Parodius Da!: A Phenomenal Shooter That Deserves More Recognition
Parodius Da! is an incredible shooter game that remains one of the best in its genre, despite being relatively unknown to most gamers. Developed and published by Konami, this gem was released on February 21, 1992. With its unique gameplay and hilarious parodies, Parodius Da! offers a fantastic gaming experience that shouldn’t be missed.
A Hidden Gem
It’s surprising that Parodius Da! isn’t more well-known, considering the number of ports it has received. While the first arcade game never made it to the US, Europe had the privilege of experiencing this hidden gem. The game’s success paved the way for multiple versions on various platforms, such as Gameboy, PlayStation, and Saturn. This PC Engine port, sandwiched between the arcade and SNES versions, holds its own and showcases Konami’s expertise with the system.
A Parody Like No Other
Parodius is a parody of two popular Konami series, Gradius and Twin Bee. It cleverly combines elements from both while adding its own unique flavor. Over the years, the series has expanded to poke fun at other Konami titles, including Castlevania, Tokimeki Memorial, and Lethal Enforcers. The humor is delightfully absurd, making it relatable to international audiences. From flying through a clown-filled Easter Island to dodging Go Go Dancers, Parodius Da! never fails to surprise and entertain. The bosses are equally eccentric, ranging from an American Eagle to a sumo wrestler.
A Weapon Loadout to Suit Your Style
Similar to the later Gradius games, Parodius offers four weapon loadouts, each based on a different Konami series. The Vic Viper loadout closely resembles the original Gradius, offering a balanced and versatile experience. Twin Bee, on the other hand, challenges players with its unique weapon set that requires finesse. Octopus pays homage to Salamander with its powerful ripple laser, while Pentarou brings options from Antarctic Adventure, including the awesome proton torpedoes and spread gun. The bells from Twin Bee add a touch of humor, providing temporary powers that range from massive smart bombs to shouting random phrases through a megaphone.
Fantastic Gameplay and Level Design
Parodius Da! excels in its fantastic gameplay and level design. The game offers excellent pacing, shooting mechanics, and challenging stages. However, this PC Engine port does suffer from some content cuts. Two levels were removed, including the iconic Moai stage found in Gradius games and a water level featuring a scaling puffer fish boss. Though disappointing, the game makes up for it with an exclusive time attack mode available from the start. Despite these concessions, Parodius Da! remains an accessible and enjoyable experience.
A Visual Feast with Some Compromises
The PC Engine version of Parodius Da! had to make some compromises to fit the game onto the platform. The lower resolution results in vertical scrolling instead of horizontal, and the overall color palette is darker, missing some details present in the SNES and arcade versions. While there is less slowdown compared to the SNES game, there is noticeable sprite flickering not present in the latter. The public domain classical music, while not as good as the SNES version, still adds to the game’s charm. Overall, the game still looks fantastic, with intact parallax scrolling and some additional animations.
In Closing: A Must-Play Shooter
Despite the missing content and compromises, Parodius Da! remains a phenomenal game and a must-play for fans of the shooter genre. Konami’s expertise in squeezing the arcade experience into a Hucard is commendable, making it one of the best shooters on the PC Engine. Whether you’re a fan of Gradius, Twin Bee, or simply enjoy a good parody, Parodius Da! is a fantastic choice. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem that deserves more recognition.
Final Verdict: 8 out of 10
Excellent!