Fantasy Zone is a well-known title from Sega. Originally released for the System 16 arcade board and developed by Sega AM1 in 1985 and internationally in 1986 and became an early hit for the company. The game is a horizontal shooter where you play as Opa-Opa and must go left and right attacking enemies and destroying their bases in order to reach boss fights. It wasn’t your average run of the mill shooter, and had an offbeat and whimsical nature to it, that helped it stand out. To get new power ups and weapons, you would need to collect money from defeating enemies, and enter shops located in the levels to get new weapons and powerups for your ship. The game has outstanding music and visuals, and it has been often imitated but never duplicated. Opa-Opa became an early mascot for Sega, before Sonic the Hedgehog and the game has had a lasting impact.
So, what is included in the Sega Ages release? Quite a lot actually. Firstly, there is a straight port included and it is an arcade perfect port, with accurate visuals, audio and framerate. The only slowdown that exists in the game, is slowdown that was already present in the arcade release, and even then, it is not that bad. Also included here as bonuses are a built-in sound test, and screen filters. In addition, you can adjust the difficulty and screen markers and even bank your money earned in the game. There are even more options added, but those must be unlocked via reaching certain milestones and I do not wish to spoil any surprises.
Fantasy Zone is a deceptively difficult game, and one can easily be fooled into thinking this is just a game for kids. This isn’t to say that the additional modes remove all the difficulty in the game, however. Another new mode is Uppa-Uppa mode, which lets you play as Oppa-Oppa’s sibling and take on the game in a different way. This mode lets you pick your weapons from the start and change them on the fly, and while it sounds overpowered, it actually poses a bit of a challenge and needs to be managed well. This is because you can only use and switch between the weapons as long as you have money, and therefore the means to fund the weapons. The shops are no longer accessible to shop from, so plan smart, and use the right weapons, and save your money in order to stand a chance. This mode isn’t actually any easier, but rather it is a mode that changes the way the game is difficult.
One last thing to mention is that there is also a time attack mode that give limitless lives and encourages speedthroughs of the game. The limitless lives make this a great way to learn how to play the game and adjust, and yourself to the difficulty. And if you complete the game, your time is saved, and you are encouraged to try again and beat it. Think of this as a training mode for the two main attractions to the game, and a way to prepare yourself for the challenges within.
Sega Ages Fantasy Zone is an overall amazing port with some nice additions. I will also note that the portability of the Switch really adds to the experience and makes this a great pick up and play experience, especially when you can save your game and load it later. This version is not necessarily better than the Saturn or 3DS versions, but the excellent work done on this port, and the additions added here do help it stand on its own. I recommend checking this out and can say with certainty that you will not regret it.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
In addition, I would like to add that there is an active Sega retrogaming Facebook community group you can join at https://www.facebook.com/groups/segaretrogamers/
For more, visit Retro Gamers Hub (www.retrogamershub.com) for their extensive collection of retrogaming interest groups to choose from.