One more reason to buy Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2 if you own a Japanese 3DS (hint: it involves Fantasy Zone)

OK, so you'll need more than a Japanese 3DS system and a copy of Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2 to take advantage of the "reason" mentioned in the header above.

Specifically, you'll need to own a copy of the first Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives, too.

Why? Because people who own--and have played, for at least a second or two--both Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 3DS games will gain access to the Sega Mark III (aka Master System) version of Fantasy Zone that's been updated with FM sound.



If that last bit means nothing to you, read this post on segaretro.org. Also, watch the video above to see (and hear) this iteration of the original Fantasy Zone in action.

So, with that, now features 10 old Sega games, including Altered Beast, Fantasy Zone (Sega Mark III port), Fantasy Zone 2 (Sega Mark III), Fantasy Zone 2 DX, Galaxy Force II, Maze Walker (Sega Mark III), Power Drift, Puyo Puyo Tsu, Sonic the Hedgehog and Thunder Blade.

You've got a few options if you want to play this version of Sega's pastel-tinged shmup, by the way. If you already own the first Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives, you can simply buy the second compilation, which is due out on Dec. 23. And if you don't own either title, you can pick up the "double pack" that will be released on the same day.

(Via famitsu.com and neogaf.com)

Raise your hand if you, too, are stoked that Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2 is being prepped for 3DS

If you heard something that sounded like a squeal of delight yesterday, it probably came from me.

Even if it what you heard wasn't me, I can guarantee you I made a whole slew of "happy noises" upon hearing that a second Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives is in the works (and will hit Japanese store shelves on Dec. 23).

Granted, I've yet to even stick my copy of the first Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives compilation, which was released in the Land of the Rising Sun late last year, into my import 3DS LL system, but that doesn't mean I can't be stoked about its sequel.

Actually, I'd be frothing-at-the-mouth excited about Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2 even if I didn't own the original Fukkoku Archives thanks to its meaty lineup of games: Altered Beast, Fantasy Zone II DX, Galaxy Force II, Power Drift, Puyo Puyo 2, Sonic the Hedgehog and Thunder Blade.



As of now, the "3D Classics" versions of Power Drift and Puyo Puyo 2 included here will be exclusive to this offering--although I have to imagine they'll receive a broader eShop release at some point down the road.

Also exclusive to Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2: three-dimensional updates of two old Master System (or Sega Mark III, if that's how you roll) titles, Fantasy Zone II and Maze Walker.

Initially I was a bit disappointed to learn that this second collection won't include the just-out 3D Gunstar Heroes, but then it hit me that its MIA status probably means a Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 3 is more likely than not.

If you'd like to check out a few screenshots of the Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2 versions of Power Drift and Puyo Puyo 2, by the way, head on over to japanese3ds.com.

Update: amiami is now taking pre-orders for Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2. The price is 4,220 yen, which equals about $35. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, yes, I've already put myself down for a copy.)

I just pre-ordered a copy of The Legend of Legacy (3DS), which means a North American localization should be announced any day now

Actually, I pre-ordered a number of 3DS games--Japanese and otherwise--in the last week or so, with two of the "otherwise" games being Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.

Getting back to The Legend of Legacy, though--as I've said before, this Japan-only (for the moment, at least) 3DS RPG is being developed for FuRyu by a bunch of the same people who worked on Square Enix's now-defunct SaGa series back in the day.

That, along with the game's interesting art style and unique pop-up-book world, was enough to push me to pre-order a copy (it's supposed to hit Japanese store shelves on Jan. 22) via amiami.com recently, despite the fact that I'm sure to flounder horribly while attempting to play through it.

While I was pre-ordering The Legend of Legacy, I also pre-ordered a copy of Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives, which combines six of the Sega 3D Classics eShop titles that have been released in that region so far (Fantasy Zone, Ecco the Dolphin, Out Run, Shinobi III, Space Harrier and Streets of Rage) as well as two bonus games--updated versions of Sega Master System's (or Sega Mark III's) Out Run 3D and Space Harrier 3D titles.

This budget-priced compilation is set to hit the streets (again, in Japan only--at least for now) on Dec. 18.

Considering Nintendo announced its intentions to publish Level-5's Fantasy Life in the West shortly after I picked up a Japanese copy of that game, I'm hoping these recent pre-orders of mine will prompt similar announcements regarding The Legend of Legacy's and Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives' overseas prospects.