Fantasy Zone 2

Review

Published by: Sega Of America
Reviewed by: Kelesis
System: Sega Master System
Genre: 2D Shooter

Gameplay:

Fantasy Zone 2 is one of the harder Master System games, and can be very frustrating sometimes, especially when you get yourself tons of equipments, and then you get killed and loose everything... ;(
You're playing Opa Opa, a small aircraft, or a spaceship (which used to be Sega's symbol a few years ago, like Sonic is now), in a game which looks like a simple shooter on the begining.... Need I say that it is not? ;). Details ensue.....

You, as Opa Opa, have to eliminate all major enemies (they are those wierd looking creatures which don't move). After killing each major enemy, you get either money, a blue WARP sign to a different substage, or a red WARP sign, to the boss of the stage. The red WARP sign cannot be used until all major enemies in the stage are eliminated.
Each stage is divided into 3 - 5 substages, and you can move from one substage to another using the blue WARP signs. As soon as you've eliminated all major enemies, get to the red WARP sign, and try to beat the boss. It's pretty helpful to buy the best equipments before going to the boss, since as I've already said, the game isn't easy.
Some more details about money and equipments:
This is the main thing which makes this game more than a simple shooter. You can (and should) buy yourself:

Engines - to get a better speed and better control of Opa Opa.
Time Limited Weapons - usually recommended for bosses or for "cleaning" a stage very quickly. They are usually powerful, but are expensive and are enough for not more than 30 seconds.
Permanent Weapons - In my humble opinion, permanent weapons are the best investment in the game, and always pay off. Some of them are available only on Secret Shops (which can be discovered by shooting at for a while), but others are very easy to purchase.
Extra Ships and Continues - Need I elaborate?
Other Goodies - you'll find out by yourself... ;)

Graphics:

The background graphics in the stages are always very colorful and beautiful. There are no blinkings (which are so common in many other SMS games), but the game slows down from time to time, when the screen is loaded with enemies and shots. Also, both Opa Opa, the major enemies, other enemies, and the bosses were drawn beautifully, and this game is just nice to look at.

Music and Sound:

The music is good, but isn't awesome. It gets a little boring after many games. The sound effects are good and refreshing, much above the average of the SMS.

Overall, this game is one of the best and most interesting shooters I've ever seen. Very recommended!

Rating:

• Gameplay: 9.5/10
• Graphics: 8.5/10
• Music and Sound: 8/10
• Overall: 8.5/10

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