Sega and M2 are at it again with the release of Sega Ages G-LOC Air Battle, the air combat simulator first released to arcades in 1990. G-LOC Air Battle is a spinoff of the After Burner series and while ported to a variety of systems, the ports were never 100% accurate to the arcade version. This is due to a few reasons, including that the arcade hardware was much more powerful than the systems at the time, but also the unique nature of the arcade cabinet setup. The R360 Cabinet helped to truly replicate being in a fighter jet, and that was something that could not be replicated on console. Well, until now it seems.
The game is based around dogfighting and taking out other planes, both for objectives and in a race against the clock. Played from a first person perspective for the most part unless an enemy went behind you, the game was a departure from the typical style of the After Burner series and really immersed you into the experience. The original arcade gameplay is here, where you will select from one of three difficulties at the start of the game, with each giving you a different set of stages. Each set has its own challenges and obstacles, but you can adjust relatively quickly as long as you take time to memorize details. This is a combat game, but placement is key or you will be getting a game over before long.
The afterburners are still in use here , and you will need to dodge enemy attacks and move quickly to avoid obstacle and enemies. It can take a bit of time, but you will get used to the different type of controls and have a blast here. Ages Mode is once again an addition to this release and it has a number of neat additions. Among the changes are new missions being added for long time players. These new missions come with more enemy fighters, but are balanced out with increased lock on targeting and missile capacity. Think of this as a remix of the game with new challenges and new bonus options. You can go all out against enemies or play more strategically. Either way, it is a nice amount of additional content, but be aware that there is no changing difficulty on said mission.
M2 went above and beyond with this release and managed to recreate the feel of the arcade, first by bringing back the replica “moving cabinet” used in the Sega 3D Fukkatsu Project for 3D. The “Deluxe Type” screen that sways from left to right from the arcade, which was played in a moving seat, has actually been reproduced to the best of the Switch’s capabilities, complete with rotations when you make turns.. Whereas OutRun’s Sega Ages release offered an arcade view option, Sega Ages G-LOC Air Battle works to truly bring a unique arcade experience home for the first time. For those who just want the game without the arcade extras, there are other screen types like a non-moving cockpit or dot-by-dot and vintage screens. The game also utilizes HD Rumble to replicate the arcade feel and Auto Vulcan which reduces operational buttons, though this can be turned on or off via the settings screen.
Sega Ages G-LOC Air Battle is a different release for the Sega Ages line as it is not just a game being ported, but an entire cabinet. This is a must play and you really need to admire the work that went into this release. I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided