G-Darius HD

97%
Game Brain Score Based on 63 reviews
  • music
  • graphics
  • gameplay
G-Darius HD Game Cover
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"G-Darius HD" is a remastered version of the classic arcade shooter game, G-Darius, where players control Silver Hawk fighters to battle giant aquatic-themed warships. This version offers five versions of G-Darius, including console and HD arcade ports, with features like Capture Ball to turn enemies into allies and Boss Beam Battles to unleash powerful attacks. The game also includes a widescreen bonus mode for an enhanced experience.

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Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 63 reviews
music7 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • G-Darius HD is a masterful port that enhances the original game's graphics while maintaining its charm, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.
  • The game features a unique enemy capture mechanic that adds depth to gameplay, allowing players to utilize captured enemies for additional firepower and strategic advantages.
  • With multiple versions included, extensive options for customization, and a nostalgic soundtrack, G-Darius HD offers a rich and enjoyable experience for both newcomers and long-time fans.
  • The game's design can feel overly punishing and tedious, with some mechanics perceived as profit-driven rather than enhancing the player experience.
  • Technical issues such as audio stuttering, limited screen modes, and inconsistent slowdown detract from the overall enjoyment of the port.
  • While the game is challenging, it may not be accessible for newcomers to the shmup genre, as the steep learning curve can lead to frustration.
  • music26 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it complementary to the action gameplay, while others highlight its standout quality, particularly in the case of the G-Darius soundtrack, which is praised as one of the best in gaming history. While some tracks start off muted or feature long silences, many players appreciate the unique electronic and industrial style that enhances the game's atmosphere. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its ability to grow on listeners and its strong representation of the game's setting.

    • “I don't get tired having to repeat things over again, I'd say partly because the soundtrack is phenomenal; it's a weird kind of electronic and industrial OST that really fits with the setting of the game.”
    • “I have to tell you, not only is this his strongest work, it's the absolute best game soundtrack of all time.”
    • “The music is extremely well-represented here, which is worth noting as it is notoriously difficult to emulate the sound chip and its (for the time) advanced DSP.”
    • “The first track was very muted and actually worried me that the music was broken but it eventually kicked in properly.”
    • “I had to turn off the music now so I could focus, because the sound delay and lagging is distracting.”
    • “But I also find the sparse music design a little strange.”
  • graphics10 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received high praise for their impressive quality and aesthetic appeal, with many noting that the updates enhance the original style while maintaining its integrity. Users appreciate the extensive graphical options and the arcade-accurate presentation, although some mention occasional slowdowns reminiscent of the original hardware. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature, making the game visually captivating even years after its initial release.

    • “30 dollars is an absolute steal for what you get here; the quality and presentation is insane, and it's arcade-accurate down to the littlest graphical slowdown and smallest audio glitch.”
    • “G-Darius may be the most aesthetically perfect shooter ever produced.”
    • “+Graphics have been touched up, keeping the original's style intact but just making it clearer to look at.”
    • “Some of these graphics overwhelmed the original hardware at times, making the game slow down, and in turn, making it considerably easier.”
    • “There was a 2 update and there's an HD remaster version, which looks notably better but keeps the polygon graphics of the original.”
    • “Graphics have been touched up, keeping the original's style intact but just making it clearer to look at.”
  • gameplay9 mentions

    The gameplay is highlighted by a unique Pokémon-style mechanic that allows players to capture enemy spaceships to fight alongside them, adding a fun and engaging layer to the experience. Players appreciate the enjoyable action gameplay and the visual appeal of the game, although the music is considered merely complementary. Overall, the gameplay is described as fun and captivating, particularly with its innovative capture system.

    • “The game has a unique Pokémon-style mechanic that allows you to 'catch' enemy spaceships, which makes them fight for you.”
    • “This is my first real time with G-Darius, and it is so much fun to play with its capture mechanic.”
    • “The gameplay, which I suppose would probably be the most important part, is also very fun.”
    • “The music, the gameplay, everything!”
    • “2" release of G-Darius for arcades that changed a number of gameplay aspects.”
  • humor2 mentions

    Players appreciate the humor in the game's ranking system, particularly the ironic contrast between low scores and high ranks, such as being dubbed "silver hawk" despite poor performance. Additionally, the quirky representation of the keyboard through a humorous gamepad layer adds to the game's comedic charm.

    • “I found it very funny that in a game where I scored much lower and died, I received the rank of 'Silver Hawk', but on a one-credit clear on arguably the easiest route in the game where I was just under 20 million points, an achievement in this game, the game ranked me 'Iron Hawk.'”
    • “It may have peaked here, with the total absence of on-screen keyboard representation, as your keyboard gets filtered through a funny gamepad layer instead.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding in G-Darius to be tedious and frustrating, often feeling that the effort required to progress does not justify the rewards. The game's design leads to a sense of regressive sublimation, where the time spent grinding can detract from the overall enjoyment, particularly when facing challenging bosses.

    • “Should I even bother with this route? G-Darius can be tedious for seemingly little reason, but then you remember that this was the game where, again, 'less play time per credit.' As much as I want to talk about the game in terms of design, why do that when you know there's a large, non-zero percent chance that what you're experiencing contributes to that bottom line.”
    • “The difficulty, or rather the time it takes to fight some bosses, is tedious.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Reviewers highlight that the game boasts a high replay value, enhanced by various features that encourage players to return for multiple playthroughs.

    • “All of this adds to the already high replay value!”
    • “The variety of choices and outcomes makes me want to play through the game multiple times.”
    • “Each playthrough feels fresh due to the different paths and strategies available.”
  • story1 mentions

    The story is conveyed through the game's rich background visuals rather than dialogue, and this approach is praised for its effective execution.

    • “There's no lines of dialogue to tell the story; instead, the background is intently used to do so, and it's very well executed.”
    • “The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent narrative, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “Character development is minimal, leaving the players with little to connect to emotionally.”
    • “The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real surprises or excitement.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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