Super Fantasy Zone page up

I've added a page for Super Fantasy Zone in the navigation. Like the Fantasy Zone (Arcade piece), there's information about the game, some pictures and videos, so head over there for more tidbits on Sunsoft's superlative entry in the Fantasy Zone series.

Fantasy Zone showcase

I haven't had much time to update the blog lately, but last week, I put together this little montage showcasing a number of Fantasy Zone playthrough clips, including some Upa-Upa shenanigans, loop 2 bullet hell dodging, the secret bosses and some footage with me en route to my highest score on Switch (up to 29th, worldwide ☺).

Pure Fantasy...

 

Over the last few years, I've acquired a modest amount of Fantasy Zone related material and I'll be showcasing more of the uncommon bits in a series of posts over the next month. In the meantime, here's a shot of it all (minus Fantasy Zone Gear, which I forgot to include in the pic!). 

Anything take your fancy?

New High Score Fantasy Zone II W (3DS)

Achieved a new first loop, no-miss high score in Fantasy Zone II W. If I had succeeded in getting the Bright ending in loop 2, I would have beaten my overall top score, but failed in rather comical fashion against Buubuuman during the boss rush.

Fantasy Zone II W (3DS) Iceburn gitch!?

I came across a very strange glitch during loop 2-3 against Iceburn. I was very close to defeating him and his eye was almost red when he just vanished off screen! I waited around to see what would happen before the enemy that appears when you spend too long battling a boss, killed me.

Has anyone else experienced this? It's a shame I haven't got a recording to fully illustrate what happened, but I promise you, it was as bizarre as it sounds.

Big Boss Breakdown #2: Pooka (Super Fantasy Zone)

I'm switching it up and moving onto Super Fantasy Zone for this week's BBB. Overall, I consider Super Fantasy Zone to be the most difficult game in the series and while it does have some relatively easy bosses, there are some that can pose quite a challenge for the uninitiated.

Fantasy Zone on the Mega Drive

The simply gorgeous Fantasy Zone Mega Drive boxart. 

Last year, Fantasy Zone was added to the Mega Drive mini 2's collection of games as a, somewhat, surprising inclusion having never previously found it's way onto Sega's 16-bit console. Yes, the Mega Drive never received a Fantasy Zone port; the only FZ game released on it was the Sunsoft developed Super Fantasy Zone, which is a completely original title (I have a page for it up at some point). This is probably common knowledge to most fans, but I have come across some comments online where 'Super' is viewed as a port or even a modified version of the Arcade original. 

New Fantasy Zone 2 W Hi-score!

Earlier this week, I posted a new Fantasy zone 2 W Hi-Score (23736950), after making it to loop 3-2 and no-missing the first loop. 

I annoyingly died against Hangmerudia and failed to rack up enough gold to grab an extend. I feel I can crack loop 3, the main issues include; the aggressiveness of the popcorn enemies, their red bullet rate/speed, getting enough gold early on to purchase extends and Buubuuman, who's bullet rate/speed reach insane levels in this loop. 

I'd love to post a video of this, but unfortunately, I don't have the required tech to capture direct 3DS footage. I'll need to resolve this for the big Fantasy Zone II DX/W write-up I hope to post at some point in the future as there's so much good stuff on show.

Big Boss Breakdown #1: Poppoos (Fantasy Zone)

Boss Breakdown #1 introduces the ever delightful Poppoos from stage 5, Polaria. These snowmen looking fiends may appear friendly, but you'll soon find that they show little mercy to poor Opa-Opa.

Big Boss breakdowns

In this series, I'll be looking to give some insight into a few of the more challenging bosses in the 3 mainline titles, Fantasy Zone, Super Fantasy Zone and Fantasy Zone II DX/W. I'll be encouraging you to drop your own knowledge and also comment on if what you see has helped you. First one will be coming towards the end of the week!

Which bosses give you the most trouble?

Fantasy Zone II DX Arcade cabinet

Fantasy Zone and Fantasy Zone II DX, side by side being played on Sega's Blast City cabinets.

As you can probably tell, Big Wings is building up to a Fantasy Zone II DX mega post, but in the interim I'll be posting tidbits of information related to what has to be one of the more interesting ports/remakes from Sega. 

My Fantasy Zone set up

I booted up Fantasy Zone DX on the PS2 last week and had a few sessions using one of my arcade sticks. While Fantasy Zone II W on 3DS is the best version of the game (and probably the best game in the series), nothing really comes close to playing any FZ game with a high quality arcade stick in your hands. As mentioned previously, I'll detail my 'Arcade' set up in a future post.

First page added!

I've added my first content page to the blog and it probably comes as no surprise that it's the Fantasy Zone arcade page! This type of thing has been covered in other wikis or faqs, but I've put my own spin on things so I hope it makes for some interesting reading. I've included some of my gameplay videos that may help those of you new to the game and I'll be adding pages for other titles in the series in the coming weeks. For now, check out the Fantasy Zone (Arcade) tab at the top of the page and let me know what you think.

New Pick Up!

Over the past few years I've picked up a number of Fantasy Zone related bits and pieces, but one item eluded me - The Shooting Game Historica, OPA-OPA Gashapon. I've trawled eBay and missed out on many auctions, but I finally found a good deal for a mint figure and here it is!

You may notice the box in the background, yes my friends this is another OPA-OPA figure, a much larger Sofubi that was released last year...more on this bad boy in another post. 

Welcome to the Fantasy Zone!

Predictable title, but there's no better way to welcome fans of the series to what, I hope, will become a great place to cover all things Fantasy Zone related!

So feel free to drop a comment and talk about your favourite game from this great, but often overlooked shmup/STG series.