Fantasy Zone 2
What is Fantasy Zone 2?
Fantasy Zone 2 is a side-scrolling shooter that came to the MSX 2 as a port of the 1987 Sega Master System original. Released in Japan for the MSX 2, it was developed and published by Sega. The game carries over the colorful, surreal aesthetic of the first Fantasy Zone, with a soundtrack that fits the arcade-like action.
You take control of Opa-Opa, a sentient spaceship with a cheerful expression. The gameplay involves flying to the right through maze-like levels, shooting waves of enemy ships and ground turrets. Defeated enemies drop coins, which you can spend at shops hidden in the stages. In these shops you can buy upgrades for your weapons, speed, and defenses - a feature that sets this series apart from simpler shooters of the time. Each level ends with a boss fight that tests your upgraded arsenal.
For fans of retro shooters, this MSX 2 version is a solid way to experience one of Sega's more quirky franchises. The visuals make good use of the MSX 2's improved color palette, and the shop system adds a strategic layer. It's not as well-known as some other MSX 2 shooters, but if you enjoyed the original Fantasy Zone or games like Aleste, this one is worth checking out.
How to Play Fantasy Zone 2 Online
When you start Fantasy Zone 2 on the MSX 2, you'll be greeted by a title screen in Japanese. Press Enter or Space to proceed. The game begins with a brief introduction - you can skip by pressing buttons. Once in the first stage, immediately start moving right to avoid the first waves. The core loop is simple: destroy enemies, collect coins, and find the shop. Coins appear as floating bags or from enemies. To enter a shop, fly into the doorway that appears periodically.
Your ship has a default shot that can be upgraded by buying items. The most important purchase is speed increase - your default movement is slow. Later weapons like spread shots or missiles clear enemies faster. Save coins for boss fights, as some bosses require heavy firepower. If you die, you lose your upgrades, so try to retain them by staying alive.
If you see a flashing arrow or door, that's likely a shop. Approach and press the action button (X) to enter. The menu for buying is in Japanese, but the icons are clear. Buy items by selecting them - you'll see coins subtracted. Some shops offer one-time upgrades, others sell extra lives or shields. Experiment to see what works best.
Fantasy Zone 2 Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: Trigger 1
- S: Trigger 2
- Enter: Start
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