Section Z (NES) Playthrough
5Playthrough of Section Z, Capcom's 1987 shooter for the NES.
Section Z for the NES is a shooter developed and published by Capcom in 1987. Loosely based on the arcade game of the same name, the NES version features significant changes, transforming it into a more intricate, exploratory experience. Players assume the role of a lone space soldier tasked with infiltrating a massive alien space station, battling hordes of enemies, and ultimately destroying the evil L-Brain that threatens Earth.
The game is set within a labyrinthine space station divided into numerous interconnected sections, each labeled with a letter or number. As the player progresses, they must choose paths at branching points, deciding which numbered section to enter next. Unlike traditional linear shooters, this design introduces a maze-like quality that requires memory, experimentation, and strategic planning. The ultimate goal is to find and destroy the station’s power generators to unlock access to the final section where the main threat resides.
Gameplay combines fast-paced shooting with light puzzle-solving, as players try to navigate the station's complex structure. The player character can fire in two directions using separate buttons for forward and backward shooting, adding a layer of tactical control. Enemies come in predictable patterns but can still be overwhelming, especially when combined with tight corridors and environmental hazards. Players can upgrade their weapons and acquire temporary invincibility or speed boosts by collecting capsules dropped by enemies.
Graphically, Section Z is modest by NES standards, featuring a dark, mechanical visual theme that reflects the hostile alien environment. The soundtrack, composed by Tamayo Kawamoto, offers a futuristic and somewhat ominous tone that complements the game’s sci-fi atmosphere. While the controls can feel stiff at times and the level design can be disorienting without a map, the game stands out for its ambition and departure from the straightforward shooter formula. Section Z is remembered as a challenging and unique NES title that blends arcade action with exploratory elements, offering depth beyond the typical run-and-gun experience.