Fantasy Zone (Master System) Playthrough
2Playthrough of Sega's 1986 arcade-style shoot 'em up for the Sega Master System, Fantasy Zone.
Sega’s Fantasy Zone, released in 1986 for the Sega Master System, is an arcade-style shoot ’em up renowned for its vibrant visuals and whimsical aesthetic. Players control Opa-Opa, a sentient spaceship with legs, on a quest to save the Fantasy Zone from invaders threatening its colorful worlds. Unlike many shoot ’em ups of its time, Fantasy Zone blends intense action with a charming, almost cartoon-like art style, creating a unique experience that appeals to players of all ages.
The gameplay involves navigating Opa-Opa through looping, horizontally scrolling levels, with the goal of destroying enemy bases scattered across the stage. Once all the bases are eliminated, a boss appears, providing a climactic battle to complete the level. Opa-Opa can move freely in both directions, giving players greater control and encouraging strategic movement to dodge enemy attacks. Along the way, players collect coins dropped by defeated enemies, which can be spent in shops to upgrade weapons, buy bombs, or enhance Opa-Opa’s speed and durability.
Fantasy Zone is visually striking, with its pastel-colored environments and quirky enemy designs standing out from the gritty realism common in other games of the era. Each level has a distinct theme, from lush green landscapes to alien worlds filled with surreal shapes and patterns. The music, composed of cheerful and catchy chiptune tracks, complements the game’s lighthearted yet frantic atmosphere, enhancing the charm and intensity of the action.
Despite its charming appearance, Fantasy Zone is known for its challenging gameplay. Enemies are fast and numerous, requiring quick reflexes and precise shooting to survive. Managing resources is also key, as purchasing upgrades can make the difference between success and failure in later stages. The game’s difficulty and unique style helped establish it as a classic, influencing the "cute-’em-up" subgenre and earning its place as a standout title on the Sega Master System.