G-Darius (Some photos come from Gamers Hell website)
Air Bike Cop
System: Playstation
Developer: Taito

What is it About?

G-Darius is a superb (but underrated) effort from Taito. This game is basically the spiritual sequel to the great Darius Gaiden. Despite the fact it's more of the same, it's not.

Review

Graphics - I have one word to say: ''Wow.'' These graphics are really, really nice. I'd have to say the game looks just as good as a Sega Dreamcast title – but it's a PSX game! Yes, it does in fact look that great. Heck, I even remember when I saw the first boss; I literally fell out of my chair! But even then you will have to put up with a fair amount of slowdown, but it won't kill you.

Sound - I have to say the music is good, but not as weird and surreal as Darius Gaiden. That was one of the most enjoyable parts of Darius Gaiden and it's lacking here. But you can't even here it a lot, due to all the sound effects going on at once. The sound effects are actually good but not great. For people who want the long answer, let me just say they are serviceable and do the job.

Gameplay - I swear this game is finely tuned to perfection. Basically it's a side scrolling shooter. In other words it's just like R-Type and Thunder Force (to name some superb examples) and it has nice level types. Such as (but not limited too) Space, Underwater, and planets to shoot up. This is just like Darius Gaiden, except you can ''absorb'' enemy ships a lot more better than Gaiden, and you can use them for your own evil bidding. The game isn't easy, but not too hard either. Lets just say it ramps up pretty darn easily. But the Darius games are noted for this and this is a GOOD thing, mind you.

Replay Value - This game has some nice replay, a Free Play option to unlock, a few movies and best of all…

…The ability to beat your highest score!

Doesn't sound like much, but that is a lot for a shooter. You can also throw a plot out the window, one was just put together for the heck of it, and it doesn't play a big role in gameplay.

Conclusion

All in all, G-Darius shines as one of the best side scrolling shooters of all time. Even being one the best (if not THE) Darius game IMO. Some people can't stand the underwater theme of the game, but you will most likely ignore it.

Two thumbs up!

Air Bike Cop