There is something immediately appealing about the way FZ: Formation Z approaches its revival of a largely forgotten arcade shooter. Originally released by Jaleco in the mid-eighties, the game returns through developer Granzella Inc. with a remake that feels determined to preserve the identity of the original while also modernising nearly every aspect surrounding it. The core hook remains intact: transforming freely between a humanoid mech and a jet fighter while navigating side-scrolling stages filled with enemy formations, environmental hazards and screen-filling bosses. It is a simple concept on paper, but one that still feels surprisingly fresh thanks to the way the game constantly asks players to think vertically as well as horizontally.
The transformation mechanic is easily the game’s defining strength. Swapping between robot and flight forms is seamless and genuinely meaningful, with both forms serving clear gameplay purposes rather than existing as cosmetic novelties. Staying grounded allows for melee attacks and more deliberate combat, while taking to the skies opens up mobility and access to elevated routes throughout each stage. Managing the limited flight energy introduces a steady layer of tension, especially during more chaotic encounters where mistiming a transformation can quickly leave players exposed. The result is a shooter that feels far more dynamic than many of its retro-inspired contemporaries, even if the fundamentals remain firmly rooted in old-school arcade design.
That arcade heritage, however, also brings some frustrations with it. FZ: Formation Z can be brutally unforgiving, leaning heavily into trial-and-error progression and punishing checkpoint placement. One mistake is often enough to undo several minutes of progress, and certain enemy formations feel designed specifically to catch players off guard during their first few attempts. The difficulty spikes can occasionally cross the line from satisfying to exhausting, particularly in later missions where screen clutter intensifies and environmental navigation becomes more demanding. There is satisfaction to be found in eventually mastering these sequences, but the game does sometimes mistake repetition for challenge.
The structure of the campaign also produces mixed results. While there are only five core stages, each mission is expansive and layered with alternate routes, vertical traversal opportunities and varied combat scenarios. Some sections even break away from traditional shooting mechanics entirely through docking challenges and transitional mini-games that help diversify the pacing. At the same time, the stages occasionally overstay their welcome, with prolonged stretches of similar enemy encounters causing momentum to dip before the next major set piece or boss fight arrives. The overall sense of variety remains strong, but tighter design could have elevated the experience considerably.
Visually, the remake does an admirable job of updating an obscure arcade property without stripping away its retro identity. The environments are colourful and lively, explosions carry satisfying impact, and the mechanised enemy designs fit naturally within the game’s distinctly eighties-inspired sci-fi aesthetic. Some textures and environmental details can look a little simplistic up close, but the fluid animation and fast-moving action largely compensate for those shortcomings. The soundtrack deserves particular praise as well, delivering energetic synth-heavy tracks that maintain the intensity throughout even the game’s more punishing encounters. Combined with the constant flashes of weapons fire and transformation effects, it creates an audiovisual presentation that feels consistently engaging.
Outside of the main campaign, Granzella has included a respectable amount of supplementary content. Credits earned through repeated runs can be invested into weapon upgrades, additional ships and cosmetic customisation options, giving players tangible rewards for persevering through difficult sections. Score attack modes, galleries, enemy databases and unlockable extras further reinforce the game’s arcade replayability. These systems do not fundamentally soften the difficulty, but they do provide a stronger sense of long-term progression than many classic arcade shooters traditionally offered.
FZ: Formation Z ultimately succeeds because its central mechanic is strong enough to carry the rougher edges surrounding it. The freedom to shift between mech and fighter forms gives the action a unique rhythm, and the layered stage design frequently rewards experimentation and persistence. At the same time, the punishing checkpoint system, uneven pacing and occasionally excessive difficulty may limit its appeal outside of dedicated shooter enthusiasts. For players willing to embrace its uncompromising arcade sensibilities, however, this revival proves that Formation Z still has plenty of fight left in it decades after its original debut.
Score: 7.4/10