Formation Z

Formation Z
Boxart of MSX version
Developer(s)	Jaleco
Publisher(s)	Jaleco
Platforms	Arcade, MSX, Famicom, Virtual Console
Release date(s)	Arcade 1984 MSX Famicom Virtual Console
Genre(s)	Shoot 'em up
Mode(s)	Single-player
Cabinet	Upright
CPU	M6809 clocked at 1.25MHz
Sound	M6809 sound chip clocked at 0.625MHz, 2x AY-3-8910A clocked at 1.25MHz and 0.625MHz respectively
Display	Raster, 248x224, horizontal orientation

Formation Z (フォーメーションZ, Fōmēshon Z) is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up video game initially released in arcades in 1984 by Jaleco. The arcade release was distributed by Williams and known as Aeroboto outside of Japan. It was later ported to the MSX and to the Famicom, the latter being included as part of Jaleco Collection Vol. 1 for the PlayStation. More recently the Famicom version of the game was made downloadable via the Wii's Virtual Console download service in Japan.

Gameplay

Taking place in the year 2701, the player controls a robot which can transform into an aero fighter on a mission to stop an alien super weapon from reaching the Earth. The robot may move forwards, backwards and jump, and the aero fighter may travel anywhere on screen but has limited fuel in which to do so. A combination of the two must be used to avoid obstacles, as well as to destroy any on-screen enemies for extra points.