Full Remake of Formation Z Launches Today
This is the first full remake of a Jaleco classic in years, and the collaboration with Granzella and the inclusion of an R-Type crossover vehicle signal City Connection's strategy of leveraging retro IP with modern production partners.
Reporting from 2 sources: 4Gamer.net, Game Spark.
City Connection released "FZ: Formation Z" on May 21, 2026, for Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5, with PC (Steam) and Xbox Series X|S versions following later the same day. The game is a full remake of Jaleco's 1980s transforming robot shooter "Formation Z." Co-developed by City Connection and Granzella, it retains the original's core mechanic of switching between a robot form for close combat and a fighter jet form for speed, with real-time transformation possible as long as energy allows. Players earn points in missions to unlock new vehicles and modules, which can be equipped in four slots to improve weapon performance. Body parts, colors, and decals are also customizable. Post-mission features include Score Attack Mode, War Record tracking, Enemy Data, and a Gallery. A first-print bonus for both standard and limited edition packages includes an official fan book with setting materials and original series content. The limited edition adds a 1/250 scale plastic kit of the ABX-01 Xeper 1·Innocence, a soundtrack download code, and early access to a collaboration vehicle inspired by R-Type's R-9. That DLC will be sold separately from June 4. Prices range from 4,400 yen for download versions to 14,850 yen for the Switch 2 limited edition. A 10 percent launch discount is available for the Switch 2 download version, with a similar sale planned for Steam.
The game's soundtrack features 13 tracks composed by Daisuke Matsumoto. City Connection's official shop "Claris Shop" offers a cassette tape containing the soundtrack on both A and B sides as a bonus.
The limited edition's 1/250 scale plastic kit of the ABX-01 Xeper 1·Innocence measures approximately 76mm in total length. The included collaboration vehicle "R-9Aix Extra Arrow" is inspired by the R-9 from R-Type and can use the offensive and defensive weapon "Force." The vehicle transforms into a robot.
Prices vary by platform. The Switch 2 standard package is 5,940 yen, the PS5 standard package is 4,840 yen, and the Xbox Series X|S download version is 4,450 yen (all prices include tax). The limited edition is 14,850 yen for Switch 2 and 13,750 yen for PS5.
The game launched on Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5 on May 21, with PC (Steam) and Xbox Series X|S versions following at 23:00 JST the same day.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.