Spotlight on Sunsoft — Fantasy Zone

[timewarpgamer]

Howdy, I just started a new feature, looking closely at one of my favorite developers, Sunsoft, and its NES titles. Here's part one, and if all goes well there will be six more parts:

http://timewarpgamer.com/features/sunsoft_seven_pt1.html

How do y'all feel about Sunsoft's Fantasy Zone port? What about your favorite Sunsoft titles for the NES?

[aeon]

Nice article, I always appreciate the time and effort it takes to write these.

Fantasy Zone has a special place in my heart, as it was my first introduction to the Sega Mastersystem when I was 7 (at my friend Adam's house if I remember correctly). I remember thinking "What is this weird black NES?". Fantasy Zone was also the second shmup I ever played, with the first being Lifeforce. I also remember both of those games kicking my ass when I was a child (hell, even now).

And as far as Sunsoft goes I've always loved Blaster Master, although I recently picked up Super Spy Hunter on a whim and have been enjoying that as well.

[d123456]

I take it you are all aware of this ps2 collection, right!
http://www.smspower.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11207

[timewarpgamer]

Nice article, I always appreciate the time and effort it takes to write these.

Fantasy Zone has a special place in my heart, as it was my first introduction to the Sega Mastersystem when I was 7 (at my friend Adam's house if I remember correctly). I remember thinking "What is this weird black NES?". Fantasy Zone was also the second shmup I ever played, with the first being Lifeforce. I also remember both of those games kicking my ass when I was a child (hell, even now).

And as far as Sunsoft goes I've always loved Blaster Master, although I recently picked up Super Spy Hunter on a whim and have been enjoying that as well.

Thanks for writing, aeon. Blaster Master will most definitely make an appearance in this feature. Hells yeah!

[timewarpgamer]

I take it you are all aware of this ps2 collection, right!
http://www.smspower.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11207

Doh! I'd heard of it, but forgot. Just updated the page. Thanks for the reminder!

[alienjesus]

Well, I guess that didn't matter, because the Famicom port was way better (even rivaling the PC Engine version). Yes, the Sega Master System provides brighter colors and greater contrast, but the benefits end there.

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. Not only do I think the master system version one was much prettier than the NES version, I also think it played the better than the turbografx and arcade games. I haven't played the NES version, but owning the SMS and TG16 version and playing the arcade version on the 360, I can safely say that I think our of those versions the SMS one wins out. It plays quickly, smoothly, the graphics are lovely despit ebeing on a weaker system and the screen scrolls pretty perfectly - which was a major issue for me in the arcade and TG16 ports. It seemed like it took ages for the screen to catch up with you when you turned around, and it meant I crashed into enemies i couldn't see way more than I liked.

However, the NES port does look well done. I personally think the music sounds better on SMS - the bright, high noises are one thing the SMS sound chip did well. I also dont like the colour palette on the NES (in general really, everything often looked really faded). Still, for the limitations, It is a pretty impressive port.

I'm trying to think what the other 6 games will be. Blaster Master, Journey to Silius, ufouria, mr. gimmick and batman perhaps? No idea beyond that.

[lisalover1]

I'm DEFINITELY going to have to disagree with you, like I normally seem to do. The SMS port of Fantasy Zone, in my opinion, was way better than the Famicom version. Better controls, gameplay, brighter, more vibrant graphics, and I actually like the SMS soundtrack much more. Overall, everything about the Famicom version just seems very dull compared to the Master System port.

[timewarpgamer]

Haha, first time I've ever compare ports directly, and I'm already finding myself in hot water. I'm in the middle of a West Coast vacation right now, but when I get home I'll have to put in some more play sessions with the Master System version, and I may end up toning back my praise of the Famicom version, accordingly. Thanks for all the constructive criticism.

[flamepanther]

How do y'all feel about Sunsoft's Fantasy Zone port?

It's way better than Tengen's port of it. Honestly pretty hard to find any fault with it.