japanese3ds:

Sega’s twelfth 3D Classic and once again developed by M2. Fantasy Zone II was originally released for the Sega Master System back in 1987 although this version is based on the 2008 PlayStation 2 remake. Whilst I enjoyed the original 3DS remake (http://www.japanese3ds.com/post/80441531671) I felt it only warranted a six out of ten although this sequel promises several improvements including better controls, survival after being hit with a special weapon (you merely lose the weapon), light and dark modes (more on this later) and an excellent all new score attack endless mode

The story mode (Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa) is set ten years after the original Fantasy Zone where after ten years of peace, panic returned with a new invading army called the Menon people who begin to build a new fortress. You (Opa-Opa) must return to the Fantasy Zone and destroy their dastardly plans. Gameplay-wise it’s pretty similar with ten enemy bases needing to be destroyed on each of the eight levels which then reveals the end-of-level-boss. You can fly from left to right or right to left on your quest with the same shops opening up after ¥2,000 is scored.

The light and dark modes remind me somewhat of the Child Catcher where they vary in both difficulty and rewards offered. Both are effectively the same game (as in the same destroyed/remaining enemy bases) and either can be warped between. Despite the improved controls in turning Opa-Opa, this non-centralisation again adds to the game’s frustration which unfortunately prevents 3D Fantasy Zone II W from being up there with Steel Empire, the PC Engine R-Type or even the Famicom Recca as the top shmup on the 3DS. Fortunately though, M2 have an ace up their sleeve.

Fantasy Zone II: Link Loop Land as the score attack mode even has its own story: a new planet has been discovered in the Fantasy Zone and something something Google Translate gold rush state by several people of the adventurers of the star. Anyways Opa-Opa has took off to the planet declaring “I do pay the debt!”. Similar to Super Mario coin rush mode you must try and collect as many coins as possible, score as many points as possible and (more importantly!) survive as long as possible. Armed with a three-way-shot (later upgradeable to an ace twelve) the game has all new layouts and bosses.

Typically for M2, the 3D effect is awesome and the soundtrack -like the previous game- is again amazing. Fantasy Zone II is arguably a stronger game than the original Fantasy Zone and the remake is a stronger remake of an already stronger game although still the non-centralisation is an issue which caused me to utter a naughty word. The game is also rather short although not without challenge (four difficulty levels) plus each level can be completed with the light or dark mode. Link Loop Land is also an absolutely ace addition that should make 3D Fantasy Zone II W a must buy for all cute-em-up fans!

7/10

Review by Bri Bri. For more information on 3D Fantasy Zone II W go to http://archives.sega.jp/3d/fz2/

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