Video Game Review - Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX +

Rob reviews Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX + on Nintendo Switch...

Darius is the grandfather of all modern side-scrolling shoot'em ups, that seems to have constantly reinvented itself as times gone on. Originally released back in 1986 Darius has gone on to produce 6 sequels with various spin-offs, remasters, and re-releases. The franchise has also seen its self make a home on nearly every console generation, as well as making a name for itself with Arcades worldwide. 

What makes Darius unique is its enemies are sci-fi monstrosities that take inspiration from many aquatic animals. Picture fighting a monstrous metal Koi Carp that shoots lasers and you are pretty much spot on. It's different and helps set the game apart from other shmups. 

So, Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX + is a port of the 2010 Arcade and PSP game of the same name. This Switch port features four game modes: Original - the traditional Arcade experience, EX Mode - more of the same but tougher, Chronicles - extra challenges and a boss rush mode, and finally, Event Mode - which sees you tackle events for the highest score.  This Switch port also incorporates an ultra-wide aspect ratio that pays respects to the original Arcade cabinet's 4-player duel monitor - as well as updated graphics. If anything it's the definitive Dariusburst Another Chronicle edition, with some extras thrown in for good measure. 

The game features 9-ships for you to play, which have all been featured in some form across the history of the game. Each ship controls slightly different, but each has the same basic set of moves at its disposal. Aside from each ships unique projectile attack, you're able to utilise various bombs and a special F-Burst beam attack that does incredible amounts of damage to the aquatic enemies. For those of you looking for an easier time, the Silver Hawk Murakumo from Dariusburst Chronicles Savior is the way to go. Not only is it based on a ship featured in Tatio's Scramble Formation, here it's incredibly robust and slightly overpowered. 

In terms of attacks, the F-Burst has been vastly improved for the EX + version. The beam can now be placed within a static position that'll allow it to constantly fire at any enemy that wanders into its screen-filling path. It's great to utilise during boss battles as it sustains a suitable amount of DPS whilst you're busy avoiding projectiles and mopping up the smaller ships. Aside from the F-Burst each ship also comes with a standard primary attack, as well as various bombs or drones. These naturally pale in comparison to the F-Burst, but each performs its respective role adequately. 

Enemies are a real mixed bag that comes from all aspects of marine biology. My favourite was a boss titled 'Disaster Jaw'. This enemy which is modelled after a Goblin Shark is a sleek killer that got progressively powerful as the fight went on. While it looked like a shark at the beginning of the fight. Come to the end it had enough weapons slapped onto it, it looked anything but "shark-like". There are others too such as the Coelacanth shaped 'King Fossil' and 'Thousand Bullets' - a giant armoured Lionfish. 

Considering Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX + is a port of a game released 11-years ago, its visuals stand up incredibly well. The Switch handles the game well in both docked and hand held modes. Considering that there's plenty going on as the screen can fill with last blasts and missiles at any point there's next to zero screen tear or slowdown. It feels very much like a game made for the Nintendo Switch rather than debuting on the Sony PSP over a decade ago. The aspect ratio also harkens back to the titles arcade release which is a nice touch and works well when playing on a larger screen. In a more bizarre choice, you are also able to pick between various Dariusburst Another Chronicle arcade cabinet's, although they never factor into the overall game...

The soundtrack also fits in with the games atmosphere well. It's a mix of a techno-synth beat with a haunting space opera tone. It certainly sets the scenes and makes each battle epic and each boss battle a tense affair. 

Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX + is a challenging and fun shmup. Fans of the series will feel right at home as the signature Darius gameplay is still the beating heart at the core of the game. There's plenty to do with the four-game modes provided, and the ability to play in co-op adds to that arcade experience. 

While the price point may be on the higher side considering what's included. If you're not one for the added extras then the Darius Cozmic Revelation Collection features the base model (with plenty of other Darius titles) for the same value.

Rating: 7/10 

Dariusburst Another Chronicle EX + is out now and can be purchased via the Nintendo Switch eShop by clicking here.

A code was kindly provided by the publisher for this review.  

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev