Nintendo Entertainment System · Shoot 'em Up
Section Z
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1987 (originally 1985) |
| Genre | Shoot 'em Up |
| Developer | Capcom |
| Publisher | Capcom |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 3 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, Section Z is a shoot 'em up developed by Capcom. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1985.
It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man.
Capcom also made Mega Man, Mega Man 2 and Mega Man 3 for the NES.
Section Z is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Section Z is like
Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.
Tip for newcomers: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.
Section Z cheats & codes
25 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | SXOPUIVG |
|---|---|
| Start With 1 Life | PEXSIZLA |
| Start With 6 Lives | TEXSIZLA |
| Start With 9 Lives | PEXSIZLE |
| Energy Tube Gives Full Energy Boost | ZAUNUZAE |
| Auto-Firing Capability | NNNOUTSY |
Section Z walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Section Z.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Section Z FAQ
When did Section Z come out on the NES?
Section Z was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987; the original game dates back to 1985.
Who made Section Z?
It was developed by Capcom.
Is Section Z multiplayer?
No. Section Z is a single-player game.
How long does Section Z take to play?
As a shoot 'em up, Section Z typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Section Z on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.