View source for Fantasy Zone

{{Short description|1986 video game}}
{{more citations needed|date=December 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Fantasy Zone
| image = Fantasy zone arcadeflyer.PNG
| caption = Japanese arcade flyer
| developer = [[Sega AM1|Sega R&D1]]{{efn|Master System version developed by [[Sega Sports R&D|Sega R&D2]]; MSX version developed by [[Pony Canyon|Pony Inc.]]; Famicom version developed by [[Sunsoft]]; NES version developed by Pixel; TurboGrafx-16 version developed by Bits Laboratory; X68000 version developed by Dempa Shimbunsha; Saturn version developed by Rutobo Games.}}
| publisher = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[Sega]]}}|'''MSX'''<br>[[Pony Canyon|Pony Inc.]]<br>'''NES'''{{vgrelease|JP|[[Sunsoft]]|NA|[[Tengen (company)|Tengen]]}} '''TurboGrafx-16'''{{vgrelease|JP|[[NEC Avenue]]|NA|[[NEC]]}} '''X68000'''<br>Dempa<br>'''Saturn'''<br>[[D3 Publisher|3D-Ages]]}}
| designer = Yoji Ishii
| programmer = Shuichi Katagi
| artist = Masaki Kondo
| composer = [[Hiroshi Kawaguchi (composer)|Hiroshi Kawaguchi]]
| series = ''Fantasy Zone''
| platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]], [[Master System]], [[MSX]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], [[TurboGrafx-16]], [[X68000]], [[Sega Saturn]]
| release = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|March 28, 1986}}|'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|JP|March 28, 1986<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=1992 |title=1986年セガ業務用ゲーム全リスト |trans-title=Complete list of Sega arcade games from 1986 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/ae/Mdfan_JP_1992-02.pdf|access-date=August 6, 2024 |magazine=Mega Drive Fan |pages=83 |language=ja}}</ref>}}|'''Master System'''{{vgrelease|JP|June 15, 1986<ref>{{cite web |title=Software List |url=https://sega.jp/history/hard/segamark3/software.html |website=Sega Hard Encyclopedia |publisher=[[Sega|Sega Corporation]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621034428/https://sega.jp/history/hard/segamark3/software.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-date=2019-06-21 |language=ja}}</ref>|NA|September 1986<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Availability Update |magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] |volume=5 |issue=7 |date=October 1986 |page=14 |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/ed58a5c7-0521-4d9e-8bf2-222ddaa7ecec}}</ref>|PAL|August 1987<ref>{{cite magazine|date=November 1987|title=Sega Release Schedule to November 1987 - UK|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=73|page=132|url=https://archive.org/details/computer-and-video-games-magazine/Computer%20and%20Video%20Games%20073/page/n131/mode/2up}}</ref>}} '''MSX'''{{vgrelease|JP|March 21, 1987<ref>{{cite news |title=Fantasy Zone MSX Ad |url=https://ia600208.us.archive.org/20/items/msx-magazine-1987/MSX%E3%83%9E%E3%82%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%B3%201987/MsxMagazine198703.pdf |work=MSX Magazine |publisher=ASCII Corporation |date=March 1987 |language=ja}}</ref>}}|'''NES'''{{vgrelease|JP|July 20, 1987<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/schedule/recent/fc/|title=All Famicom games sorted from the latest release to the earliest|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015061257/https://www.famitsu.com/schedule/recent/fc/|url-status=dead}}</ref>|NA|April 1990<ref>{{cite news |title=Availability Update |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/c8542bc3-42c3-46d5-aa4e-74b294bbcfc6 |work=[[Computer Entertainer]] |volume=9 |issue=2 |date=May 1990 |page=14}}</ref>}}|'''TurboGrafx-16'''{{vgrelease|JP|October 14, 1988<ref>{{cite web |title=PC Engine Software List 1987-1988 |url=http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NEC1_PCE1987-1988.html |website=GAME Data Room |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827210546/http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NEC1_PCE1987-1988.html |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |language=ja}}</ref>|NA|November 1989<ref>{{cite news |title=Availability Update |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/2b0f3849-6358-4d5e-930b-77877546a547 |work=[[Computer Entertainer]] |volume=8 |issue=9 |date=December 1989 |page=14}}</ref>}}|'''X68000'''{{vgrelease|JP|August 4, 1989<ref>{{cite web|last=Matsubara|first=Keigo|url=http://vgsearch.info/list/x68_all2.htm|title=X680x0ソフトリスト963タイトル|publisher=Video Game Search|date=2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415093707/http://vgsearch.info/list/x68_all2.htm|archive-date=15 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>}}|'''Saturn'''{{vgrelease|JP|February 21, 1997<ref>{{cite web |title=Software List (Released by Sega)|url=https://sega.jp/history/hard/segasaturn/software.html |website=セガ 製品情報サイト |publisher=Sega |language=ja}}</ref>}}
}}
| genre = [[Scrolling shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| arcade system = [[Sega System 16A]]
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Fantasy Zone'''''|ファンタジーゾーン|Fantajī Zōn|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1986 horizontally [[scrolling shooter]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Sega]] for [[Arcade video game|arcades]]. It is the first game in the ''Fantasy Zone'' series, and was later ported to several home consoles, including Sega's [[Master System]]. The player controls a sentient spaceship named Opa-Opa who fights an enemy invasion in the titular group of planets. The game contains a number of features atypical of the traditional scrolling shooter. The main character, Opa-Opa, is sometimes referred to as Sega's first [[mascot]] character.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kotaku.com/remembering-segas-exiled-mascot-5789284 | title=Remembering Sega's Exiled Mascot | first=Luke | last=Plunkett | date=April 6, 2011 | access-date=December 31, 2021}}</ref>

The game's design and main character have similarities to [[Konami]]'s ''[[TwinBee]]'', and both games are credited with establishing the [[cute 'em up]] subgenre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/fantasy-zone/|title=Fantasy Zone – Hardcore Gaming 101}}</ref> ''Fantasy Zone'' also popularized the concept of a [[boss rush]], a [[Level (video games)|stage]] where the player faces multiple previous [[Boss (video games)|bosses]] again in succession.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Fantasy Zone – 2014 Developer Interview |magazine=Shooting Gameside |date=September 26, 2014 |volume=10 |url=http://shmuplations.com/fantasyzone/ |access-date=4 May 2021}}</ref> The game was followed by several [[sequel]]s, beginning with ''[[Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa]]'' in 1987.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Fantasy-Zone-Screenshot.png|thumb|left|Arcade screenshot]]

In the game, the player's ship is placed in a level with a number of bases to destroy. When all the bases are gone, the stage boss appears, who must be defeated in order to move on to the next stage. There are eight stages, and in all of them, except the final one, the scrolling camera is not fixed; the player can move either left or right, although the stage loops. The final level consists of a rematch against all of the previous bosses in succession before facing the final boss.

Opa-Opa uses two different attacks: the standard weapon (initially bullets) and bombs. He can also move down to land on the ground by sprouting feet and walking around until he flies again.

It is possible to upgrade Opa-Opa's weapons, get bombs and flying engine to increase speed, and get extra lives. To do these, the player must get money by defeating enemies, bases or bosses, and access a shop by touching a marked balloon. Prices rise with each purchase. When the player chooses to exit or the time runs up, another screen appears to equip these upgrades; only one engine, weapon and bomb can be equipped at a time.

Some of the purchasable weapons have a time limit that starts as soon as the shop is left. Some of the bombs can be used at any moment, but are limited in quantity. Engine upgrades are permanent. The powerups can also be reassigned by reentering the shop or touch a balloon with the word "Select" written on it. If the player loses a life, all of the upgrades are lost.

==Ports and re-releases==
[[File:Fantasyzonepcb.jpg|thumb|''Fantasy Zone'' arcade board]]

''Fantasy Zone'' was ported to the [[Master System]], [[MSX]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom/Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[X68000]], and [[TurboGrafx-16|PC Engine]]{{mdash}}all with similar gameplay, though with some notable differences. For example, the Master System version lacks some features such as the radar that indicates the location of the bases or a gauge that indicates energy level, and two of the bosses were replaced by alternate bosses.

Two different versions were released for the Famicom and NES. The Japanese version was released in 1987, developed and published by [[Sunsoft]]. The American version was released in 1990, developed by Pixel and published by [[Tengen (company)|Tengen]]. In 1997, ''Fantasy Zone'' was released in the ''[[Sega Ages]]'' series in Japan for the [[Sega Saturn]].

''Fantasy Zone'' was re-released as an [[enhanced remake]] for the [[PlayStation 2]], again in the ''Sega Ages'' series. Although similar in appearance to the arcade version (even incorporating the original arcade sounds), this version uses polygons instead of sprites and adds some stages, including bonus levels with the viewpoint behind Opa-Opa as he tries to collect coins from any boss that was defeated at the moment; this game mode is very similar to ''[[Space Harrier]]'', or the unreleased ''Space Fantasy Zone''. This version was released in North America and Europe as part of the ''[[Sega Classics Collection]]''.

Due to hardware limitations, this version was divided in three different parts. The Master System version was re-released in Japan for the Virtual Console on March 11, 2008, for Europe and Australia on April 11, and in North America on April 14.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fantasy Zone and Mega Turrican Now Available on Wii Shop Channel!|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/IMOTteeJDspEDNbie3zCZC0suT-skBFt|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=April 14, 2008|access-date=2008-04-14|archive-date=June 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613153355/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/IMOTteeJDspEDNbie3zCZC0suT-skBFt|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On September 18, the final ''Sega Ages'' disc was devoted to the series, ''Fantasy Zone Complete Collection''. Instead of a 3D remake, it compiles all of the games in the series, including spin-offs, all of Sega's own versions, and a remake of ''Fantasy Zone II'' for [[System 16]] hardware.

The original arcade version is unlockable in ''[[Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection]]''. A 3D port of the game was released on March 19, 2014 for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] titled ''3D Fantasy Zone: Opa-Opa Bros.'' New features of the 3DS port involve stereoscopic 3D visuals, adjustable difficulty settings, the ability to save the game, the ability to switch to the Japanese versions and US versions of the game, a Stage Select feature, and a new mode which involves the player playing as Upa-Upa, Opa-Opa's brother. The two replacement bosses from the Master System release can be unveiled, each replacing the standard boss.

The arcade version is a minigame in several entries in the [[Yakuza (series)|''Yakuza'' series]], beginning with ''[[Yakuza 0]]''.<ref name=Gamespot>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/yakuza-0-review/1900-6416602/ | title= Yakuza 0 Review | last= Brown | first= Peter | date= January 19, 2017 | access-date= December 15, 2017}}</ref> It is identical to the original arcade release, except the addition of a rapid fire button.

A [[Sega Genesis]] port of the game was developed for the Sega Genesis Mini 2, the successor to the [[Sega Genesis Mini]] microconsole, which was released on October 27, 2022. The port added a Super Easy mode.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sega-announces-a-mega-drive-mini-2-including-mega-cd-games/ | title=Sega has announced a Mega Drive Mini 2, including Mega CD games | date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

==Reception==
''Fantasy Zone'' was very successful in Japanese arcades, helping to give rise to the popular System 16 arcade board. In April 1986, it was the second top-grossing [[table arcade cabinet]] of the month in Japan.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - テーブル型TVゲーム機 (Table Videos)|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=282|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=15 April 1986|page=21|lang=ja}}</ref> It was the top-grossing arcade game in Japan from July–August 1986.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=ゲーム人気度ベスト10 |trans-title=Best 10 Popular Games |magazine=[[Gamest]] |date=18 August 1986 |volume=3 (September 1986) |url=https://archive.org/details/gamest0003/page/n78/mode/1up |page=73 |lang=ja}}</ref>

The Sega Master System version was reviewed in 1988 in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'', given 4 out of 5 stars.<ref name="Dragon136">{{cite magazine |title=The Role of Computers: FantasyZone |last1=Lesser|last2=Lesser|last3=Lesser|first1=Hartley|first2=Patricia|first3=Kirk |magazine=Dragon |issue=136 |date=August 1988 |pages=76–81 |url=https://annarchive.com/files/Drmg136.pdf#page=81}}</ref> In 1988, it got four categories of 9/10 each from ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'', calling it "a beaut of a game [where] I-want-to-eat-this-cartridge scrolling backdrop and aliens float in from all sides spitting death at you".<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://amr.abime.net/review_17414 | magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] | issue=79 | page=123 | date=May 1988 | title=Fantasy Zone review | via=Amiga Magazine Rack}}</ref> In 1989, ''Computer and Video Games'' rated the PC Engine version 88% and the Master System version 87%, considering the PC Engine version to be better than the Master System version but not as commercially successful.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Complete Games Guide |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=16 October 1989 |issue=Complete Guide to Consoles |pages=46–77 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/98/CompleteGuideToConsoles_UK_01.pdf#page=46}}</ref> ''[[Console XS]]'' reviewed the Master System version in 1992, giving it a 91% score.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Software A-Z: Master System |magazine=[[Console XS]] |date=23 April 1992 |issue=1 (June/July 1992) |publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]] |location=United Kingdom |pages=137–47 |url=https://archive.org/details/console-xs-01/page/137}}</ref>

It was reviewed by ''Génération 4'',<ref>{{Cite magazine | magazine=Génération 4 | date=1987 | url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Generation%204/generation4_numero001/Generation4%20001%20-%20Page%20012%20(1987-Q4).jpg | title=Le site des anciennes revues informatiques - www.abandonware-magazines.org | via=abandonware-magazines.org | access-date=March 22, 2022}}</ref> ''[[Sega Power]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine | date=December 1993 | title=Fantasy Zone | url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a7/SegaPower_UK_49.pdf#page=130 | magazine=[[Sega Power]] | page=130}}</ref> ''Happy Computer'',<ref>{{Cite magazine | magazine=Happy Computer | title=Happy Computer | date=November 1986 | url=https://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=4469 | via=Kultboy.com}}</ref> and ''[[Tilt (French magazine)|Tilt]]'' in 1987<ref>{{cite magazine | magazine=[[Tilt (French magazine)|Tilt]] | date=December 1987 | pages=100–101 | title=Tilt | url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Tilt/tilt_numero049/TILT%20-%20n%B049%20-%20decembre%201987%20-%20page100%20et%20page101.jpg}}</ref> and 1990.<ref>{{Cite magazine | magazine=[[Tilt (French magazine)|Tilt]] | date=March 1990 | url=https://abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=28&num=364&album=oui | title=Tilt | via=abandonware-magazines.org}}</ref>

==Sequels==
* ''[[Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa]]'' (1987)
* ''Opa Opa'' (released internationally as ''Fantasy Zone: The Maze'') (1987)
* ''Galactic Protector'' (1988)
* ''Space Fantasy Zone'' (1990, unreleased)
* ''Fantasy Zone Gear: The Adventures of Opa-Opa Jr.'' (released internationally simply as ''Fantasy Zone'') (1991)
* ''[[Super Fantasy Zone]]'' (1992)
* ''Fantasy Zone (Redemption Game)'' (1999)
* ''Medal de Fantasy Zone'' (2012)

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* ''[http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/fantasyzone/fantasyzone.htm Fantasy Zone]'' at Hardcore Gaming 101

{{Fantasy Zone|state=expanded}}
{{Space Harrier games}}
{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}

[[Category:Fantasy Zone (series)]]
[[Category:1986 video games]]
[[Category:Horizontally scrolling shooters]]
[[Category:Master System games]]
[[Category:MSX games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS eShop games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Rutubo Games games]]
[[Category:Sanritsu Denki games]]
[[Category:Sega arcade games]]
[[Category:Sega video game franchises]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn games]]
[[Category:Sega video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Sunsoft games]]
[[Category:Tengen (company) games]]
[[Category:TurboGrafx-16 games]]
[[Category:Unauthorized video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Hiroshi Kawaguchi]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:X68000 games]]