I have NEVER understood space harrier. It just seemed like a weird afterburner prototype to me.
I recently picked it up for £5 with R-type, stuck it in, played it for the first time in years... still don't get it.
Soop, don't get all barmy on me!!! Space Harrier is SUPERIOR to AfterBurner, IMHO.
Actually, it's funny, we are polar opposites in regard to these two games: The concept and execution of Space Harrier grabs my attention and interest and holds it. Afterburner (and all similarly themed games with standard issue jets, copters, tanks) simply can't compare to giant mushrooms, Mecha, DRAGONS spewing fire!!!, other-worldly architecture, etc. etc.
I mean, jet planes are so mundane compared to the psychedelic experience of Space Harrier.
But, I still like playing AfterBurner…it's a great game. I just wish they threw an occasional giant bouncing mushroom in AfterBurner, that's all
.