I'm seriously thinking about double dipping on Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2 (otherwise known as Sega 3D Classics Collection)

If you're asking yourself: what does he mean, "double dipping"? What I mean is that I already own a copy of Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2 (and the first Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives title, too, it has to be said), and despite that fact, I'm still considering buying the localized version of the sequel when it's released here on April 26.

Speaking of which, when Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2 hits North American store shelves (as well as this region's 3DS eShop) this spring, it'll do so with a slightly different name. That name: Sega 3D Classics Collection.

As was the case with Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2, Sega 3D Classics Collection will contain a slew of well-loved games from Sega's extensive back catalog. Among them: Altered Beast, Fantasy Zone II (Master System iteration), Fantasy Zone II W, Galaxy Force II, Maze Walker (another old Master System title), Power Drift, Puyo Puyo 2, Sonic the Hedgehog and Thunder Blade.



Oh, and all of this retro wonderfulness can be yours for a measly $29.99.

So why am I just "thinking" about buying the Sega 3D Classics Collection at the moment--you know, as opposed to feeling certain I'll buy it? Well, like I revealed in this post's opening lines, I already own a copy of its Japanese counterpart. On top of that, I've yet to even stick that game's cartridge into my import 3DS LL.

Because of that, I'll continue to ponder the situation until I'm forced to make a decision one way or the other.

In the meantime, how did all of you react to the revelation that at least one of the Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives titles will soon be made available to owners of North American 3DS systems? Are you going to add Sega 3D Classics Collection to your, er, collection at some point down the road, or are you planning to give it a pass?

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)

Feast your eyes on two minutes and 42 seconds of Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2 footage

Two posts in a row devoted to the second Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives title that's being prepped for the Japanese 3DS?

What can I say, I'm jazzed about this classics-laden compilation that'll hit store shelves in that region right around Christmas.

I'm even more jazzed about it now that I've watched the following trailer, which was added to Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2's official website yesterday.



Power Drift and the Master System version of Fantasy Zone II have me feeling especially excited about this collection, although I'm also oddly intrigued by Puyo Puyo 2.

After all, I can't quite picture how the latter game is going to make use of the 3DS' 3D capabilities. My guess is that it'll place the puyo blobs on a plane that appears closer to the player's eyes while the backdrops will recede into the distance.

How about you? Are you itching to play any of the three-dimensional updates that are set to be featured Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 2?

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

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.)