157. Fantasy Zone (SIMS, Playstation 2, 2003)

Fantasy Zone is a classic Sega scrolling shooter from the days before sonic, and this Playstation 2 Fantasy Zone is a remake of the 1986 game with 3D graphics released as part fo the Sega Ages 2500 series of budget remakes and releases of old Sega games.

In terms of changes to the original, this is much less of a drastic remake than game #153 Hokuto no Ken. Fantasy Zone sticks very closely to the original, from the music to the graphics. Only the item shop screen and level intros give away the fact that the game is using 3D graphics, otherwise it looks almost identical to the arcade original as long as you aren't looking at them side-by-side. The music in the original Fantasy Zone really slapped, and thankfully they basically left it alone.

The one big addition to the game is the bonus stages after you beat each boss. These are very obviously 3D, and have you behind your ship dodging various scenery elements and collecting coins that the boss is dropping. Because you carry this gold over, this makes the game a bit easier than the original, which is welcome in my book. These bonus stages were kind of reminiscent of the Sonic the Hedgehog bonus levels and similarly had a great soundtrack.

There is also a challenge mode that has you playing any level on its own, and the money you earn can buy special super powerups that transfer over to the main game, as well as extra levels needed for a good ending. This is a great way of extending the game's life while also getting players familiar with each level. I don't know if I've just gotten better at shooters or this easy mode is easier than other Fantasy Zones, but this was by far the farthest I'v'e gotten and most fun I've had playing a Fantasy Zone game.

5/5, I love Fantasy Zone and this is the most accessible version I've played