Ah, the golden age of arcade games. Back in 1989, Taito released a sequel to their popular shooter game Darius, aptly named Darius II. This underwater adventure took players on a thrilling journey through the depths of the ocean, battling fishy foes and dodging laser beams. With its colorful graphics, addictive gameplay, and memorable soundtrack, Darius II quickly became a hit in arcades around the world.
But the fun didn't stop there. The game was later released in Japan as Sagaia for the Game Boy in 1991, reaching a whole new audience of handheld gamers. And for those who couldn't get enough of the aquatic action, a remake titled Super Darius II was released for the PC Engine Super CD-ROM in 1993, bringing enhanced visuals and an updated soundtrack to the mix.
Not to be left out, the Mega Drive (Genesis for our friends across the pond) got its own version of Darius II in 1990. However, there were a few changes made for this release. Players could now enter a boss rush mode with a special code, allowing them to test their skills against wave after wave of challenging foes. The level design also saw some modifications, with bosses being shuffled around and new ones being introduced. For example, the boss Steel Spine was moved to a different level, while Killer Higia was replaced by a similar monstrosity called Nehonojia. It's like a game of underwater musical chairs, but with lasers.
One downside to the Mega Drive version was the lack of two-player support. But fear not, dear gamers, for Taito added a clever workaround. Players could now choose between two characters: Proco Jr., the trusty hero from the previous game, or Tiat Young, a new character with a special ability. Tiat starts each life with a power boost to all weapons, making her a force to be reckoned with from the get-go. Plus, it adds a bit of variety to the gameplay, because who doesn't love options?
Not to be outdone, the Master System also got its own version of Darius II, developed by Natsume. However, this port took some creative liberties. While still titled Sagaia, it drew heavily from the Mega Drive version but with a twist. Certain zones and bosses were completely removed, making for a slightly streamlined experience. And while Tiat Young and her special abilities were retained, they were even more limited in this version. It's like swimming through an abridged version of the ocean, but hey, sometimes less is more.
But let's not forget about the Super CD-ROM version of Darius II, which brought a whole new level of excitement to the table. This version featured an entirely new set of bosses, giving players even more variety in their underwater battles. Levels were also revamped, offering fresh challenges to players who thought they had mastered them all. And the cherry on top? A fully arranged soundtrack, complete with brand new songs to get those underwater adventures pumping.
So whether you played it in the arcade, on your Game Boy, or in the comfort of your own home on the Mega Drive or Master System, Darius II offered players a thrilling journey through the depths of the ocean. Its unique gameplay mechanics, eye-catching visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack made it a classic in the shooter genre. So grab your harpoon and get ready to dive into the watery world of Darius II, because this sequel is one that just keeps swimming.
