Super Darius 2
Getting to Know Super Darius 2
Super Darius 2 is a horizontal shoot-’em-up released for the NEC PC Engine CD in 1993, exclusively in Japan. It is a port and enhancement of the classic arcade game Darius II, originally by Taito, adapted for the CD-ROM format with redbook audio and improved visuals. The PC Engine CD version, sometimes called Super Darius II, was published by NEC Avenue and stands as one of the later entries in the long-running Darius series on the platform.
You control the Silver Hawk fighter ship, scrolling left to right across vividly detailed aquatic and mechanical stages. The core loop involves dodging enemy fire, collecting power-up orbs to upgrade your shot and shields, and facing off against giant robotic fish bosses at the end of each zone. The game retains the branching path system from the arcade, allowing you to choose your route at certain points, which affects the order of bosses and the ending you get. There is no time limit, but your ship has a life bar and losses cost you a continues.
Super Darius 2 holds up well as a solid PC Engine shooter thanks to its arcade-accurate gameplay, CD-quality soundtrack, and the distinctive boss designs that Darius is known for. It is neither the deepest nor the most challenging shooter on the system, but it offers a faithful port of a beloved arcade title with a few extras. If you enjoy horizontal shooters like R-Type or Gradius, this is a worthwhile play, especially for fans of the series or anyone curious about early CD-enhanced ports.
How to Play Super Darius 2 Online
Getting Started
When you boot up Super Darius 2, the title screen appears with a Japanese-only menu. Press the Start button to advance. The menu options let you start a new game, configure difficulty or lives (if present), or access a sound test. Since the text is in Japanese, you may need to experiment or use a translation guide for deeper settings, but the main game can be entered by pressing Start and then confirming with the B button (S key) or the A button (X key).
The game begins with your ship, the Silver Hawk, at the left side of a scrolling stage. Your goal is to survive and destroy as many enemies as possible while collecting color-coded orbs that upgrade your weapon. Each orb type changes your shot pattern and gives you extra shields. The branching path system appears after you defeat the first boss, where you must choose one of two routes. You steer with the D-Pad, shoot with B, and use A for a secondary weapon (if available).
Pay attention to the bosses - they are giant mechanical fish and require you to learn their attack patterns. You have a life bar, and losing all lives means a game over, but you can continue by pressing Start on the continue screen. The game is generous with continues, so you can push through even if you struggle. The primary challenge is memorizing enemy waves and boss patterns, not unfair difficulty.
Super Darius 2 Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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