Sky Target

Sky Target
Developer(s)Sega
Publisher(s)Sega
Platform(s)Arcade, Sega Saturn, Microsoft Windows
ReleaseArcade
  • JP: October 1995
  • NA: February 1996[1]
Sega Saturn
  • JP: April 25, 1997
  • EU: June 5, 1997
  • NA: July 1997[2]
PC
  • JP: August 14, 1997
Genre(s)Flight simulator/Shoot 'em up
Mode(s)Single player
Arcade systemSega Model 2[3]

Sky Target (スカイターゲット, Sukai Tāgetto) is a 1995 arcade game by Sega. A rail shooter featuring a number of planes including the default F-14D Super Tomcat, it is best remembered for its semi-official connection to Sega's earlier hit After Burner. Although never billed as a sequel, its overt similarities to the 1987 classic were nonetheless referenced in official promotional materials[4] and recognized by the media.[3][5][6][7] Plus, it features a revised version of the "After Burner" music theme within its soundtrack.

In 1997, Sky Target was ported to Sega Saturn by external developer Appaloosa Interactive.[8] The port retains the gameplay of the original but has completely redone cutscenes, a difficulty select option, and a new Ranking Mode. This version was also later released for Microsoft Windows exclusively in Japan.

  1. ^ "Video Game Flyers: Sky Target, Sega". The Arcade Flyer Archive.
  2. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff (May 7, 1997). "Sky Target Takes Aim in Japan". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 24, 1999. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Coin-op Giants Reveal Latest at JAMMA". Next Generation. No. 12. Imagine Media. December 1995. pp. 16–17. Retrieved January 2, 2021. Sky Target, another Model 2 game from Sega, is a shooter in the style of Afterburner.
  4. ^ "Video Game Flyers: Sky Target, Sega". The Arcade Flyer Archive. Archived from the original on July 9, 2014. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  5. ^ "Afterburner: The Return?". Sega Saturn Magazine. No. 22. EMAP. August 1997. p. 75. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  6. ^ "1995 JAMMA Show Report". Maximum: The Video Game Magazine. No. 2. EMAP. November 1995. pp. 112–14. Retrieved January 2, 2021. Despite some utterly brilliant graphics, the game is little more than a 1995 enhanced version of the classic Afterburner ...
  7. ^ "TGS 1997 Spring". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 95. Ziff Davis. June 1997. p. 58. ... Sky Target ... is an indirect chapter of the Afterburner series ...
  8. ^ "Preview: Sky Target". Sega Saturn Magazine. No. 18. EMAP. April 1997. pp. 22–23. Retrieved January 2, 2021.