Flight simulator games have always been somewhat relegated to a niche status when it comes to console titles, but one game specifically helped to revolutionize the genre 30 years ago – After Burner. the game, which was first seen in arcades in 1987 before debuting on the Sega Master System in December of that year.

After Burner had players controlling a slick F-14 Tomcat jet, with dogfighting action fighting various enemies over 18 different stages. It was designed by Yu Suzuki, who also created other massive Sega arcade titles such as Hang-On and Space Harrier, though is perhaps best known today for his work on the Shenmue series.

The arcade version of the game featured two different cabinets: one was a fairly standard cabinet while the other featured a rotating cockpit that created an immersive experience. The rotating cabinet also featured stereo speakers on either side of the player’s head – and of course a seatbelt to make sure that no one fell out mid-game.

The game was positively received and saw a sequel, After Burner II, soon after. Sega continued the theming in future titles that featured F-14 Tomcat aerial battles, including Strike Fighter (which was actually renamed After Burner III for its home port) and Sky Target. Sega has also made a number of After Burner references in other franchises, such as including a remix of the main music from the game in Bayonetta and having a level inspired by the game included in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed.