fter Burner was a big deal back in the day, but it’s clear it has already used up most of its gas. Black Falcon clings to its roots, but struggles to keep up with the times.

This game is basically a rail shooter that fakes the sensation of 3D space by letting you move nominally around the screen. You know, kind of like how Top Gun is ostensibly about some hot-shot fighter jocks, and pretends that Tom Cruise is.... Well, you know what I’m getting at. Anyway, as much as the gameplay structure puts you in a box, After Burner works pretty well within it. There are over 20 missions to grind through, and the action itself can get pretty hairy at times as both air and ground targets get thrown your way (while remaining pretty smooth). The enemy lock-ons that come up from behind (you evade them by hitting the brakes until they pass) can be particularly devastating if you’re not careful. As well as the game hits its core action, its repetitive nature becomes quickly apparent. Online co-op is nice, but the competitive component is less deathmatch with dogfights as it is a game of tag.

So, unless landing on an aircraft carrier and being saluted with the “Mission Accomplished” banner is all you’re looking for, you’re going to have to search elsewhere for a deeper experience.