Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade

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Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade is a single player and multiplayer action game. It was developed by TAITO CORP. and was released on November 17, 2021. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade" is a Steam game that brings 4 titles from the Darius arcade series, each with added features. The game features multi-monitor support, simulated in-seat speaker, quick save & load, and various display options. This side-scrolling shoot 'em up game lets you battle aquatically themed giant robotic fish bosses with Zuntata-composed soundscapes for an immersive experience.

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97%

Audience ScoreBased on 59 reviews

gameplay3 negative mentions

The collection features meticulous emulation of classic Darius titles, preserving their original gameplay and audiovisual identity while adding modern quality-of-life features like save states and customizable difficulty.
Darius Gaiden stands out as a highlight, showcasing refined gameplay mechanics, dynamic visuals, and an exceptional soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
The inclusion of multiple regional and cabinet variations for each title, along with M2's signature gadgets providing real-time information, makes this collection a comprehensive tribute to the Darius series.

The collection feels overpriced for the limited number of titles included, especially given the absence of later entries like G-Darius and the lack of supplementary content such as behind-the-scenes materials.
Some players have reported input lag and controller issues, which can detract from the experience, particularly for those seeking a competitive edge in gameplay.
The presentation is minimalistic, which may disappoint players expecting more elaborate menus or additional graphical filter options, making it feel more like a specialist's archive than a celebratory collection.

music
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The music in the Darius compilation is widely praised for its atmospheric soundtracks, particularly the hauntingly beautiful Zuntata compositions in Darius Gaiden, which blend ambient synths and operatic tones. While the classic entries like Darius I and II showcase nostalgic soundtracks that still resonate, some users noted the absence of arranged soundtrack options and the extra version of Darius Gaiden as missed opportunities. Overall, the music enhances the gameplay experience, making it a standout feature for both long-time fans and newcomers.
- “Darius Gaiden, arguably the crown jewel of the collection, represents the series at its most polished, with dynamic backgrounds, layered parallax scrolling, and a hypnotic Zuntata soundtrack that blends electronica and melancholy melodies into something hauntingly beautiful.”
- “Strange omissions include the Darius Gaiden extra version and any kind of arranged soundtrack option (Darius music has been arranged and re-arranged countless times, they couldn't put anything together in that regard?).”
- “The music of Darius Gaiden, in particular, remains an enduring highlight; its fusion of ambient synths and operatic tones turns every encounter into something strangely elegiac.”
- “Fans of the series already know what to expect: classic shmup action, on branching paths, with marvelous soundtracks by Zuntata that remain with you long after you close the game.”
gameplay
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
64%
27%
The gameplay across the Darius series showcases a progression from chaotic reflex-based mechanics to more strategic elements, particularly with the introduction of the "capture bomb" system in Gaiden, which allows players to convert enemies into allies. Each installment refines the experience, with Darius II featuring faster pacing and more aggressive enemy formations, while Sagaia offers improved balance for international audiences. Overall, the series combines mechanical precision with unique aesthetics, making it a significant part of arcade gaming history.
- “Gaiden also introduced mechanical depth through its 'capture bomb' system, which allows players to convert certain enemies into temporary allies, adding a strategic twist to the pure reflex-based gameplay of earlier entries.”
- “From a gameplay standpoint, Darius remains a study in controlled chaos.”
- “Darius II refines the gameplay with more aggressive enemy formations and faster pacing, and Sagaia’s revisions improve balance for international audiences, making it slightly more forgiving while maintaining intensity.”
- “This came out 5 years later, now in the 90s proper, so there is a huge technology leap and gameplay is way faster, although no super wide screen anymore, just a regular 1-screen shooter experience here.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The graphics of the game are praised for their originality, particularly the marine-themed designs featuring mechanical sea creatures as bosses, which stand out in arcade gaming. While the visuals and soundtrack are noted to hold up well, some reviewers suggest that the game could benefit from additional graphical options and a broader selection of titles. Overall, the emulation quality is highlighted as superior, making it a compelling choice for experiencing the classic graphics.
- “The marine motif—turning mechanical fish, whales, and crustaceans into titanic bosses—remains one of the most original aesthetic ideas in arcade gaming.”
- “The music and visuals of it still hold up extremely well.”
- “Incredibly good emulation, this leaves most of the other unofficial ways to play this game completely obsolete.”
- “Now, if we were doing more nuanced ratings, it wouldn't be getting a 10/10 from me - it ought to have a couple more games (instead of 4 games with eleventy billion near-identical versions of each) and maybe a tad bit more options for graphical filters and so on.”
- “Graphic resolution changes according to your PC setting as well.”
- “>incredibly good emulation, this leaves most of the other unofficial ways to play this game completely obsolete (MAME and FBA, most of the emulators you can think of are obsolete in comparison, no matter what, full bass emulation on both games, proper FM sound emulation, proper graphics in Gaiden...)”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
The Darius Cozmic Collection prioritizes performance and fidelity over archival storytelling, offering reliable optimization on PS4 and Switch versions, making it a solid choice for serious players. While it may not focus on extensive historical context, it is still recommended for its functional curation.
- “Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade opts for functional curation, emphasizing performance and fidelity over archival storytelling.”
- “Still recommended, but for serious play, you get reliable performance on PS4 or Switch versions instead.”
- “The optimization is lacking, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.”
- “I experienced significant lag and long loading times, which really detracted from the overall experience.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade prioritizes functional curation and gameplay performance over a narrative-driven experience, focusing on fidelity rather than storytelling elements.
- “The Darius Cozmic Collection arcade opts for functional curation, emphasizing performance and fidelity over archival storytelling.”
- “The story feels disjointed and lacks the depth needed to engage players fully.”
- “Character development is minimal, making it hard to connect with the narrative.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The atmosphere of the compilation is characterized by its expansive multi-screen environments, aquatic-themed enemies, and atmospheric soundtracks, which together evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining accessible through modern features. The high-quality emulation and timeless design of the original games enhance this haunting atmosphere, creating a compelling blend of classic and contemporary experiences.
- “Across its selection of classic Darius entries, the compilation captures the defining characteristics of the series—its sprawling multi-screen environments, aquatic-themed enemy designs, branching stage routes, and atmospheric soundtracks—while introducing a suite of modern features that make these demanding arcade experiences approachable without compromising their authenticity.”
- “The craftsmanship of M2’s emulation, the timeless design of Taito’s original games, and the haunting atmosphere of their art and music combine to create an experience that feels both nostalgic and timeless.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers significant replayability and a unique sense of agency, distinguishing it from early shooters.
- “It not only adds replayability but also a sense of agency rarely seen in early shooters.”

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Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade is a action game.

Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade was released on November 17, 2021.

Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade was developed by TAITO CORP..

Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players disliked this game for its music.

Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Contra Anniversary Collection, G-Darius HD, Radiant Silvergun, Raiden Legacy, Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection and others.

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