Fantasy Zone on Sega Classics Collection

[gigadrive32]

I picked up Sega Classics Collection today, mainly for Fantasy Zone.

this is the same 3D-Ages Fantasy Zone that was released on Playstation 2 in summer 2003 in Japan.

you can play in normal mode, which has the 3D bonus stages and 3D sweeping intro for each stage. or in arcade mode, which does not have the 3D sweeping intros or 3D bonus stages. in either mode, you will notice that there is more parallax scrolling than the original System 16 arcade game or the 2 direct ports of the arcade (X68000 and Saturn). this is one of the things that MegaDrive Super Fantasy Zone had over the ARC-X68K-Sat versions, more parallax scrolling. and parallax is something that I just love, and is a big part of what makes 2D shmups so appealing as far as graphics, IMO.

even though 3D Ages Fantasy Zone on PS2 is rendered in polygons, because of the 2D side scrolling nature of the game, the visuals look more like traditional sprites and background layers than polygons, especially compared to most of the other 3D-Ages remakes in the Sega Classics Collection.

in addition to the extra parallax scrolling, there seems to be more color used in this version, compared to ARC-X68K-Sat, which combines to give the backgrounds a really nice appearance.

from my short playtime with 3D Ages Fantasy Zone, the gameplay appears to be basicly unchanged from the original arcade game and the 2 direct ports. especially if you play in arcade mode, which as I said, excludes the 3D bonus stages.

Now alot of comments I have read about Sega Ages Collection, people say that they wish Sega had included the original arcade games with each of the 3D-Ages versions, and while I completely agree with that sentiment, the Fantasy Zone update is the closest of the games to the original arcade.

I recommend the $20 purchase price just for Fantasy Zone alone.

[BrianC]

Now alot of comments I have read about Sega Ages Collection, people say that they wish Sega had included the original arcade games with each of the 3D-Ages versions, and while I completely agree with that sentiment, the Fantasy Zone update is the closest of the games to the original arcade.

What about Bonanza Bros., Tant-R, and Columns? Those are pretty darn close to the originals too (the original arcade Columns didn't have flash mode). The other games are a little less close, but still darn good remakes, except for Golden Axe. Golden Axe isn't even close to the original. Most of the games in the collection do have an alternate mode that's a bit more like the original, but Golden Axe doesn't. I do wish the originals were included (especially for Golden Axe), but I'm happy with this collection.

[tehkao]

Isn't VR pretty much identical to the original?

[Ganelon]

Supposedly, except with more cars, a bump up to 60 fps, and some very minor popup.

[BrianC]

Isn't VR pretty much identical to the original?

I didn't comment on it because I'm not really sure. I think it's close and it is a darn good version of the game, but it seems a bit faster from what I remember of the original. I think Monaco GP in classic mode is close, from what I remember, though I don't think there was a choice of cars in the original like there is in the remake. The remake of that one is very sweet too.

[tehkao]

Yeah, overall I think this is a great value at $20, with a lot of outstanding conversions like Outrun, VR, and Fantasy Zone.

I just wonder what the heck happened to Golden Axe though? It is so bad it is inexplicable.

[gigadrive32]

Now alot of comments I have read about Sega Ages Collection, people say that they wish Sega had included the original arcade games with each of the 3D-Ages versions, and while I completely agree with that sentiment, the Fantasy Zone update is the closest of the games to the original arcade.

What about Bonanza Bros., Tant-R, and Columns? Those are pretty darn close to the originals too (the original arcade Columns didn't have flash mode). The other games are a little less close, but still darn good remakes, except for Golden Axe. Golden Axe isn't even close to the original. Most of the games in the collection do have an alternate mode that's a bit more like the original, but Golden Axe doesn't. I do wish the originals were included (especially for Golden Axe), but I'm happy with this collection.

Haven't played much of those, but from my very brief play, I see that you are definitally right. I had to quick check MAME to see what BB was like since I never saw the real machine.

[PepsimanVsJoe]

Really I don't buy all of the negative reviews of this collection.

Aside from Space Harrier and Golden Axe the remaining eight games range from good(Alien Syndrome) to excellent(Virtua Racing).

Hell I'd actually put Golden Axe above Space Harrier, but that's because there's the "So bad it's hilarious" factor in GA. Harrier on the other hand is just tragic.

[captain ahar]

hey Gigadrive can you check your pms?

[gigadrive32]

hey Gigadrive can you check your pms?

PM checked, reply sent

[dave4shmups]

gigadrive32, I've been told that Fantasy Zone on the Sega Classics Collection is actually cel-shaded!

I think cell shading should be used in more shmups; especially with cute-em-ups like Fantasy Zone.

[neoalphazero]

Fantasy Zone is a great example of what the Sega Ages games can be. I enjoyed Bonanza Brothers, if it's in 3D it looks very close to the arcade game. My one small nitpick. Some games like Columns and Fantasy Zone seem a little rigid with their D-pad control.

I'm probably in the minority but I really like Space Harrier. The updated costume looks good, the music is remixed nicely, and the announcer adds that classic cornball quality of Sega arcade games like Daytona and Crazy Taxi. The poly models aren't that hot and there's pop up and slowdown but overall I think they kept the spirit of the game intact. *-neo

[gigadrive32]

gigadrive32, I've been told that Fantasy Zone on the Sega Classics Collection is actually cel-shaded!

I think cell shading should be used in more shmups; especially with cute-em-ups like Fantasy Zone.

Well, it could be cel-shaded but I cannot tell, definitively, if it is or not. it's hard to say. unlike with say, Zelda Wind Waker, which obviously looks cel-shaded. but 3D-Ages Fantasy Zone looks even MORE pastel than the original. it looks VERY nice with component cables.

[BrianC]

Fantasy Zone is a great example of what the Sega Ages games can be. I enjoyed Bonanza Brothers, if it's in 3D it looks very close to the arcade game. My one small nitpick. Some games like Columns and Fantasy Zone seem a little rigid with their D-pad control.

I'm probably in the minority but I really like Space Harrier. The updated costume looks good, the music is remixed nicely, and the announcer adds that classic cornball quality of Sega arcade games like Daytona and Crazy Taxi. The poly models aren't that hot and there's pop up and slowdown but overall I think they kept the spirit of the game intact. *-neo

Believe it or not, you aren't in the minority. I like the updated Space Harrier too, and I have seen plenty of posts from people at other message boards from other people who like it too.