The original F Zero is an all time classic, and that is something everyone can agree on. It was a bold step forward for racing games and influenced so many others. But what happens when you take the ideas behind that game and apply them to a shoot em up? The answer to that is Hyperzone.
Hyperzone was a very interesting mode 7 shooter for the SNES developed by HAL. It was clear that they were going for the F Zero look, even if it didn’t go as far in terms of gameplay design. The action was fast and furious and led to boss fights and upgrades as you go on. When it first came out, it genuinely looked good and out there, but today some of its visuals just do not look good at all. They look bizarre by today’s standards and have lost their luster. I do note however, that is is just some of the visuals since others look fine still.
The biggest problem Hyperzone has is that its a bit too generic. It is a me too title in terms of Mode 7 graphics, and considering how Pilotwings and F Zero actually had fun and engaging gameplay while also being tech demo games, Hyperzone feels far inferior. It isnt that the game has not aged well ( some visuals aside), but that there simply is not enough substance to the game. I bought a copy from a retro store after reading about the game, and while I do not regret my purchase, I do feel Hyperzone lacks anything to it to keep players coming back.
The irony of the situation however, is that the premise would be excellent in HD. A super-fast shoot em up game, maybe with racing elements, would be a big hit ( as seen with certain Ninendo Switch rumors going around), and I think with the right take behind it Hyperzone might actually be worth reviving. There are far worse games being redone today, and considering how easy tis would be to pull off, I think Nintendo and HAL should give Hyperzone another look.