- Release Year: 2019
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows
- Publisher: ININ Games, Softdistribution, Strictly Limited Games, Taito Corporation
- Developer: Taito Corporation
- Genre: Compilation
- Perspective: Side-scrolling
- Game Mode: Single-player
- Gameplay: Adjustable difficulty, Arcade, Customizable display, load, Quick save, Shoot ’em up, Training mode
- Setting: Sci-fi, Space
- Average Score: 64/100
Description
Darius: Cozmic Collection is a compilation of classic arcade shooters from the Darius series, featuring titles like Darius (1986), Darius II / Sagaia (1989), and Darius Gaiden (1994). The collection includes multiple versions of each game, along with modern enhancements such as quick save/load, training mode, customizable display options, and difficulty adjustments. Exclusive to the Steam version are multi-monitor support and arcade-style seat speaker simulation, offering a nostalgic yet refined experience for fans of the genre.
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Darius: Cozmic Collection Reviews & Reception
opencritic.com (76/100): A couple of omissions grate and it’s hardly cheap, but this is a sumptuous collection for the grandest of shmups.
polygon.com : Darius is so much stranger than I had been led to believe, and the collection, particularly on Switch, is similarly bizarre and delightful.
metacritic.com (66/100): This is a much-needed collection of iconic shoot ’em ups that, until now, were lost to the sands of time.
nintendoworldreport.com (65/100): A premium-priced horizontal shooter complication lacking in variety and features.
everygamegoing.com (50/100): As a piece of gaming history the Darius Collections are spot on, recreating classic arcade and console games on modern hardware, but they are massively overpriced considering the content.
Darius: Cozmic Collection Cheats & Codes
Genesis/Mega Drive
Enter codes at the title screen using controller 1.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| R, L, R, L, B, B, B, B, L | Enables Debug/level select. ‘DEBUG’ will show up near the bottom of the screen when entered correctly. Use Left or Right to select your starting level at the level select screen. During gameplay: Press X for invincibility. Press Y to fill your missiles, bombs, and Arm. Press Z during gameplay to skip to the final boss. |
| R, L, R, L, B, B, B, B, R | Turns off Debug mode. |
| R, L, B, R, L, B, L, R, B | Enables Arcade Mode. ‘ARCADE MODE’ will show up when entered correctly. Press X to insert coin. |
| L, R, B, L, R, B, R, L, B | Enables Music and Sound test options in the Option menu. |
| B, A, B, A, B, C, B | Keep pressing Y when paused to refill all your weapons/power ups. Will make a sound when cheat is entered correctly. Must enter the cheat every time you want to use it. Does not work in Arcade mode. |
Sagaia (Genesis version)
Enter the following codes during the intro sequence.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| B – B – B – C – A – A – A – B – B – C – C – C | Infinite Continues. |
| C – A – C – B – C – A – B – A – B – C – A – C | Level Select. |
| C – C – C – C – C – C – C – C – C – C – C – C | Super Hard Mode. |
| A – B – C – A – B – C – A – B – C – A – B – C | Big Hi-Score List. |
| A – B – A – C – B – C – C – B – C – A – B – A – A | The phrase ‘No hit’ will appear, and you will have invincibility. |
Darius: Cozmic Collection: A Comprehensive Retrospective
Introduction
The Darius series, a cornerstone of the shoot ’em up (shmup) genre, has long been celebrated for its innovative gameplay, surreal aesthetics, and unforgettable soundtracks. Darius: Cozmic Collection, released in 2019, is a meticulously curated compilation that brings together the arcade and console iterations of this iconic series. Developed by M2 and published by Taito and ININ Games, this collection serves as both a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and an accessible entry point for newcomers. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative and thematic elements, gameplay mechanics, artistic and auditory design, reception, and legacy.
Development History & Context
The Legacy of Taito and the Darius Series
Taito, a titan in the arcade industry, first introduced Darius in 1987. The game was revolutionary for its time, featuring a triple-screen arcade cabinet that provided an immersive, widescreen experience. This technical innovation, combined with its branching stage paths and sea-life-inspired enemies, set Darius apart from other shmups of the era.
The Darius series is known for its eccentricity and creativity. The games are set in a surreal, aquatic-themed universe where players pilot the Silver Hawk spacecraft to combat the Belsar empire. The series’ unique aesthetic, characterized by biomechanical bosses and vibrant, psychedelic visuals, has made it a cult favorite among shmup enthusiasts.
The Vision Behind Darius: Cozmic Collection
The Darius: Cozmic Collection was developed by M2, a studio renowned for its expertise in emulation and preservation of classic games. M2’s goal was to create a definitive collection that would not only preserve the original arcade and console experiences but also enhance them with modern features.
The collection is divided into two main editions: the Arcade Edition and the Console Edition. The Arcade Edition includes the original Darius (in three versions: Old, New, and Extra), Darius II (including the dual-screen version and its Western counterpart Sagaia), and Darius Gaiden. The Console Edition features console ports and original titles such as Darius II (Mega Drive/Genesis), Sagaia (Master System), Darius Twin (Super Famicom/SNES), Darius Force (Super Famicom/SNES), Darius Alpha (PC Engine), and Darius Plus (PC Engine).
Technological Constraints and Innovations
One of the primary challenges in developing Darius: Cozmic Collection was accurately emulating the original arcade hardware, particularly the multi-screen setups of Darius and Darius II. M2’s emulation work is widely praised for its accuracy, ensuring that the games look and play as they did in their original arcade forms.
The collection also introduces several modern features, including quick save and load functionality, training modes, and customizable display options (such as scanlines and smoothing). These features make the games more accessible to modern players while preserving the original experience for purists.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
Plot and Characters
The Darius series is set in a distant future where humanity is engaged in a war against the Belsar empire, a malevolent force seeking to destroy all of mankind. Players take on the role of pilots such as Proco and Tiat, who pilot the Silver Hawk spacecraft to combat the Belsar fleet.
The narrative is minimalistic, with the focus primarily on the gameplay and visual spectacle. However, the series’ unique aesthetic and thematic elements create a rich, immersive world. The biomechanical designs of the enemies, inspired by sea creatures, add a layer of surrealism and wonder to the experience.
Themes and Symbolism
The Darius series explores themes of survival, resilience, and the struggle against overwhelming odds. The aquatic theme, with its biomechanical enemies and underwater settings, creates a sense of otherworldliness and mystery. The series’ surreal visuals and psychedelic soundtracks further enhance this atmosphere, making the Darius universe a captivating and immersive experience.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
Core Gameplay Loop
The core gameplay of Darius revolves around piloting the Silver Hawk spacecraft through a series of stages, battling waves of enemies and confronting massive bosses. Players must navigate through treacherous environments, collect power-ups, and upgrade their weapons to survive.
The series is known for its branching stage paths, which allow players to choose their route through the game. This feature adds a layer of replayability, as different paths offer unique challenges and bosses.
Combat and Character Progression
The combat in Darius is fast-paced and challenging, requiring precise movements and strategic use of weapons. Players can collect power-ups to upgrade their missiles, bombs, and shields. The power-up system is a key feature of the series, allowing players to customize their loadout and adapt to different challenges.
The difficulty of the Darius games is notoriously high, with punishing enemy patterns and limited continues. However, the Cozmic Collection includes modern features such as quick save and load functionality, which make the games more accessible to modern players.
UI and Innovative Systems
The Cozmic Collection introduces several innovative systems to enhance the gameplay experience. The collection includes a comprehensive UI that displays information such as boss HP, weapon upgrades, and upcoming stages. This UI is customizable, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences.
The collection also features a training mode, which allows players to practice specific stages and bosses. This mode is particularly useful for newcomers, as it provides a low-pressure environment to learn the game’s mechanics.
World-Building, Art & Sound
Setting and Atmosphere
The Darius series is set in a surreal, aquatic-themed universe, with stages ranging from underwater caverns to outer space. The series’ unique aesthetic, characterized by biomechanical enemies and vibrant, psychedelic visuals, creates a sense of otherworldliness and wonder.
The Cozmic Collection faithfully recreates the original games’ visuals, with accurate emulation and customizable display options. The collection also includes modern features such as scanlines and smoothing, which enhance the visual experience.
Visual Direction
The visual direction of the Darius series is a key aspect of its appeal. The games feature detailed, colorful sprites and backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on surreal, biomechanical designs. The Cozmic Collection preserves these visuals with accurate emulation, ensuring that the games look as they did in their original arcade forms.
Sound Design and Music
The Darius series is renowned for its soundtracks, composed by the legendary ZUNTATA team. The music is a blend of electronic and rock influences, with a strong emphasis on melody and rhythm. The Cozmic Collection includes the original soundtracks, with accurate emulation and customizable audio options.
The sound design of the Darius series is also noteworthy, with a strong emphasis on immersive, atmospheric effects. The Cozmic Collection preserves these effects with accurate emulation, ensuring that the games sound as they did in their original arcade forms.
Reception & Legacy
Critical and Commercial Reception
The Darius: Cozmic Collection received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for its accurate emulation, comprehensive features, and faithful recreation of the original games. However, some critics noted the high price point and the lack of additional content, such as historical materials or interviews.
The collection was well-received by fans of the Darius series, who appreciated the opportunity to experience the games in their original arcade forms. The collection also introduced the series to a new generation of players, who praised its accessible features and modern enhancements.
Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry
The Darius series has had a significant influence on the shmup genre, with its innovative gameplay mechanics, surreal aesthetics, and unforgettable soundtracks. The Cozmic Collection has further cemented the series’ legacy, providing a definitive compilation that preserves the original games for future generations.
The collection’s accurate emulation and modern features have set a new standard for retro game compilations, demonstrating the importance of preserving classic games while making them accessible to modern players.
Conclusion
The Darius: Cozmic Collection is a comprehensive and faithful compilation that preserves the legacy of the Darius series. With its accurate emulation, modern features, and comprehensive UI, the collection provides an accessible and enjoyable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. While the high price point and lack of additional content may be drawbacks for some, the collection’s faithful recreation of the original games and its innovative features make it a must-have for shmup enthusiasts.
In the annals of video game history, the Darius series stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of the shmup genre. The Cozmic Collection ensures that this legacy is preserved and celebrated, providing a definitive experience that captures the essence of the original games. For fans of the genre, the Darius: Cozmic Collection is an essential addition to any gaming library.