Segaiden 60: Zillion II (Patreon)

Pure Stone-cold letdown: Zillion II: The Tri Formation | Segaiden 060

Another Master System sequel arrives, and once again it doesn't really live up to the standard of its predecessor. The original Zillion gave the Master System one of its most involving action games, a platform adventure inspired by Epyx's Impossible Mission but which improved on the existing gameplay template in impressive ways. Zillion II does not do that. A much simpler game, it abandons the adventure and exploration elements in favor of straightforward auto-scrolling combat and vehicular action. That said, it is one of the best-looking games ever produced for the system, so that surely counts for something. Production notes: Why watch when you can read? All 420 full-color pages of SG-1000 Works: Segaiden Vol. I are now in print at Limited Run Games (https://limitedrungames.com/collections/books). You can also grab the massive hardcover print editions of NES Works, Super NES Works, and Virtual Boy works as well. Look for NES Works Gaiden Vol. I and Master System Works Vol. I in 2024-25. Video Works is funded via Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/gamespite) — support the show and get access to every episode up to two weeks in advance of its YouTube debut! Plus, exclusive podcasts, eBooks, and more! Master System footage captured from U.S. carts running through a cart adapter on Japanese Master System hardware and MiSTer (thanks to MiSTerAddOns). Video upscaled to 4K with RetroTink 4K. RGB cables courtesy of StoneAgeGamer.com and Allie Bellrose.