After Burner Complete ~ After Burner (Japan, USA)

After Burner Complete is exactly what it sounds like: a SEGA 32X compilation that bundles the arcade classic After Burner along with its sequel After Burner II. Released in 1995 in both Japan and the USA, this was SEGA's attempt to bring the full afterburner experience home during the 32X's short lifespan. The game stays faithful to the original coin-ops, meaning you get the same high-speed jet combat with that distinctive SEGA arcade feel. If you ever played the Genesis ports, this 32X version is a step up in terms of visual clarity and fluidity.

The gameplay is pure arcade rail-shooter action. You pilot an F-14 Tomcat through a series of stages, gunning down enemy fighters while dodging a constant barrage of missiles and gunfire. The core mechanics revolve around throttle control: speed up to outrun or slow down to line up shots, all while managing your afterburner boost. A targeting reticle helps you lock onto distant foes, and you can fire missiles for a more dramatic takedown. The second game, After Burner II, adds a few new mission types and tighter enemy patterns, but the feel is essentially the same blistering pace.

Today, After Burner Complete holds up as a solid arcade conversion that captures the thrill of the original cabinets. It's not deep or long, but it offers exactly what arcade shooter fans want: short, intense sessions with a satisfying difficulty curve. The 32X library is small, so this compilation stands as one of the brighter spots for anyone curious about the hardware. If you enjoy games like Space Harrier or OutRun, this will feel right at home, just with more jet fuel and explosions.