Saturn version of Taito's classic space shmup. Less impressive than Gaiden but the multi-screen gameplay is unique. Iconic marine bosses. A well-preserved genre ancestor, ideal for shmup history enthusiasts.
Your verdict
Category
Shooter1 player7+
Co-op
Description
Horizontal shoot-'em-up from the Darius series featuring giant sea creature-shaped bosses. Published by Taito, released in Japan in 1997. Branching level paths leading to multiple endings, two Silver Hawk ships in cooperative play, weapon and shield power-up system, and a Zuntata electronic soundtrack. A classic entry in the series brought to Saturn.
Darius II review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Signed by Taito's Zuntata, the music blends ambient, prog and aquatic pads into a hypnotic, drifting sonic experience. Far from noisy shooters, it distils a strange, deep atmosphere that embraces the abysses of the game. This singular musical identity, bold and spellbinding, remains a peak of the genre.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
The horizontal shooter with aquatic bosses returns with its multiple-path system and an arsenal to evolve shot after shot. Carving your route through waves of enemies and facing mechanical behemoths delivers a constant adrenaline rush. Snappy, dense and generous, this entry keeps all the series' fire, ideal for fans of a challenge.
A horizontal shooter from Taito, Darius II carries on the saga with its famous mechanical sea creature bosses and its branching route system that lets you choose your path through the zones. The snappy scrolling, the charged shots and Zuntata's sonic signature give a unique character to a demanding, spectacular shmup. The Saturn's power allows a faithful port. For a retro shmup fan, a Darius saga fan or a collector, the title keeps a remarkable intensity and character.
