Fantasy Zone/Walkthrough

Progression
Fantasy Zone is played linearly through eight levels. With the exception of the scenery and the boss fight at the end, there is very little to distinguish the first seven levels from one another. Each levels takes place in a world that scrolls to the left and right, and loops around on itself. 10 bases are strewn about the level in predetermined locations. These bases produce enemies that fight Opa-Opa, alongside other enemies that simply appear while flying about. Enemies have a tendency to shoot at Opa-Opa, and that tendency increases from one level to the next. In order to clear each stage, Opa-Opa must defeat all ten bases, and then battle against the level boss. The only level which differs from this description is the last level, in which Opa-Opa must defeat all of the level bosses again before facing the final boss of the game.

Combat
In order to defeat the enemy, Opa-Opa must use all of his combat skills. While you can purchase weapons that will temporarily increase your fire power, you should learn how to fight with just the Twin Shot and Twin Bombs as effectively as possible. Learn how your momentum effects the path that the Twin Bombs follow as they fall to the ground. While Opa-Opa can slow himself down, he can never truly stop and hold still unless he is standing on the ground. Even at his slowest, he will still scroll through the level. In order to destroy a bases as quickly as possible, it is best concentrate as much fire power on it as you can before moving on to the next one. Always be mindful of enemies (or bullets) that may be approaching Opa-Opa from the opposite side of the base, and be prepared to make a quick getaway if need be.

It is important to understand how the screen scrolls while flying through the stage. If the screen is not moving, Opa-Opa can move approximately three quarters of the screen in either direction before the screen starts moving again. Once the screen begins to scroll, Opa-Opa will move backwards relative to the scroll direction until he is on the opposite side of the screen. If he changes direction while the screen is scrolling, the scroll will reverse when he is three quarters of the way over again.

Shopping
Part of the strategy behind Fantasy Zone is the collection of coins and the purchasing of equipment. In general, you should attempt to collect coins throughout the level whenever it is safe to do so, but never risk Opa-Opa's life just to collect a few coins. The fact is, a defeated boss will present you with more coins than you would ordinarily have the chance to collect throughout the level. When bosses are destroyed, they crumble into a shower of coins, but you are only given a limited amount of time to collect them.

The first time the shop appears, you should ensure that you purchase Big Wings and Twin Bombs at the very least. Everything else is discretionary. While weapons like the Laser Beam, the 7 Way Shot, and the Heavy Bomb can be extremely helpful in clearing stages, you should not rely upon them due to their temporary nature, and the effects of inflation on the price. Get comfortable taking out as many enemies and bases with your regular Twin Shots, and the upgraded Twin Bombs. If you do this, you will be able to save up substantial amounts of money in order to purchase weapons during the later stages when you will truly need them instead of early on.

Weapons
When you do decide to spend your money in the later levels, focus on weapons which will enable you to clear the levels rather quickly in order to get the most bang for your buck. Weapons like the Laser Beam and the 7 Way Shot (at close range) can be used to destroy bases in very little time. The Fire Bomb and the Heavy Bomb can also be used to destroy bases quickly. However, the Heavy Bomb is also especially useful against bosses. It can actually defeat a number of them with only one hit. Therefore, it's not only useful to save up enough money to purchase Heavy Bombs for the sake of beating the bosses that are particularly vulnerable to the Heavy Bombs, but also to purchase them for the final level where you'll have to fight all of the bosses in a row. Realize, however, that if you are stocking Heavy Bombs, you will be unable to fire your regular bombs unless you intentionally change the selection when you leave the shop.