Developer - Taito   Catalogue No. - T-11083

Type - Horizontal Shooter

Back when this game was released in 1989 people were knocked over at just how close it was to the 3 screen arcade original. Of course the Mega Drive version doesn’t run on 3 screens but it does feature graphics very close to the arcade original and audio that simply amazes. In fact the audio is so close to the arcade original it’s uncanny. Fantastic atmospheric tunes accompanied by fitting sound effects.

Many Taito games of the time featured multiple routs and Darius II is no different. Once the first stage is completed you are given the option to progress to stage B or C. Depending on which one you choose determines the following stage selection. Personally I find this a very good way of keeping you coming back for more since you’ll just want to see all routs and stages available as well as all of the multiple endings.

Darius II has aged quite a bit these days but this Mega Drive version is still just as challenging and rewarding as it ever was. Sure, it may not look as good as it did when it was new but it still sounds great and guaranteed to keep you coming back.