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Time Zone FAQ/Walkthrough
For the NES/Famicom
Version 1.0 (Created 1/28/2004)
By Devin Morgan
This file is Copyright (c)2004-2006 Devin Morgan. All rights reserved.
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Table of Contents
1. What's New
2. Introduction
3. Controls
4. Overview
5. Walkthrough
6. Copyright Notice
7. Contact Information
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-= 1. What's New -=
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Version 1.0 (1/28/04): The first, complete version of this FAQ.
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-= 2. Introduction -=
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Time Zone is a rather obscure platformer for the Famicom, released in the
early 90's. It's a short and fun romp through 6 periods of time, as the hero
you control attempts to save his girlfriend from an evil time-traveling
scientist. Albeit fairly simple, it does get tricky and requires patience at
some spots, so be careful. Overall, if you want a nice quick game to get
through, this may be your pick!
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-= 3. Controls -=
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Control Pad: Move character
Start: Start/pause game
A: Jump
B: Attack with frisbee (hold while moving to run)
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-= 4. Overview -=
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===========
Clock Meter
===========
On the bottom of your screen, you'll notice a clock of sorts. Also scattered
throughout the game are bells you can collect. Each time you get a bell, the
minute hand moves around 1/8 of the face. Once you make it all the way
around, you will be fully powered and gain use of a skateboard. This will
allow you to move that much quicker, and plow through all enemies for a
period of time. Be careful, though, since in some areas you'll be better off
on foot for precision jumping, etc.
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-= 5. Walkthrough -=
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===================
World 1 - 1991 A.D.
===================
Stage 1
-------
The first level of the game, and it's a simple one. Head all the way right,
going up/down platforms and defeating the oddball enemies with your frisbee.
To reach the upper areas, bounce atop the yellow cars. You can also get a
dose of the skateboard power if you collect all the bells as you move along.
At the end, bounce on the tire enemy and jump to the rope to clear the stage
(you can do it without jumping on the enemy, but the higher you grab onto the
rope, the more points you get).
Stage 2
-------
A slight change of pace here: you are on a roller-coaster ride through this
area. The odd thing is when you jump, you stay above the platform at all
times, so you can't fall that way. You CAN fall, however, by walking off the
sides, so be careful when turning to attack! There are no bells to be had
here; concentrate simply on killing the bees directly in your path and the
rest is history.
Bonus Stage
-----------
For this "?" area, you partake in a Quiz game. The object is to count how
many RED bees fly across the screen. If you give the right answer, you will
get 3 extra lives and the game will end; guess wrongly (and you shouldn't,
given how easy this is) and you get nothing!
Stage 3
-------
This watery stage is quite reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 3 if you ask me.
Nonetheless, head to the right through the stage, dispatching the oddball
enemies you encounter. You'll see that some platforms are lower than others
(usually the blue ones); don't stand on them when they sink because if you
make any contact with the water, you lose a life. Other than that, it's a
short run to the finish.
Stage 4
-------
For the final stage of 1991, it's a horizontally-scrolling one. That pretty
much means you have to stay on your feet and not stop often. Watch for the
gray blocks that can crush you when you pass. Up ahead you'll have to jump
across a series of up/down-moving platforms, so be careful not to jump and
miss, or you'll die. Be careful of the spikes coming out of the floor in
later areas, as well as broken car shells falling into a couple piles (there
are only 2 sections of these, and only 3 shells fall, so you can easily wait
to pass these). Finally, be careful of the flames shooting out of the grill
platforms. At the end, grab the rope and you'll have to fight a boss.
There will be a blue car you have to face here. It will hop, then move across
to the other side of the room, so jump to avoid damage there. After a couple
back and forth passes, the car will jump over you, and then the cycle will
repeat. The balls it shoots at you are non-lethal; they simply knock you back
a little. Either way, 15 frisbee hits will do this boss in.
A quick scene will take place, showing the hero about to rescue the girl
(probably his girlfriend) from the evil scientist, who oddly enough looks
like Dr. Wily). He will run you over with a tire before activating/jumping
into a time portal. The hero follows, and then it's on to World 2.
===================
World 2 - 9999 B.C.
===================
Stage 1
-------
Starting off in this prehistoric world, you'll notice the enemies are now
dinosaurs rather than traffic signs and such. Anyway, it's a simple "head all
the way right" to the end stage. Just use your frisbee on the different
dinosaurs you encounter. For much of the stage, you can jump across a series
of white bone platforms to avoid dangerous segments, collecting bells in the
process. In the background, volcanoes will erupt every now and then, sending
rocks to fall in your area, so be careful. At the end, grab the rope and
that's it.
Stage 2
-------
Inside the cavern, go right and fight the flying pteranodon and stegasaurus
enemies you come across. On several of the platforms ahead, boulders will
roll down them, so jump to avoid dying from contact. Other than that, it's a
fairly simple stage consisting of jumping across a series of platforms. At
the end, jump onto the red dinosaur as a boost to jump higher onto the rope,
should you wish.
Bonus Stage
-----------
For this Quiz round, the tyranosaurus will be your host this time. You will
be asked to count how many pteranadon fly across the screen. If you get it
right, you get 3 more lives added on; miss and you get nothing.
Stage 3
-------
As you cross this lava-filled area, the platforms will be bobbing up and down
once again. There are a few more tricky jumps to maneuver this time, which
would require a good running start to make (especially the one in the start
area). At a couple points, a dinosaur sticks its long neck out from the lava;
bounce off its head to reach the high platform and continue. Be careful you
don't overjump and miss its head, because that can easily happen here.
Towards the end, you can jump across a few clouds; luckily they don't sink
when being stood upon, so be patient and you'll make it through fine.
Stage 4
-------
The final stage in the area, as you might've guessed, is another scroller.
It's fairly simple since the platforms are all the same, just at different
heights. My advice to you is to not run ahead, since alot of the enemies will
pop out from the right side, and we don't want to die so soon now. When you
get to the bone bridge segment, be careful so you don't overjump (it's not
encouraged for you to have the skateboard ability at this point, so try and
skip the bells if you can prior to it). When you make it to the rope, grab on
and the boss will come in.
The boss of this era is a big, blue pteranodon. It simply swoops toward the
middle area, then flies back up to the opposite corner of the air. After a
couple swoops, it'll spit a fireball down, which is easily avoidable. This
boss can be dispatched easily with 13 frisbee hits, don't worry about losing.
You will again confront the scientist with your girlfriend captive. He will
drop a boulder on your head before warping away once again; all you can do
for now is follow him into the future a bit (1885 to be exact).
===================
World 3 - 1885 A.D.
===================
Stage 1
-------
In this western area, you will be faced with some more natives (cacti dressed
as cowboys, indians, boots, and barrels). It shouldn't be too hard to move
through this stage, chock full of platforms and enemies. At the end, you can
jump from a high ledge to the rope, which is good, since you'll get more
points that way!
Stage 2
-------
This should be a simple run for you, across a series of moving train cars.
The screen scrolls as you'd expect from a moving stage such as this; with
that, try not to stay in an area for too long or else you could be crushed by
the screen. The trains are connected by platforms for the most part, but for
the ones that aren't, you can walk on the tracks without taking damage, so
don't worry about that aspect. Just take care of the various enemies along
the way and climb up the rope at the end to exit.
Bonus Stage
-----------
For this Indian-hosted Quiz game, you will have another counting challenge.
You must keep tabs on how many times the Indian beats his drum, then tell him
the correct number. Get it right, you get a 3-Up; get it wrong, you get
absolutely nothing!
Stage 3
-------
In this third area, you get to run through an old western town of sorts. The
enemies are all around on the ground, and atop the buildings. Simply head to
the right on the ground, then jump along the building tops, while using the
frisbee to kill anything in your path. Once you make it past all the old
buildings, jump to the rope to finish the stage.
Stage 4
-------
The last area in the west takes place on another moving train. Just like
before, keep moving and defeat the various enemies on the way. If you fall
onto the track itself in the later area, don't worry because you won't die;
just make sure you get back onto the next train so you aren't crushed. At the
end, grab the rope, and the boss battle will begin.
This battle will take place against the train engine itself. The engineer
will cause steam to shoot up, which won't damage you, so ignore that. The
engine itself will throw out some bombs every few moments. If you get too
close, it'll drop the bombs right on you, so watch out. The best plan is to
stay a fair enough distance away, then when the bombs are thrown a far
distance, come in quick to start the attack. 13 hits should be enough to do
this train in.
Following the boss, you will have another apparent chance to save your girl
from the mad scientist. This time, instead of dropping something on you, he
drops you into a hole! They will then warp away, so tag along to reach the
next destination.
===================
World 4 - 1632 A.D.
===================
Stage 1
-------
This grassy area is a different pace from what you just came from, and it's
not too hard either. Only things you really need to watch for are the pits,
so don't fall into them. There are also several bridges in the area that will
fall when jumped upon, so be quick to avoid dropping into the pits! Other
than that, be careful of the ninjas that come out of the buildings and pits
towards the end, and you'll be fine.
Stage 2
-------
Make your way across the giant bamboo pipes, then it'll be time to watch out.
Ninjas will come out of the background and drop into your area, so be on
watch to avoid getting killed without warning. There are small guys with
spears up ahead; jump over them or dispatch with the frisbee from a distance.
Later in the level, be very careful since they'll come out in short notice
above the buildings, and jump down to where you are. The best advice is to
not rush through this stage; patience will get you by this time.
Bonus Stage
-----------
In this Quiz stage, it's a challenge you may actually have to think about.
The ninja host will ask you one of several different possible Japan-related
questions. Answer it correctly to get 3 extra lives; miss and you get
nothing. Sorry I don't have a list of all the questions, being that I can't
read Japanese and all, but if someone can help me with translation, that'll
be great.
Stage 3
-------
Now, this stage might be a pain in the neck for you. You can move through
fairly easily; it's just a matter of the high amount of ninjas and such
coming out to attack you. As I said before, being patient as you progress
will help you for sure; just don't rush into anything since you don't know
what will pop up ahead. That's the best advice anyone taking in this level
could be given. If you have the skateboard ability, it will make this area
WAY easier, but that just depends on how many bells you had coming here.
Stage 4
-------
For this final stage, you are in a building of sorts. Head to the right,
being careful of the ninjas that come out of the walls. Ride the platforms
going up, then down further ahead. Also, be careful of the black balls that
can drop on your head, as well as the short spear enemies. The rest of the
level is fairly simple to get through, minus the sudden ninja appearances.
Jump up the moving paper lantern platforms, and continue right to the end. Be
careful though, since there are 2 spear guys below at the end; hop over them
and grab the rope to reach the boss.
You will go against a flying ninja/paper sort of thing. It will swoop down
across the screen, make a loop, then stop at the opposite corner before
repeating. When it's not moving, try and jump and attack with the frisbee a
few times. After you hit it 7 times, it'll land on the ground, briefly to
send out a group of ninjas to charge at you, before it goes flying once more.
Then, subsequent hits will send it to the ground to release more ninjas.
Another 5-6 hits will do it in for good.
A scene with the scientist will commence now. He will have a ninja knock you
over this time, while he and your girlfriend will escape into the future. So,
get going!
===================
World 5 - 2010 A.D.
===================
Stage 1
-------
This first sky-high stage is another of those bobbing ones, where the
platforms move up and down slowly. Besides that, the enemies aren't too
plentiful, so you shouldn't have a hard time crossing all the platforms and
getting to the end. After the section where you jump across the balloons, be
careful not to jump too high as not to get hit by the missiles in the air.
Other than that, there's nothing really to worry about in this stage.
Stage 2
-------
Starting off in this area, jump across a series of balloon platforms. The
last one with the propellers, will sink when you stand on it, so keep that in
mind for later and move quickly. Towards the middle of the area, be careful
of the missiles, since there will be plenty of them flying around aimlessly
there. Then, by the end, defeat a couple of aliens, and it'll be a clear jump
to the goal rope.
Bonus Stage
-----------
In this Quiz round, you are hosted by an alien creature. This will require
you to have paid attention to the last couple stages in this world. Anyway,
he will ask what the space shuttle drops from its cargo hold. The correct
answer is satellite (#2 answer); pick that and get yourself 3 extra lives!
Stage 3
-------
This stage is mainly comprised of moving platforms which you must jump
between to make progress. The thing is, there are tracks in the background
which sparks move along, and they can damage you if you touch them. Anyway,
make your way through the stage by jumping from platform to platform,
avoiding the sparks on the way. If you're careful, you should have no problem
making it to the end area.
Stage 4
-------
In the final stage of this futuristic world, you'll find lots of conveyor
belts to jump along. Be wary of what's above you, since bluish bolts can fall
on you; to avoid this, jump and destroy them from a distance. In the area
where there's a long conveyor belt with a low ceiling above, be cautious of
what's ahead. There are enemies that may speed down your way, and you need to
dispatch them safely/quickly. At the end, grab the rope and meet the boss.
Here, you will fight against a robotic creature. It will move along before
jumping in the air and exploding, sending all its parts flying and its head
to the ground below. This is your time to attack; stay a slight distance away
and attack many times with the frisbee. Watch out for falling parts from
above, though! Once the parts all come together again, the robot will move
along the floor before exploding at a different spot. 22 hits or so should do
this robot boss in.
Following this, you will have the confrontation scene with the scientist yet
again. He will drop you into a hole by means of a rocket, then warps away.
The hero will then jump up and warp after them to an unknown era.
==============
World 6 - ????
==============
Stage 1
-------
This world is another oddball one, sorta reminscent of Alice in Wonderland,
perhaps? Anyway, the idea is still to jump across platforms while defeating
the enemies you meet on the way. There are walls with white outlining, which
will bounce you back on contact, so be careful not to bounce down into a pit
because of it. Also, there are pinball flippers you can jump upon to help
reach upper ledges and such. Apart from that, this level shouldn't be too
hard to get through.
Stage 2
-------
For the majority of this stage, you'll be bouncing along (literally). As you
move, be careful not to jump face-on to enemies so as not to lose lives here.
In some portions, you can jump via the flippers to avoid some pits. Again,
patience will allow you to prevail in this stage, because of the high
possibility of error due to the bounciness.
Bonus Stage
-----------
In this bonus stage, you will be asked another question you must give an
answer to. The question asks about the number of ninjas that jumped out of
the boss in the previous world (6). Answer correctly and you'll get the
obligatory 3 extra lives; answer wrongly and you'll get nothing!
Stage 3
-------
For this cake-themed stage, you will be again dealing with platforms that
move up and down into the water. As you head right, be careful not to stay on
low-lying platforms, so you don't make contact with the deadly waters! You
will have to jump atop the gingerbread houses along the way, while fighting
off the horse/snail enemies coming your way. Be careful when you jump, too,
since the candles in the background WILL kill you if you touch their flames.
It's a fairly short stage I've found, so reaching the end won't be too tough.
Stage 4
-------
Another really short stage to get through here. Simply jump from ledge to
ledge as they rotate around the clocks in the background. In the middle area,
you'll have to deal with some enemies on the regular platforms, but that
won't be much of an issue either. After a couple more platform jumpings,
you'll reach the rope; jump to it and you'll meet up with the final boss.
Apparently, you are now against the evil scientist himself for a final
showdown. For the first phase of the battle, he will simply zig-zag in the
air, so jump over him when he comes in low. Every now and then, he'll cast an
odd random effect on your character, which is designated by the symbol that
floats across the screen. Once the symbol leaves, you go back to normal.
After 8-9 hits to his ship, the scientist's first ship will break and he will
get his time machine.
For the second half of the battle, the scientist will simply bounce 4 times
going across the screen to the left. Then, he'll make a long jump to the
right side and repeats. After 2 passes like this, he'll float in the middle
area and whatever date appears on the machine, he'll drop enemies from that
era into the area. They'll simply fall endlessly, so don't worry about
fighting them; just dodge them and you'll be fine. The pattern is predictable
to avoid the scientist, so attack whenever you can. After you cause enough
damage to his ship, he'll disappear for good.
The hero will now get his girlfriend back, and the game will be over.
Congrats on clearing Time Zone!
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-= 6. Copyright Notice -=
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This file is Copyright (c)2004-2006 Devin Morgan. All rights reserved. Please
view the following URL to see the list of sites that are allowed to post my
work:
http://www.freewebs.com/dbmfaqs/allowlist.html
This list is comprised of sites I know and trust well. If your site is not on
the aforementioned list, you are not currently not allowed to post any of my
files on your site. If you wish to acquire permission, feel free to email me
(see the section below); permission may or may not granted at my discretion.
Please respect my work and do not steal it or post it without my permission.
I only want my most recent work to be available and I do not feel that can be
achieved if others take from me without my knowledge or permission.
If you are writing a FAQ for this game as well, and would like to use some
information, contact me and we'll talk. Please do not rip me off, as that is
blatant plagiarism and such will not be tolerated.
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-= 7. Contact Information -=
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As of this version, the file contains all the information I know to date. If
it is a work in progress, give me time before bombarding me with emails about
things being missing. All I ask is that you READ THE FAQ before emailing me,
since that's what it's here for! Don't waste my time (and yours) by asking me
for information obviously covered in the guide. If it's in reference to a
side quest or item, chances are they can be found in another section besides
the walkthrough, so check the appendices as well.
If you have any questions, comments, or things to add that are not already in
this FAQ, feel free to email me. I usually do post submissions, credit given
of course, so long as I feel they are relevant to the game in question. My
email address is: dbmfaqs(at)gmail.com. Thanks for reading, and be sure to
check out the rest of my work at this URL:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/recognition/3579.html
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