It was developed and published by British company Ocean Software, and was released for several computer platforms.

The machine gun is prone to overheating if used continually, and missiles must be locked on to a target for three seconds before they can be launched.

An instrument panel gives the player information such as altitude, speed, and machine gun temperature.

[18] Mike Roberts of Computer Gamer stated that Top Gun and Ace were the best flight games he had ever played up to that point.

[8] Gilbert criticized the graphics, describing them as "almost non-existent", also writing that the combat takes place at night, giving Ocean an excuse for black background on both cockpit views.

[10] Cook, also reviewing the CPC version, said that the keyboard controls in the two-player mode were badly laid out but it still produced fair entertainment.

[18] Roberts noted that the instrument panel sounded a bit cluttered, but was easy to read and the vertical split screen worked well.

[12] Zzap!64, reviewing the Commodore 64 re-release, called the gameplay simple, but noting that the graphics lacks the smoothness.