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:

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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.