Section-Z

Famicom Disk System

Famicom Disk System

Alien Invaders approach the solar system from their interstellar battle platform, named Fortress Balangool. Under the command of the Master Control, named L-Brain, the Invaders defeat Earth's space forces. Only one hero, Captain Commando remains to defeat the alien armada by entering Balangool an...

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Developer
Capcom

Released on
1987

Size
1 Player

Version
Famicom Disk System

Requirements
Nintendo Famicom Disk System

Downloads
Shooter

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

Alien Invaders approach the solar system from their interstellar battle platform, named Fortress Balangool. Under the command of the Master Control, named L-Brain, the Invaders defeat Earth’s space forces. Only one hero, Captain Commando remains to defeat the alien armada by entering Balangool and fighting through the various sections until reaching Section-Z.

Section-Z is a side-scrolling shooter where the player must travel through the maze that is Balangool. Typically this consists of traveling through a scrolling corridor and reaching the end where a new direction must be chosen. Captain Commando’s abilities are shooting directly left or directly right while moving around the screen. Power-ups can be collected by defeated enemies and include; improved lasers, a 3-way cannon and shield, these can be stored until needed. There are also SMS (Special Transmission Shell) power-ups, which require energy to use Energy units, are used to absorb enemy fire. Loss of all energy or running into an enemy or a wall causes death.

Certain sections of Balangool are blocked until a generator can be found and destroyed. There are four different boss creatures that must be defeated when encountered.

Differences between the NES and FDS are that in the FDS version you can save your game in three slots and begin again from where you left off.

Section-Z

Overview & History

Released by Capcom in 1987, Section-Z made its debut on the Famicom Disk System before migrating to the North American NES. Distinct from standard run-and-gun platformers, this sci-fi epic places players in the boots of an unnamed commando tasked with infiltrating the L-Brain, a massive organic space fortress controlled by the sinister Balzaak empire. The Famicom Disk System version notably utilized the hardware's floppy disk format to offer seamless mid-game progression updates and a distinctly synthesized soundtrack that predated the cartridge port's audio limitations. The narrative unfolds across a labyrinthine grid of interconnected sectors, requiring players to systematically destroy energy gates and eradicate alien machinery to reach the ultimate confrontation.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike traditional side-scrolling shooters, Section-Z allows the protagonist to maneuver in 360-degree directions using a fixed-screen grid system, transitioning dynamically between horizontal corridors and vertical shafts. The character is armed with dual plasma cannons mounted on his shoulders, enabling simultaneous forward and backward firing arcs to fend off relentless waves of insectoid and mechanical monstrosities. A defining mechanic is the collection of 'P' (Power) capsules dropped by destroyed enemies. These serve as currency within subterranean outposts, where players can trade them at supply terminals for vital weapon upgrades, such as the 3-Way Spread, the devastating Fireball, or the protective Barrier shield. Navigating the fortress requires acute spatial awareness, as the game frequently loops players through branching pathways unless specific navigation codes hidden within the sector terminals are deciphered.