The NES version of Top Gun has a rather mediocre reputation for its lack of action. As a port of the Amstrad CPC and other microcomputer versions (1986), the game offers a more substantial presentation, but struggles to provide any real added value. The player is placed in command of the F-14 Tomcat through four different missions. The objective is basically the same: fend off enemy waves for a given period of time, refuel in an aerial manoeuvre and shoot down a strategic target - except for the first mission -, before landing on a carrier. Unlike the original games, where slowness was a defining feature, the NES version is more frantic. Nevertheless, the aircraft's handling is still very poor, making it incredibly difficult to adjust its orientation to target enemy aircraft, especially as one has to avoid their projectiles. As such, the prevailing tactic soon appears to be evasion, with the yoke constantly pulled back to stay at maximum altitude. Since the game does not require the player to shoot down a set number of targets, it is best to play defensively and remain passive for the duration of the levels.

This strategy is interspersed with some sort of positioning manoeuvres, where the player has to calibrate their approach angle, speed and altitude to refuel or to successfully land. Many players have considered the latter to be a particularly difficult ordeal; I did not find this to be the case. Admittedly, the game clearly lacks feedback, as the A and B buttons are used to speed up or slow down, whereas they are used to shoot in the earlier flight phases. Pressing them does not really help to determine their role, which may explain the lack of understanding of some players, especially if they have not consulted the manual. Beyond that, this is perhaps the most compelling phase, since it is required to take into account three different factors and balance them: the whole sequence quickly becomes boring, however.

Top Gun thus struggles to create an attractive gameplay loop. The erratic difficulty of the flight sequences, coupled with sub-optimal handling, encourages the player to avoid confrontation; the manoeuvre sequences provide limited interest and quickly feel like a waste of time. Still, it must be acknowledged that the title manages to create a decent feeling of aerial motion, with proper management of enemy projectiles. In this regard, one can sometimes really get the impression of dodging enemy shots in a skilful manner. As a technical curiosity, Top Gun fulfils its purpose; not much more.