Darius Gaiden

About

Darius Gaiden is a fast paced 2D shooter where you pilot the Silver Hawk through relentless scrolling stages packed with enemies and hazards. Your ship can fire missiles drop aerial bombs and deploy a shield all upgraded by defeating enemies with special color schemes. The black hole bomb is a standout weapon creating a vortex that pulls in threats before detonating in a lightning storm. Each stage features a miniboss whose core you can steal after weakening it turning the beast into a temporary ally that explodes if you lose a life. The arcade version later got a major update adding rearranged levels automatic fire two new weapon tiers and an all stage mode for 2P players. Co op support and tight controls keep the action flowing for skilled players. With a 100% hardcore community rating this one thrives on challenge and precision.

Storyline

Shortly after the events of the first Darius, protagonists Proco and Tiat help refugees from the planet Darius flee from the destruction caused by the Belser Army. They eventually find and set up a temporary colony on a planet named Vadis. Suddenly, Belser rises again and launches a surprise attack on a spaceport on Darius, which was being used to help ferry the remaining Darians to Vadis. The remaining refugees are killed, and Belser sets course for Vadis. A fleet of Silver Hawks are sent to fend off Belser, but are easily annihilated. Once again, Proco and Tiat are given no choice but to fight off Belser once more.