Section-Z (USA)

In Section-Z, players control a highly-equipped soldier whose mission is to infiltrate the alien base L-5 to thwart their invasion of Earth. The game is a unique multi-directional scrolling shooter, combining horizontal-scrolling, vertical-scrolling, and even 8-directional free-scrolling segments in certain areas.

The structure of Section-Z is divided into 26 sectors, labeled from A to Z, forming a complex maze. Players must navigate through these sectors, confronting countless alien enemies, from small flying ships to fixed turrets and strange creatures. The ultimate goal is to locate and destroy the alien energy reactor. What's special is that players can choose different routes to reach their objective, adding a small strategic element to the experience.

The weapon system in the game is quite diverse. Initially, you only have a basic shot, but you can collect power-up items to upgrade. Weapon types include: Laser for powerful firepower, Wide Shot for firing multiple, broader projectiles, and a Shield to protect the player from damage. Switching between weapons and activating the shield is done via the B button on the NES controller, while the A button is used to fire. Managing weapons and using the shield at the right time is key to surviving the challenging levels.

Each major sector typically concludes with an intense boss battle, requiring players to understand their movement patterns and weaknesses to emerge victorious. The graphics of Section-Z, though simple, are effective, creating an engaging sci-fi atmosphere. The music and sound effects also contribute to increasing the tension and excitement for players throughout their journey to save Earth.