Interviews// After Burner - Developer Interview
Your mission, should you choose to accept it...
SPOnG: What kind of missions can we expect to see in the single player and any multiplayer modes?
Ryan: We have a mission where you need to shoot down a number of B-2A Stealth Bombers at high altitude. There are a number of missions where you twist and turn past Artic icebergs as you try to nuke a bunch of enemy subs on their way to friendly countries. And of course, a number of missions where you blast fodder jets while pursuing an ultra-advanced assassin jet over hostile territory.
SPOnG: So, we can tinker with our very own fighter planes - what options are there?
Ryan: First thing you’ll probably want is the Dual Missiles upgrade. This gives you the ability to fire two missiles with one button press. And they track independently! Handy! You can also upgrade your rockets and engines, to squeeze a bit more out of your aircraft. You’ve also got a ton of purely cosmetic upgrades you can use to pimp your ride. Paint jobs include a whole selection of camo styles, a black skull paint job, and… a pink unicorn.
SPOnG: Will different customisations, weapons and other such things be unlocked by beating challenges at all?
Ryan: As you advance in rank, you unlock new and better jets and customizations. There are also three separate pilot storylines to follow, with unique goals that unlock unique challenge missions. Plenty of stuff to unlock.
SPOnG: SEGA has been quite kind to the PSP compared to other developers. What is it about the handheld that you believe makes it appealing to games for?
Christopher: The PSP has sold over 25 million units worldwide to date, and SEGA has found a perfect niche right here on this platform from which we can revitalize some of our classic series while at the same time, get innovative with some new titles. Titles like After Burner brings back the classic arcade flight combat that gamers grew up with, while revitalizing some good old fashion Planet Moon humour and a whole slew of new and fun skins and customizations. The PSP offers 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio that allows for a wider viewing and gameplay canvas, as well as high resolution capabilities that really allows for graphics to shine on a handheld system.
SPOnG: Okay, so what’s your fondest memory of playing the game in the arcade?
Ryan: 1987. The Pizza and Pipes in South San Francisco. Totally bankrupting my grandparents trying to finish the game.
Thanks to both Ryan and Christopher. After Burner: Black Falcon is out now on PSP. Check out SPOnG's game info page for all the screens, artwork and info.
Ryan: We have a mission where you need to shoot down a number of B-2A Stealth Bombers at high altitude. There are a number of missions where you twist and turn past Artic icebergs as you try to nuke a bunch of enemy subs on their way to friendly countries. And of course, a number of missions where you blast fodder jets while pursuing an ultra-advanced assassin jet over hostile territory.
SPOnG: So, we can tinker with our very own fighter planes - what options are there?
Ryan: First thing you’ll probably want is the Dual Missiles upgrade. This gives you the ability to fire two missiles with one button press. And they track independently! Handy! You can also upgrade your rockets and engines, to squeeze a bit more out of your aircraft. You’ve also got a ton of purely cosmetic upgrades you can use to pimp your ride. Paint jobs include a whole selection of camo styles, a black skull paint job, and… a pink unicorn.
SPOnG: Will different customisations, weapons and other such things be unlocked by beating challenges at all?
Ryan: As you advance in rank, you unlock new and better jets and customizations. There are also three separate pilot storylines to follow, with unique goals that unlock unique challenge missions. Plenty of stuff to unlock.
SPOnG: SEGA has been quite kind to the PSP compared to other developers. What is it about the handheld that you believe makes it appealing to games for?
SPOnG: Okay, so what’s your fondest memory of playing the game in the arcade?
Ryan: 1987. The Pizza and Pipes in South San Francisco. Totally bankrupting my grandparents trying to finish the game.
Thanks to both Ryan and Christopher. After Burner: Black Falcon is out now on PSP. Check out SPOnG's game info page for all the screens, artwork and info.
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Comments
Absinthe-Review.net 9 Apr 2007 18:02
1/4
The reviews, it seems, are not good thus far. However, I'm glad to see Sega returning to their style of arcade flair that they seemingly had lost these past few years.
I have no doubt, however, that what you are seeing currently are simply filler titles that are leading-up to Sega's TRUE next wave of killer titles for the next gen systems. At long last, Nights for the Wii is a reality! Sega will be handling the legendary Alien series, which is perfect for a frantic paced title. Alien Syndrome is being refined (hopefully, anyway), and I think this will fill the void for traditional shooters that Wii party games have been filling instead. Shenmue III will arrive SOMEDAY, you know it as well as I do, I believe when the 360/PS3 engines have been tapped and can finally produce the lifelike images predicted before either console was unveiled. And Streets of Rage next-gen is a no brainer somewhere in the future.
Quite a lot to look forward to, really! Now just get Yakuza 2 over to the states, Sega!
I have no doubt, however, that what you are seeing currently are simply filler titles that are leading-up to Sega's TRUE next wave of killer titles for the next gen systems. At long last, Nights for the Wii is a reality! Sega will be handling the legendary Alien series, which is perfect for a frantic paced title. Alien Syndrome is being refined (hopefully, anyway), and I think this will fill the void for traditional shooters that Wii party games have been filling instead. Shenmue III will arrive SOMEDAY, you know it as well as I do, I believe when the 360/PS3 engines have been tapped and can finally produce the lifelike images predicted before either console was unveiled. And Streets of Rage next-gen is a no brainer somewhere in the future.
Quite a lot to look forward to, really! Now just get Yakuza 2 over to the states, Sega!
Dreadknux 9 Apr 2007 18:06
2/4
I agree with you there. I always thought the last generation was a filler gap for SEGA to really get re-acquainted with the third party industry again before starting off anything major. STH was a bit bleh, and Super Monkey Ball Wii was apparently less than expected, but this upcoming wave of games certainly look impressive.
Especially Afterburner PSP and Arcade. And The Club. That looks hot.
Especially Afterburner PSP and Arcade. And The Club. That looks hot.
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Absinthe-Review.net 10 Apr 2007 13:42
3/4
A few years ago I thought that the Sega Ages titles in Japan were an indication that Sega was serious about resurrecting the old franchises very soon on current-gen consoles. The Phantasy Star 3D remake in particular had me drooling! I was so disappointed when they turned out to be rushed titles (from what I heard, I admit I have yet to play them) with modest sales in Japan. Then when they finally arrived on US shores we got the best of the series in the form of a budget title "Sega Collection", but it just appears that Sega gave it very little care. Oh, and WE DIDN'T GET THE PS REMAKE!
Man,...I just remember how that really got my hopes up...I was expecting a Streets of rage next-gen announcement any day, lol. Ah well, shattered dreams can be mended with new ones being fulfilled, such as Nights on Wii.:)
Man,...I just remember how that really got my hopes up...I was expecting a Streets of rage next-gen announcement any day, lol. Ah well, shattered dreams can be mended with new ones being fulfilled, such as Nights on Wii.:)
offal eater 13 Apr 2007 12:29
4/4
I've played PSP AfterBurner for quite a bit and it get really really hard after only a few levels but it does looks nice