Introduce
In Fantasy Zone, players control a sentient spaceship named Opa-Opa on a vibrant journey through whimsical planets. This is a side-scrolling shooter, but its unique twist is that levels are not linearly scrolling; instead, players can freely move left or right to explore the entire area. The primary objective in each stage is to destroy all enemy "generators." These generators are often disguised as large structures or objects scattered throughout the level.
As Opa-Opa eliminates regular enemies, they drop coins. This currency is crucial because it is used to purchase upgrades at flying "shops" floating within the level, symbolized by a large balloon. Here, players can buy various weapons, engines (to increase speed), and different types of bombs. Choosing the right upgrades to suit each stage or playstyle is an important strategic element.
Once all generators have been destroyed, a stage boss will appear. The boss battles in Fantasy Zone are notable for their unique designs and diverse attack patterns, requiring players to have quick reflexes and discover their weaknesses. Sunsoft's NES version faithfully attempts to recreate the arcade experience, albeit with adjustments to graphics and sound to suit the NES hardware. The game retains its charm, engaging gameplay, and the unique upgrade system that made Fantasy Zone famous.