The Nintendo FDS is a fascinating piece of gaming history, particularly when it comes to the unique and exotic titles that were released for this console. One such game that stands out among the rest is the Shanghai II prototype, which was never officially released outside of Japan. In this article, we'll delve into the world of the Nintendo FDS Shanghai II (Japan) (Proto) (Scorpion Layout), exploring its history, gameplay, and more.

Introduction

Released in 1989, the Nintendo FDS is a CD-ROM add-on for the Famicom Disk System, a Japanese console that was popular among gamers in Japan during the late 1980s. The FDS was designed to compete with other CD-ROM players on the market at the time, and it offered an impressive library of games that showcased its capabilities.

One game that is particularly interesting is the Shanghai II prototype, which was never officially released outside of Japan. This title is notable for several reasons, including its unique gameplay mechanics and its association with the Scorpion Layout, a coding system used by Nintendo to develop certain games.

History

The Shanghai series is based on the popular arcade game of the same name, which was released in 1986 by Namco. The Famicom Disk System version of Shanghai II was developed by an internal team at Nintendo, who aimed to create a game that would showcase the capabilities of the console.

Unfortunately, the prototype of Shanghai II never made it beyond the development stage and was eventually scrapped. Despite this, some developers managed to obtain copies of the game and release their own modified versions, often with significant changes to gameplay mechanics.

Scorpion Layout

The Scorpion Layout is a coding system used by Nintendo to develop certain games for the FDS. This system was designed to simplify the development process, allowing developers to create games more quickly and efficiently.

One notable example of this system is Shanghai II, which made extensive use of the Scorpion Layout. The game's title screen, menu systems, and even its level design all make use of this coding system.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Shanghai II is simple yet addictive. Players take on the role of a protagonist who must navigate through increasingly difficult levels to reach the final goal: a treasure chest containing a valuable gemstone.

As players progress through the game, they'll encounter various obstacles and challenges, including enemies, traps, and puzzles that require careful observation and problem-solving skills.

The gameplay is straightforward but challenging, with each level presenting new difficulties and opportunities for improvement. The Shanghai series was known for its addictive gameplay, and this prototype is no exception.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Shanghai II are typical of the FDS era, with blocky, 2D sprites that populate the screen. However, despite these limitations, the game's visuals are surprisingly charming and add to its overall appeal.

The sound design in Shanghai II is also noteworthy, featuring catchy theme music and sound effects that complement the gameplay perfectly. The use of CD-quality audio helped to elevate the experience, making it feel more immersive than other FDS titles.

Age Rating

As a result of its mature themes, Shanghai II is rated M for Mature by the Japanese rating board. This means that players aged 15 or older are recommended to play this game, as it contains content that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

In terms of Western region ratings, there isn't an official age rating available for the Nintendo FDS version of Shanghai II (proto) since it has never been officially released in those regions.