Top Gun is a video game based on the cult classic movie of the same name. I remember playing this arcade-like flight combat game long before Star Fox ever existed. Though a short game it still pretty decent for it's time. I also remember seeing the movie, which a lot of people including myself totally liked and remember the soundtrack songs such as: "Highway to the Danger Zone", "Mighty Wings", and "Take My Breath Away". However, this game is pretty difficult at times, and I would call it short, but sweet.
Plot. Since there was no plot outlines for the game, my best guess is that it could partially follow the same one as the movie.
Landing the aircraft carrier can be difficult as you have to balance speed and the angle of the aircraft.
Concept. The game consists of four different missions. You begin with a training mission first, then you are tasked with going after an enemy aircraft carrier, in the third mission you have to destroy a base, and finally destroy a space shuttle. The game has two different endings: If you lost and achieved minimum 50,000 points, a plaque will be awarded to Maverick, which was awarded to Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in the film. If you completed all missions, and landed successfully on your aircraft carrier, a still of the plane would be shown with the pilot waving to the LSO crew.
Design. The game's design of the intro, ending, and landing sequences were very good. As for the gameplay, well, I'd say it was a decent job with the perspective of the player taking the role of Maverick. They did a good job with designing the cockpit and sound effects of whenever an enemy is behind you or when you prepare for landing.
History. Top Gun is based on the movie of the same name. The movie was released on May 16, 1986, a month before I was born. In this movie starred a much younger and emerging Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, and Kelly McGillis. The movie became a phenomenon and was the highest grossing film in 1986. The soundtrack was amazing, and especially "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin, which earned an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1987. However, critical reaction was mixed. Well, I don't care what Roger Ebert says, this was an excellent movie.
Rantings. Well, the game can be pretty hard at times, and I don't like how missiles are highly impossible to dodge in the front than in the back, especially when two of them were shot at you. If you're hit by a missile, then you lose a life. Also, the landing sequence was nerve wrecking as well because if you did not balance speed and angle properly, then your plane would crash into the sea.
Good Aspects. The game has minimal replay value since it's very short, but still decent. Also, I liked the designs of the game.
Overall. This game gets a 4 out of 10.