications network. Could things get any worse?
Actually, there's some good news to tell. In addition to the report
regarding the communiquŽ, the intelligence organization has also been
able to approximate the locations of 2 enemy microwave stations in the NESW
network! These stations pass radio signals along with the help of
signal-boosting equipment. If these locations are put out of commission, the
enemy will be unable to signal for help and will virtually be at your mercy!
You're the pilot of the 'Skycat', an F-14XX fighter that is widely regarded
as the baddest bird to ever darken the skies! You're waiting nervously
for your orders aboard the carrier Sega Enterprise, stationed some
200 miles (320 km) offshore in international waters. Your mission is
to destroy the 2 locations' antennas and signal booster complexes,
and return to the carrier. Your super-sophisticated battle computer
knows the course, and will guide you directly to your targets. Whether
or not you reach them in one piece, though, is entirely up to you! Good
luck!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6) Game Structure:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before you are ready for take off, review the game plan described in the
instruction manual:
Stages 1 through 7 are the enemy's front-line defense squadrons. The fact
that this is a surprise attack doesn't make it any easier for you. They are
on alert 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! Should you make it through this
nightmare, you'll come upon the first of 2 microwave amplification complexes
(Stage 8). Fly through the middle of the granite barriers and destroy all of
the antennas and shelters!
Stages 9 through 16 are even more trying than the earlier battles. Now
you've really offended your hosts, and they are after you for more than an
apology! If you survive their furious attacks, you'll see the second
microwave station (Stage 17). Destroy it, and you're well on your way to a
successful mission!
Stages 19 through 22 represent the enemy trying to save face after having its
communications virtually wiped out in this theater of action. You got in,
and they are going to do everything in their power to make sure you don't get
out! Should you make it out of there, Stage 23 shows you landing safely on
the deck of your carrier. Well done!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7) Secret Messages:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the Sega Genesis version, the programmers inserted secret messages that
can be displayed through pressing a certain button combination while the
refueling plane is onscreen.
For Stages 3, 13, or 16, press Left and B together.
For Stages 5, 11, or 21, press Right and B together.
For Stages 9 or 19, pressing B will suffice.
Stage 3: PRINCESS CAPTURED DARK FORCE, RESCUE PRINCESS MIA, TOM!!
Stage 5: THE NAME OF DARK FORCE IS -SIMEKIRI-.
Stage 9: TOM FIGHT THE FORCE AT G-PEN AND TONE.
Stage 11: DARK MASTER USES SPELL, "BOTTSU!!". TOM FEELS EVIL POWER.
Stage 13: OH! IT IS SO DANGEROUS!
Stage 16: "I NEVER GIVE UP!" TOM USES ITEM, "YUNKKELUU!!"
Stage 19: TOM DRAWS AND DRAWS. PRINCESS MIA ONLY PREYS...
Stage 21: HURRY UP!! THE MORNING COMING SOON.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8) Dogfighting Strategies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sega Genesis port starts you off with 3 planes and gives you 3 continues
with 3 planes each for a total of 12 planes.
If you destroy a plane either with the Vulcan Cannon or missile while it is
relatively far from you, it will not be able to shoot a missile at you. If
it cannot get off a missile, you have one less missile to dodge from. One of
the keys of being a "Maverick" pilot is to make less work for yourself.
Once the lock on target is available, you should take the shot. Otherwise
be prepared to dodge an onslaught of missiles.
The most useful stages to slow down your plane are the bonus stages for the
simple reason that you can navigate between the pillars easier and you can
have more time to destroy the ground bases and antennas.
If you double tap and hold the speed button, you activate the plane's
afterburners (hence the name of the game). If you watch your speed bar, you
will see it surpass the speed of simply holding down the speed button.
Using the afterburners is essential for getting away from "the enemy" and his
missiles from behind. They also allow you to speed through the stages
though you compromise time to aim, shoot and dodge.
Whenever the enemy planes make a line or circle formation, you should be
able to take them all down with the lock on target. The hardest planes to
take down are those on the sides of the screen. It is extremely difficult
to angle the plane so the target is on those planes.
If you shoot the middle planes of a horizontal line formation, there is a
chance that the other planes will simply fly off to the sides and not take
a shot at you.
Stage 8 and 17 are the bonus stages. These levels correspond to the two
microwave stations mentioned in the instruction manual. According to the
mission description, you need to bust the antennas and signal boosters on
the ground terrain so the enemy can't signal for help.
Stages 5 and 13 contain a refueling and no enemies.
Stage 23 contains no enemy planes nor enemy fire. The player loses control
of the plane as the autopilot safely lands your plane onto the Carrier Sega
Enterprise in the ocean.
Ways in which your plane can be destroyed:
1. get hit by an enemy plane's missile
2. get hit by a "Be Careful!" heat seeking missile from behind
3. crash into a rock pillar in the bonus stages
4. get shot down from the Vulcan cannon of "the enemy" from behind
Ways in which your plane can go down:
1. if a wing is destroyed, only the wing will catch aflame. Your plane
will then tilt, hit the ground, and crash inevitably.
2. if a missile gets a direct hit, your entire plane will explode in a
frenzy of fireballs instantly
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9) Aircraft Strategies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enemy Plane Types:
Plane, white with stripes, one burner - these planes cannot harm you and are
perfect to destroy with either your vulcan cannon or missiles. They fly very
close to the front of your plane and then fly off to the sides so you have a
small margin of time to shoot them down. They first appear in Stage 1.
Variants include blue or green stripes.
Plane, large bottom - these planes attack using missiles and often appear in
formations with other similar plane types. The vulcan cannon will be
effective only to destroy one or two planes in the time window you have. Use
the missiles to hit the middle planes of a formation. The plane may drop
bombs onto the land instead of attacking you. They first appear in Stage 1.
Color variants include white, red, and teal.
Plane, thin - these planes attack using missiles and often appear in
formations. Their maneuverability is better than the bulkier planes. Angle
your plane so you can slowly move left or right and lock on multiple targets
for the missiles. The plane may drop bombs onto the land instead of attacking
you. They can also do rolls similar to your plane. They first appear in
Stage 2. Color variants include red and blue.
Helicopter, white - often appearing on the sides of the screen, they offer
easy hits for those who want to rack up a large hit count by the game's end.
They are equipped with missiles. They first appear in Stage 3.
"The Enemy!" - The enemy plane looks exactly like the vulnerable planes with
stripes and one burner that are easy targets for you. This plane uses its
vulcan cannon to try to shoot you down from behind. You can either keep your
plane far away from him, speed up your thrusters to outrun him, or slow down
so he outruns you. The only way to destroy them is to slow down. The other
ways just shake them off. They first appear in Stage 6.
"Be Careful!" - You don't even get to see which plane got you locked on by
the time you hear this. A missile is locked on to your plane from behind and
the only way to shake it off is to either speed up or slow down. Just do not
slow down with the missile directly behind you! They first appear in Stage 9.
Ally Plane Types:
Gas plane, four burners, very long - once this plane connects with yours, no
enemies can shoot you down. It appears at the start of several stages and
provides fifty missiles for you. You can store up to 100 missiles and this
plane will give you either fifty missiles or enough to get you to 100,
whichever comes first. It first appears in Stage 3.
Possible Enemy Formations:
1. X X X X
2. X
X
X
X
3. X X
X X
XXX
X X
X X
4. X
X X
X
5. X X
XXXXXX
6. X X
X X
X X
X X
7. X (with more than one plane behind it)
8. X X X X X X X X
9. X X
X X
X X
All other formations are variations or a combination of these by shape and
plane count.
The game's difficulty arises from the constant approach of enemy planes and
variety in plane types and formations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10) After Burner Challenge:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get first place on the "Best Fighters" high scores without shooting a single
missile! Go to Options and set the difficulty to hard. You only have 3
continues to work with. This helped me gain better control of the Vulcan
Cannon while improving the effectiveness of my plane rolls in dodging enemies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11) Contact:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact me! Here are the following ways you can contact me:
E-Mail:
AOL:
[email protected]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12) Credits:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to those who made this guide possible:
Casey "Raditz-San 2" Morris and Sintaku - for their guides on various ports
of After Burner 2
Hardcore Gaming 101 - for their comprehensive retrospective of the After
Burner series at
http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/afterburner/afterburner.htm
Sega Enterprises - for sending their multimillion dollar jet carrier to the
unheard-of country of Halvary just so they can make an arcade game!
GameFAQs - for the best source in walkthroughs, maps, and helpful hints since
1995, and for their guidelines in constructing a FAQ guide
Wikipedia - for its user contributions to the pages of After Burner and its
descendants
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Become the "Best Fighter" with over 10 million points and over 1000 hits to
your name!
-Snazzyhoppy
Copyright (c) Christopher Hopkins 2009
