"DARIUS" series of games by TAITO

DC906270 · Post by **DC906270** » Mon May 23, 2005 8:15 pm

Hi, i am interested in the Darius series of games by Taito, and am wondering if any of you can list the full series released across all platforms, including arcade? Am interested in multiple versions of the 'same' game across different platforms - see below. Also, can anyone clear up for me whether "Darius Plus" on the PC Engine is a port of the first Darius arcade game? Why is it called "Plus"?? Also, what is the "Super Darius" game for PCE CD like? Is it a Super CD??

The ones i know about are:

Darius 2 (MD)
Super Darius 2 (PCE SCD)
Darius 2 (Saturn)
Darius Alpha (PCE)
Darius Twin (SFC)
Darius Force (SFC)
Darius Gaiden (Saturn)

Any others worth playing/purchasing?

jpolz · Post by **jpolz** » Mon May 23, 2005 8:34 pm

ummmm......G Darius? Maybe?

The Bullet Dodger · Post by **The Bullet Dodger** » Mon May 23, 2005 8:35 pm

G. Darius for the PSX is a must have.

DC906270 · Post by **DC906270** » Mon May 23, 2005 8:35 pm

is this on any particular console, or arcade?

alpha5099 · Post by **alpha5099** » Mon May 23, 2005 10:06 pm

DC906270 wrote:is this on any particular console, or arcade?

Arcade and PSX.

What about just plain, regular old original Darius?

Dartagnan1083 · Post by **Dartagnan1083** » Mon May 23, 2005 11:12 pm

Here is everything you need to know...as well as summarized consensus on just about every game in the series.

http://www.classicgaming.com/reviews/darius/darius.htm

alpha5099 · Post by **alpha5099** » Tue May 24, 2005 2:31 am

Dartagnan1083 wrote:Here is everything you need to know...as well as summarized consensus on just about every game in the series.

http://www.classicgaming.com/reviews/darius/darius.htm

Ah, Hardcore Gaming 101, what a great resource.

And damn does the US G. Darius cover suck. The Japanese one is pretty nice.

theevilfunkster · Post by **theevilfunkster** » Tue May 24, 2005 1:29 pm

The JPN Saturn version of Darius Gaiden arrived in the post this morning. So far I'm very impressed. The graphics are ace, especially the bosses and the trippy backgrounds. And the smart bomb is freakin sweet! It's pretty damn hard though, I got most of the way thorough it on easy on my first few goes but on any harder settings i get raped.

Darius 2 was released on the Master System as Sagaia. it's quite an amazing port.

neojma · Post by **neojma** » Tue May 24, 2005 5:57 pm

Go read the classicgaming link above if you haven't already...

In addition to everything mentioned there, Darius fans should check out a couple of similar/related games - Metal Black is a hori released by Taito in the mid-90s in the arcade and Saturn (and soon to be part of the Taito Memories collection on PS2). Also check out Border Down (arcade and DC), which is only a couple years old. Some of the Darius team worked on them, and you can tell the influence.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 25, 2005 5:56 pm

Let's see here...

Arcade

Darius(Japan and WorldWide)
Darius Extra(Japan Only)

Darius 2(Japan and WorldWide) - available in both 2-screen and 3-screen versions
Sagaia(Same as Darius 2, but just renamed in US and Europe)

Darius Gaiden(Japan and worldwide)

G-Darius(Japan and Worldwide)

SNES

Darius Twin(Japan and US)
Darius Force(Japan)
Super Nova(US version of Darius Force)

Genesis

Darius 2(Japan)
Sagaia(US version of Darius 2)

Saturn

Darius 2(Japan only)
Darius Gaiden(Japan and US)

Sega Master System

Sagaia(Europe-only version of Darius 2)

Playstation

Darius Gaiden(Japan only)
G-Darius(Japan and US)

PC Engine

Darius Plus(Japan only)
Darius Alpha(Japan only...limited edition "boss mode" version of Darius Plus...supposedly only 800 copies in existence)

PC Engine CD

Super Darius(Japan only)
Super Darius 2(Japan Only)

Game Boy

Sagaia(combination of Darius 1 and 2 really...)

Game Boy Advance

Darius R(Japan only)

Nokia mobile phone

Darius Gate
Darius Zone Q

Related games

Metal Black(arcade and Japanese Saturn) was originally started as Darius 3, but was changed to a different game at the last minute.

Space Invaders 95(arcade) - a space invaders parody type game that contains Darius ships and bosses.

Gun Frontier - There are a couple Darius references in this game.

Darius Gaiden and Space Invaders 95 are also available for PC.

That classicgaming link is pretty informative, however, it is missing alot of releases/information, and most of the links are dead.

Dartagnan1083 · Post by **Dartagnan1083** » Wed May 25, 2005 11:09 pm

From What I've read, the page only lacks the related games and the GB darius.

The rest are mentioned, but are grouped.
No reason to talk about Darius Gaiden on Saturn and PSX individually unless an extra half-bit of Texture or pixel work is actually important.

IF the files are still up, they require Fileplanet ID.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 26, 2005 1:00 am

From What I've read, the page only lacks the related games and the GB darius.

The rest are mentioned, but are grouped.
No reason to talk about Darius Gaiden on Saturn and PSX individually unless an extra half-bit of Texture or pixel work is actually important.

IF the files are still up, they require Fileplanet ID.

Aside from the Game Boy Sagaia, there's also no mention of Darius Extra, or the two mobile Darius games. Though, as far as information on the two mobile games, you're lucky if you spend a day searching the internet and manage to come up with nothing more than a review and a screenshot or two. It's not a bad site, it's just not 100% complete.

I've tried the links to the files, as far as I can tell all of them are dead. It doesn't matter though, all of the Darius music can be gotten through other means. Darius Force SPCs =

DC906270 · Post by **DC906270** » Thu May 26, 2005 9:16 pm

Thanks guys, seems there arent many "obscure" titles i hadnt heard of before lurking on wierd formats like FM Towns etc. that website was okay, but mostly dissed the Darius series, which i happen to rate as my fave horizontal shooter series of all time!! seems they couldnt get to grips with the focussed feel of the Darius games, take intense concentration and are quite unforgiving sometimes. Darius 2 is amazing especially on Saturn! hyper detailed shooting action

D · Post by D » Fri May 27, 2005 3:00 pm

G-Darius Version 2

http://www.arcadeflyers.net/?page=flyer ... mbs&id=420

discoalucardx · Post by **discoalucardx** » Fri May 27, 2005 6:14 pm

HG101 is my site, I'm always looking to fill in the blanks. I really don't cover mobile games, on the basis that (A) they are pretty much guaranteed to suck, and (B) trying to get any information about them is nearly impossible, since they are usually only released in Japan.

Someone just e-mailed me about the Gameboy Sagaia, so I'll definitely be looking into that, as well as checking out Metal Black. What is Darius Extra?

The files should all work, Fileplanet is just trash. Make sure you're logged in and just going back and forth inbetween the links and they should show up.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun May 29, 2005 3:09 am

Thanks guys, seems there arent many "obscure" titles i hadnt heard of before lurking on wierd formats like FM Towns etc. that website was okay, but mostly dissed the Darius series, which i happen to rate as my fave horizontal shooter series of all time!!

That's another thing I don't care for about that site. It talks about Darius Twin and Darius Force like they are two unwanted pieces of crap, and talks about G-Darius like it's some kind of great game or something. I strongly disagree. It's nice to work so hard on a site, and offer it as the definitive source for information on the Darius games, with an overall negative tone full of bashing and synicism, and putting down the series.

discoalucardx · Post by **discoalucardx** » Sun May 29, 2005 6:22 am

Except that Darius Twin and Darius Force aren't very good. See, I find that a LOT of fan sites, especially for classic games, REALLY tend to get overly excited about old games for the simple fact that they are old. There are a lot of good PC Engine sites out there, but I literally see reviews that are like "this game is awesome because it's for the PC Engine and obscure! 95/100!!!" I kinda want to avoid that.

My main goal is trying to get people to get some good information on a series, especially if they're unfamiliar with it as a whole. I can't go around recommending games I don't care for, because the whole point is to look at something critically. Just listing factual information or praising a game because it exists does a great disservice to the reader IMO. I realize this can cause conflicts with people that are great big fans of the series and what I feel may differ from the fanbase as a whole, but that's something I'm willing to risk.

As you can tell, I'm not a huge Darius fan, but I love both Darius Gaiden and G Darius, ergo, they are the focal points of my article, as I feel they are most worthy of coverage. You're certainly free to your opinions but I'm really don't see how the SNES/SFC titles even remotely compare to the later ones on pretty much every level (graphics, music, gameplay, variety of stages, number of stages, weapon system, etc)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun May 29, 2005 3:59 pm

Except that Darius Twin and Darius Force aren't very good. See, I find that a LOT of fan sites, especially for classic games, REALLY tend to get overly excited about old games for the simple fact that they are old. There are a lot of good PC Engine sites out there, but I literally see reviews that are like "this game is awesome because it's for the PC Engine and obscure! 95/100!!!" I kinda want to avoid that.

My main goal is trying to get people to get some good information on a series, especially if they're unfamiliar with it as a whole. I can't go around recommending games I don't care for, because the whole point is to look at something critically. Just listing factual information or praising a game because it exists does a great disservice to the reader IMO. I realize this can cause conflicts with people that are great big fans of the series and what I feel may differ from the fanbase as a whole, but that's something I'm willing to risk.

As you can tell, I'm not a huge Darius fan, but I love both Darius Gaiden and G Darius, ergo, they are the focal points of my article, as I feel they are most worthy of coverage. You're certainly free to your opinions but I'm really don't see how the SNES/SFC titles even remotely compare to the later ones on pretty much every level (graphics, music, gameplay, variety of stages, number of stages, weapon system, etc)

Yeah...you don't sound like a real fan of the Darius series. That being said, why did you make the site, anyway? Were you trying to make a shrine to the Darius series, or an "I think every Darius game sucks except the last two" site?

Ah well, I've considered making my own Darius website, with a positive tone and complimentary things to say about the series. That way fans of the series who are looking for information about the games can find it without having to sift through all of your negativity and bashing.

If you think the music in G-Darius was actually better than in the two SNES games then that's reason enough right there for me to ignore every last thing you ever say. G-Darius music gives me a headache. And who the hell cares about graphics, anyway?

Oh, and I see after reading this thread that you added Game Boy Sagaia and Metal Black to your site, without giving any mention of anybody for bringing those two games to your attention. Thanks mate.

discoalucardx · Post by **discoalucardx** » Sun May 29, 2005 4:13 pm

Dark Saibot wrote: Oh, and I see after reading this thread that you added Game Boy Sagaia and Metal Black to your site, without giving any mention of anybody for bringing those two games to your attention. Thanks mate.

What you should do is, read the last part of the site, before the links. Oops, way to go there.

Dark Saibot wrote: If you think the music in G-Darius was actually better than in the two SNES games then that's reason enough right there for me to ignore every last thing you ever say. G-Darius music gives me a headache. And who the hell cares about graphics, anyway?

I really like the music in Harmony of Dissonance if that says anything.

You've completely missed the point of the article. I don't just cover games that I love - I want to cover...well, everything. I want to give mostly-comprehensive looks game series. I started off with Darius Gaiden and G Darius, and wanted to investigate more about the older games. And I, as you can tell, was mostly disappointed by them. Again, fan sites needn't always be "wow these games are all awesome!!!!!1" because in this case they are not. I just love writing about video games, good or not.
I also don't see how me saying "game X is bad" nullifies any worth it may have.

Look at it like this - there are hundreds upon hundreds of shooters out there. What about these games really make them standout, really make them worth playing when there's so much competition? That's what I look at. Quantifully, Darius Force/Twin aren't terrible games, but in the grand scheme of things they are relatively mediocre.

If you do make a Darius site though, let me know and I'll definitely put up a link. My word is not definitive by any means and differing viewpoints are always worthwhile.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun May 29, 2005 6:44 pm

Okay, I'm not trying to be rude, but how much have you actually played Darius Force?

I think it was a great game. It took the series which had been previously known for its wacky and often over-the-top fish/aquatic theme, and upbeat music, and then completely revamped it head to toe. The final product was a dark and atmospheric game, with very creepy music, more inspired level designs, all new and innovative bosses(and not all were fishies), 3 different silver hawks to choose from, and an overhauled power-up system. Also, seeing as how Darius Twin was criticized for being a bit on the easy side, they also increased the challenge factor of the game, making it more intense. I don't see how you can write off Darius Force as a piece of crap when it completely overhauled the Darius concept and improved on almost all of the flaws in the previous game. I think Darius Force is truly an underrated masterpiece in every way, and I fail to understand why every review slams it as a piece of crap.

That being said, what makes G-Darius so great and revolutionary, other than the 3D graphics and eye candy, and of course the capture orb thing.

jp · Post by jp » Sun May 29, 2005 8:09 pm

Dark Saibot,

Just FYI, Darius II on Saturn got a PAL release as well.

theevilfunkster · Post by **theevilfunkster** » Sun May 29, 2005 8:12 pm

jp wrote:Dark Saibot,

Just FYI, Darius II on Saturn got a PAL release as well.

Gaiden got a PAL release too

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 30, 2005 1:51 am

Dark Saibot,

Just FYI, Darius II on Saturn got a PAL release as well.

Gaiden got a PAL release too

Ah, thanks for the information. I suppose I'm just not extremely familiar with the Saturn's run in Europe. Damn region lockouts :/

sethsez · Post by **sethsez** » Mon May 30, 2005 3:12 am

As a Darius fan (I love the original, R, II, Gaiden, and G) I agree that the SNES are mediocre efforts. They just don't interest me on any level and the system has far better shmups.

discoalucardx · Post by **discoalucardx** » Mon May 30, 2005 5:43 am

Dark Saibot wrote: That being said, what makes G-Darius so great and revolutionary, other than the 3D graphics and eye candy, and of course the capture orb thing.

The graphics/design really do play a big part in it. I mean, the game is gorgeous. Not really just from a technical standpoint, but just the design of the backgrounds, the levels, just EVERYTHING is incredibly inspired in the way the earlier entries weren't. Like, you know, those dinosaurs? Or that monorail (??) tube underneath the water? Or the glowing lights in the snow level? The boss battles are awesome too, I mean, all of them. They tend to last a little long but jesus christ they're cool. It really has all of the great aspects that really make it stand out as a top-notch shooter.

The enemy stealing thing is nice (although that's just expounded upon from Gaiden) and the laser duel is cool too (although I guess that's technically grabbed from Metal Black, as I've realized). The multiple paths through each stage just made for insane replay value.

I will give Darius Force another shot. I liked it more than Twin based on the increased difficulty and altered arsenal but it still came off as pretty bland.

BrianC · Post by **BrianC** » Mon May 30, 2005 5:56 am

Since it was overlooked, I'll post this question again, especially since I'm wondering about it too. What is Darius Extra? IMO, Darius Force is a love it or hate it game just like the earlier ones in the series (I like Darius Force/Super Nove, though). I want to play G Darius, but I heard mixed things about the PSX port. Is it a good port?

Smraedis · Post by **Smraedis** » Mon May 30, 2005 1:11 pm

G. Darius came out in Europe too

the different region versions of it play at different speeds on the ps1 and 2, I think..
and I like the arcade Darius II, but couldn't get into the console ports it created after playing it for so long though.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 30, 2005 4:43 pm

Darius Extra is basically a modified version of the original Darius arcade game. It came out in Japan, and I'm not sure the exact differences between the two, but I think Darius Extra is more difficult.

I have the Region 1 NTSC Playstation port of G-Darius. I'm not a huge fan of the game, but it is a decent port I suppose. However, it has some awful slowdown from all the polygons and everything on-screen. When you let your laser rip, the entire game slows to a crawl. The music also cuts in and out as the game loads...though, I believe that the arcade version does the same thing.

The graphics/design really do play a big part in it. I mean, the game is gorgeous. Not really just from a technical standpoint, but just the design of the backgrounds, the levels, just EVERYTHING is incredibly inspired in the way the earlier entries weren't. Like, you know, those dinosaurs? Or that monorail (??) tube underneath the water? Or the glowing lights in the snow level? The boss battles are awesome too, I mean, all of them. They tend to last a little long but jesus christ they're cool. It really has all of the great aspects that really make it stand out as a top-notch shooter.

Eye candy.

About the only thing I like about the game is the capture orb/laser duel thing, but that wasn't even new, it just sort of combined elements of Darius Gaiden and Metal Black. Speaking of Darius Gaiden, what happened to the Smart Bombs from Gaiden? That was one of the best innovations of the game, and they removed them from G for whatever reason.

Dragon God · Post by **Dragon God** » Mon May 30, 2005 9:40 pm

Maybe I'm mistaking here... but weren't the two SNES Darius games developped by a company other than Taito ? I recall someone mentionning that over here...

Also, that theory would explain the absence of Zuntata's feel & sound... And to me personally, a Darius game needs OGR on music duty... It's simply not the same without him =/

I've played both games, but I just don't really see them being as great as Gaiden or G, or even the other Arcade Darius games... Then again, it's probably just me.... I'm all about the music, and a game published by Taito(as these seem to be) not sporting Zuntata's creative music just doesn't cut it...

sethsez · Post by **sethsez** » Mon May 30, 2005 11:39 pm

Dark Saibot wrote:About the only thing I like about the game is the capture orb/laser duel thing

You're in the minority, among shmup fans and among Darius fans.