Top Gun (NES)/Mission 1

Combat level one is the simulation battle mode. Use it to get used to the F-14 operation. Blast the enemy's fighters using your cannons and missiles.

You can choose your missile before combat level one begins, but it's best to start with the T-11's first. The F-14 takes off from the Enterprise on "automatic pilot" making entry into flight easy. When you go into battle in the next mission, you must be extremely alert, so enjoy this opportunity to relax.

Watch the radar and get your cannons ready when you see the enemy. Those who pass over you and go across the screen are perfect targets. Shoot them with several Cannon shots in succession.

Things to train for
Unfortunately, while this mission is billed as a training mission, it doesn't do a particularly good job preparing you for the dangers ahead. For one thing, while a majority of the targets in this mission are enemy jets that fly along your direction and pass you by, most of the aerial threats you face later in game will be flying in the opposite direction, making them much harder to hit.

There are three things to learn from this mission:
 * Learn how to dodge bullets:Once bullets are fired at you, they head straight for the location of your cross-hairs. You will take damage if they hit anywhere inside the outer corners of your reticule.  When an opponent fires bullets at you, you must pull hard to one direction and remain dedicated to flying in that direction until the bullets fly harmlessly off the screen.  Any attempt to stop your direction change, or correct it, will result in the bullets flying right back into your windshield and causing damage to your plane.
 * Learn how to dodge or destroy missiles:Missiles are a different story. They are slower than bullets, but they can destroy your plane instantly.  As a result of their speed, you have two choices: dodge them or blow them up.  Dodging a missile is harder than dodging a bullet.  Missiles are heat seeking, and will correct their flight if you stick to one direction change.  In order to confuse them, you can attempt to turn in one direction, and then quickly jerk back in the opposite direction to throw them off.  Once they are off the screen, they are gone for good.  Shooting missile down is another option, but it requires very good control of the F-14.  In order to shoot down missiles, you must fire rapidly at them when they are in the very center of your cross-hairs.  In the time it takes missiles to reach your plane, you have time to shoot down two of them, but you must not waste any time, or the second missile is sure to hit you.
 * Learn to avoid lock-ons:Occasionally, throughout this mission and throughout the game in general, a enemy fighter will sneak up behind you and attempt to lock on to your jet. When this happens, the radar will instantly switch to a warning screen depicting the enemy fighter's position in relation to your tail.  If you do not shake him off in time, he will fire a missile at you and blow you up.  To lose him, you must turn to the left or right to bring the enemy to one side of your jet, and instantly switch directions when the enemy is far enough to one side.  The result is that the enemy will not be able to compensate for your second change in direction and lose you.  He will then fly harmlessly by.