8Bit/Digi

A Classic Arcade Game is Reborn

I’m a simple man; if a game reminds me of a series I like, it gets my attention right away, especially if that series got its own game adaptation once upon a time. Even though FZ: Formation Z is a remake of an arcade classic, it got my attention because of how similar it looked to the Macross/Robotech series. Why? Because I was not familiar with the series, and the only Macross/Robotech games released in North America are Robotech: Battlecry and Macross -Shooting Insight-. So it should not be a surprise that FZ: Formation Z will get my attention easily.

FZ: Formation Z is a remake of the classic arcade game by Jaleco that was released in 1984. This remake gives a new generation of fans, plus gamers who missed out back in the day, the chance to experience it for the first time.

Take to the Skies

Players take on the role of a pilot tasked with saving humanity from an alien invasion using the Ixpel, a weapon that can switch between a bipedal mech and a fighter jet. There is not much to the story, and that is okay, as this is a remake of a classic arcade game. This might come as a shock given how story rich the mecha genre is. Or, as a mecha fan, that I am okay with the lack of story. But this is a game trying to recreate an arcade experience, and so I understand that the concept of a story will take a backseat to the gameplay.

Ace Pilot of Legends

FZ: Formation Z is a fast paced, side-scrolling shooter with modern controls and visual design. Gameplay has you piloting the Ixpel into combat with the option of switching between the mech and the fighter jet. Each mode allows for a unique experience and pathway while also having its share of challenges. Playing as the mech limits you in some areas while making you vulnerable to air attacks. However, you are more agile on the ground and can easily avoid ground foes. While the fighter gives you an edge in battle, it is limited by its fuel that depletes the longer you are airborne.

Each stage has you blasting your way through an army of foes while the path will be determined by the mode your Ixpel is in. Expect to die multiple times before having a good idea of your enemy and developing the right strategy. At the end of each level, players will battle the boss. Each boss will present its own challenges that will test the player’s skill and make them think fast.

Outside of the main game, there is a plethora of choices that add to the overall experience. Players can customize the Ixpel with their own personal flair or better weapons that can be collected by playing the main game. There is also the chance to replay stages through Score Attack Mode.

Guardian of Space

Since I have not played the original game, I went into FZ: Formation Z simply because it reminds me of Robotech: Battlecry. I was right to go in with this mindset because it was exactly what I was expecting, only as an arcade game. The combat is fast-paced and challenging as you fly or run your way through a variety of familiar worlds as you battle a variety of enemy forces. It has all the hallmarks of a classic sci-fi arcade game along with the feeling of a mecha title from the ’80s that is not Gundam. The difference is that it is a modern game but one that has not forgotten its roots.

That last part is key, as the game really digs into its ’80s roots but with modern updates. Visually, it is stunning and colorful, just like an arcade title. The soundtrack also knows how to set the mood with its ’80s-inspired beat but using modern sound systems.

For fans of the Macross series, it will spark their interest given how similar the gameplay is to Macross -Shooting Insight-.

Shadow on the Moon

FZ: Formation Z‘s first major issue from the start is how Unreal Engine 5 was implemented. Once again, it is a game that looks like it was built with the default settings left largely intact, resulting in environments that appear noisy, with excessive bloom, overused film grain, and heavy motion blur. The end result is a presentation that can feel visually off-putting at times, with certain areas becoming distracting due to noticeable TAA smearing. Unfortunately, that is not the worst issue.

Switching between a mech and a fighter is the cornerstone of the gameplay, but its implementation was poorly done. The switch from mech to jet is not quick and easy but time consuming, as you need to hold down the jump button. This creates a variety of issues, starting with confusion at the start and, after that, a need to properly time it or you end up crashing into another flying object. This aspect is not new and untested either. Robotech: Battlecry did it perfectly back in 2002, as all you had to do was tap the D-pad and the switch happens.

Finally, there is no save and quit for the main campaign. Instead, you will have to start a new game and try to finish it in one playthrough just to unlock all the other stages. There are checkpoints that allow you to respawn after you die, but if you want to play another time, you will need to start over if you have not finished the main campaign.

Most of these shortcomings do hold back what could have been a great game. But should you skip FZ: Formation Z? Fans of the original and mecha gamers will still enjoy the experience to some degree.

Prepare to Dock

FZ: Formation Z attempts to recreate a classic arcade experience with modern hardware and improved gameplay. It succeeded at creating a stellar mecha experience that is rich in replay value and ideal for Macross fans. However, its shortcomings hold it back from being an overall solid game, and it did not need to be this way. If a player is willing to forgive these issues, they will overall have a good time.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt, then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is a news outlet that provides insight for the Bay Area Gamer.