Fantasy Zone

[Dazza]

I am glad to hear this little shmup is making its way to the VC soon. Next to R-Type this was one of my favourite games on my 8-bit Sega. It is stupidly cute but as hard as nails. You have to have your wits about you and learn all the patterns.

Unusual for a shmup you can fly both left and right to take out your targets. Also a nice touch is when you guide your ship Opa Opa to the ground, he sprouts little feet so he can walk!

To be fair this game has dated quite badly by todays standards but it will always have a warm place in my heart.

[ICEknight]

Ever tried the PS2 remake? It's almost arcade perfect, and has some little extras, like having the option to activate a quite cool 3D bonus stage after each boss.

The bad thing about it is that it makes the SMS version look quite bad in terms of graphics, sound and price.

[Dazza]

I never heard of such a thing, shame I don't have a Sony machine no more, that sounds great!

[SegaFan]

Ever tried the PS2 remake? It's almost arcade perfect, and has some little extras, like having the option to activate a quite cool 3D bonus stage after each boss.

Is that the Sega Ages version on Sega Classics Collection?

[TwinCross]

If this is anywhere near as good as Super Fantasy Zone on the MD, I am so getting it

[ICEknight]

Originally Posted by Dazza

I never heard of such a thing, shame I don't have a Sony machine no more, that sounds great!

Originally Posted by SegaFan

Is that the Sega Ages version on Sega Classics Collection?

Yes. Here's a video of it in action, towards the end: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-tKkmjGPYA
You won't notice any differences compared to the arcade in this low-resolution footage, but that was partly the point: They managed to make cell-shaded 3D models that looked exactly like the original sprites, but moved smoothly and have some depth.
You can also see them in an unlockable 3D-model viewer, by the way, but you'll have to earn them separately in a special game mode (I remember some bosses being quite difficult to get).

Originally Posted by TwinCross

If this is anywhere near as good as Super Fantasy Zone on the MD, I am so getting it

Honestly, this SMS port isn't too brilliant compared to the amazing Super Fantasy Zone.

[SegaFan]

Yes. Here's a video of it in action, towards the end: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-tKkmjGPYA
You won't notice any differences compared to the arcade in this low-resolution footage, but that was partly the point: They managed to make cell-shaded 3D models that looked exactly like the original sprites, but moved smoothly and have some depth.

I have the collection but I haven't got round to playing Fantasy Zone on it yet, it looks good. Some of those Sega Ages games aren't as good as the originals but this looks like one of the better ones. I just wanted to check whether you were talking about the same one.

[PresidentLeever]

Great game and a childhood fav of mine, but it's overshadowed by the excellent sequel and Super Fantasy Zone for the MD.

[jackaroo]

Ive just bought this for Sega Master System off ebay. But i dont own a master system so im going to play it on game gear using master gear converter.
Im looking forward to it since the game looks great.

[shinobiman]

Originally Posted by ICEknight

Honestly, this SMS port isn't too brilliant compared to the amazing Super Fantasy Zone.

I always wanted to own a copy of this game. Am I correct to say it was only released in Europe and Japan? It's unfortunate that the US missed out on some good Genesis titles for unknown reasons. Wasn't there a Snake Rattle & Roll port on the Mega Drive? And another game that comes to mind is Mega Man: The Wily Wars.