Wednesday, June 17, 2020

"Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade" Review


Packing seven billet hell shooters into one combustible package, "Darius Cozmic Collection" is a time machine that zaps you back to the golden years of gaming with a bottomless pocket full of quarters.

The 1980s and 90s classics are largely all variations of the same game -- "Darius" and the Japanese-titled spinoff/remake "Sagaia" -- but even slight changes make for ripple effects that give each version a distinct flavor.

Developer ININ Games masterfully delivers "old," "new" and "extra" versions of the original "Darius," a dual-screen version of "Darius II" and the sequel "Darius Gaiden." There are also two versions of "Sagaia."

For each game the formula is pretty much the same: You guide an underpowered ship through a barrage of enemy waves and environmental obstacles, gradually upping your attack and defense capabilities with modular upgrades.

Flashy bosses, fast-paced levels and dizzying visuals help entrance you, and the vicious difficulty level keeps you dying and replaying until your muscle memory catches up with your ambition.

With the usual remaster additions, such as save states and command mapping, as well as a replay system in place, "Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade" not only delivers the classic flavor, but buffs them up with modern conveniences that make them more palatable. Get those thumbs ready, because they'll be in for an 80s/90s-style workout.

Publisher provided review code.

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