Fantasy Zone II DX (ファンタジーゾーンII オパオパの涙) (Mame, System 16C) - HARD, 1CC, All Dark Side.

This was pretty challenging - there are some differences to the other versions that I'll point out in a future breakdown.

Fantasy Zone II DX on Mame!

I've been running streams of Fantasy Zone II DX on MAME over the last few days and managed to get a 1-loop, no miss, all dark side clear yesterday (video below). I also now have the means to capture its content so I'll be creating its dedicated section, with strats, videos and runs.

Fantasy Zone II W (Hardest) 1CC

After numerous attempts, I finally managed a 1CC hardest clear of Fantasy Zone II W. The run initially feels chaotic, but once you get used to certain enemy spawns, knowing when to judge then dodge the increased rate/speed of enemy fire and how to deal with the BuuBuuman difficulty switchup, it's manageble. At some point, I'll do a full breakdown of the run, detailing strategies and routes...a full deep dive. In the meantime, you can catch the run below. I haven't come across any other clears at this setting online, so if anyone does, please let me know!

Fantasy Zone III News...well, kind of.

M2 recently posted a screenshot on X displaying a rather abiguous '3' and nothing else. As expected, this resulted in a flurry of comments from followers enquirying as to what this alluded to, with some presenting possible candidates. Sega Producer Yosuke Okunari commented and I used this as an opportunity to ask if the post was in any relation to Fantasy Zone III. 

This was his response:

So there you have it - straight from the horses mouth. Sega themeselves will announce any updates on a possible Fantasy Zone III. This is interesting as it highlights that they still see Fantasy Zone as a key franchise, worthy enough of a Sega only announcemt should any future works be in development. 

My thinking was that any future game in the series would be developed by M2 (See my Time Extension article) and any news would be announced through them. While M2 are the likely candidates for dev duties, Sega will lead marketing, creative and publishing duties, it seems.

It also puts to bed any suggestions that the Mega Drive's Super Fantasy Zone, was, in fact, Fantasy Zone III, which I've seen some people suggest. Okunari would have stated this in his response and anyway, all FZ fans should know that Fantasy Zone III is mentioned at the end of both the PS2's System 16B reimagining of II and it's 3DS port, Fantasy Zone II W. 

I'm not holding my breath for any Sega announcements any time soon, but hopefully it's on their radar.

(Unofficial) Fantasy Zone Mega Drive

Before Christmas, I got in touch with a vendor in Spain who makes high quality reproduction paraphernalia for unreleased, hard to find, Mega Drive games. He already had a few copies of PAL/EU Fantasy Zone repros that he was selling on eBay and I asked him if he could kindly put together a Japanese variant. His work is so authentic I couldn't pass up on an opportunity to own the physical version of the Mega Drive's incredible Fantasy Zone port. 

Well here it is, with all the authentic touches and stylings that the JP Mega Drive boxart can only bring.

 

 

It's a lovely package and feels absolutely authentic. I has hoping that Sega/M2 would work with the likes of  Columbus Circle or even Limited Run in order to release an official retail copy of Fantasy Zone, given this is something that was done for MD port of Darius. Whether a physical release will eventually come to fruition, whos knows - I'm just happy to own something that looks and feels like an official product.

 

New Fantasy Zone Merch!

I picked up Yuzumo Design's 'Love Fantasy Zone 2019' book a few months back. It's packed with Fantasy Zone related images, interviews with creators, details on all the games in the series and information on almost anything that's ever been associated with my favourite gaming franchise. It's a lovely addition to my Fantasy Zone related collection, but as all the text is in Japanese, Google translate will get heavy usage in order for me to absorb all the important details and info!

Small, but significant update: I wrote a piece on the current status of the series for the fantastic Time Extension website, where I discuss the prospect of Fantasy Zone III.

Where's the Fantasy Zone II DX/W page?

With a focus on the 3 main titles in the series, you might be wondering where the page is for my personal favourite entry, M2's Fantasy Zone II remake. Well, I wanted to capture in game footage to showcase gameplay, high level tech, boss strategies and the games 3 main endings as part of a deep dive. Unfortunately, with the game stranded on the PS2 and 3DS, this makes things slightly more complicated; all my previous footage for the other titles was taken from the Switch, where the first game and Super Fantasy Zone are available. The PS2 is the only real viable option here, so I've picked up some equipment, that will allow me to record footage; a HDMI converter for the PS2 and a HDMI video capture card. 

My Fantasy Zone setup consists of a JP PS2 running the Fantasy Zone collection, hooked up to a 9" BVM via RGB/Scary BNC adapter cables. 

I now just need to find some time to hook everything up and capture the footage.

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.