Super Fantasy Zone

• Illustration — Gameplay of Super Fantasy Zone. Critics praised the visuals for their wide color palette. Super Fantasy Zone received generally positive reception for its Mega Drive release from contemporary reviewers. Power Play staff recommended that people who enjoy cuter games would enjoy it, praising its music and graphics, as well as the gameplay, which they identified as being challenging for beginners and professionals alike. Multiple reviewers for Sega Force magazine reviewed it positively, both considering it a good shoot 'em up while noting its visuals as quality. Sega Pro staff felt it was enjoyable "for a few hours," though players may grow "weary" of it. MEGA Force Magazine staff speculated that the designers must have enjoyed making the visuals and premise of the levels, overall enjoying the game. Despite the positive reception, some critics were less enthused. Writer Kirk Rutter felt that it was "nicely put together," stating that while he thought shoot 'em ups "should be basic," Super Fantasy Zone suffered from both a "lack of ideas" and substance. He also felt that it was a better fit for Mega Drive newcomers. Joypad Magazine writer J'm DESTROY felt that, despite its appearance, Super Fantasy Zone was a good shooter, praising the ability to scroll both left and right for giving the game more variety. However, fellow Joypad Magazine writer O.Prezeau felt it was boring, feeling that the goal in each level is too similar to one another. MegaTech writers Paul and Mark felt lukewarm about the game, with Mark feeling let down due to its initial promise. He felt that younger players would find it lacking, commenting that both its visual style and gameplay are "laid back." Paul, meanwhile, felt it was a standard Mega Drive shoot 'em up experience, though also that Fantasy Zone fans would enjoy it. Later online reviews were positive towards the game. Hardcore Gaming 101 writer Kurt Kalata felt that Super Fantasy Zone was the first sequel to the original Fantasy Zone arcade game that "not only matches, but surpasses its predecessor in aesthetics, with gorgeous graphics and an insanely catchy soundtrack." He noted how its visuals defy the Mega Drive's limited color palette, and the music was among the best on the platform. He also commented that, despite being challenging, the game was not frustrating, owing this to being designed as a home console game instead of an arcade game. Writer Ken Horowitz begrudged that Super Fantasy Zone never came to the US, especially when considering poor-quality Mega Drive games that released there. He noted that the challenge ramps up significantly when fighting a boss, and appreciated the simple controls. He recommended it, though noted that "diehard fans" of shoot 'em ups might find the pace a little slow before they adjust. Cubed3 writer David Kelly felt that it was simple even by comparison to its contemporaries, praising it for being "highly entertaining" and giving commendation for making a faithful sequel despite being a different developer. Game designer Ste Wilson identified Super Fantasy Zone as a favorite game of his childhood, stating that it, along with Fantasy Zone, inspired how his game, Super Mega Space Blaster, handled bosses. IGN writer Levi Buchanan enjoyed the game, noting that it would likely only be appealing to fans of the series. He praised it for its gameplay, controls, music, and visuals, hoping to see it released on the Wii's Virtual Console. The Virtual Console release was similarly well received. IGN writer Lucas M. Thomas agreed with Levi's assessment, echoing similar praise, though suggesting that players new to the series may want to try the original Fantasy Zone first. Official Nintendo Magazine staff felt that it was a good value for the quality behind it, though noting that players may get frustrated while playing. NintendoLife writer Corbie Dillard, in his review of the Virtual Console re-release, felt it was a good Virtual Console release, noting that while its difficulty may prove too frustrating for some players, people who are into "highly difficult" games like this would have fun. Eurogamer writer Dan Whitehead appreciated how Super Fantasy Zone contrasted with the Wii's typically "deadly serious shooters" on the Virtual Console, He felt that it was not among the greatest of the genre, but still enjoyed it. Nintendo Power writer Steve T. recommended it, stating it was an improvement over the Master System release of Fantasy Zone in terms of presentation, stating that its "surreal charm" helps it stand out from other shooters. Staff for the Venezuelan Club Nintendo magazine, in a review of Super Fantasy Zone, compared its visual style to the Kirby series, suggesting it did not require much skill to play, making it more accessible.