Video Game Review - G-Darius HD

Rob reviews G-Darius HD on Nintendo Switch...

The Nintendo Switch isn't short of arcade conversions. From titles such as Crusi'n Blast to the  Hamster Arcade Archive, there's plenty here to satisfy even the staunchest arcade critic. The latest kid on the block is G-Darius HD, a high-definition remaster of Tatio's 1997 shoot'em up arcade title. 

G-Darius is the fourth instalment of Tatio's Darius series - and was the first to feature 3-D polygonal graphics. At the time the title received a port on both the PlayStation and PlayStation 2, as well as making its way on to PC. Much like previous titles in the series, G-Darius HD features the classic horizontal shoot'em up gameplay, mixed in with some beautifully rendered graphics. 

Considering its shoot'em up heritage, G-Darius has quite a surprising plot. Set as a prequel to the series, the game follows the early stages of the Amnelia/Thiima war. Due to the use of a superweapon by the Amnelia to annihilate another race, the Thiima decide to attack the Amnelian forces. After suffering quite substantial losses the Amnelians create the Silver Hawk - a technologically advanced fighter built from salvaged Thiima technology. In a last-ditch effort to end the Thiima threat, two pilots are chosen to attack the Thiima base.

The Silver Hawk is fitted with a range of weaponry such as missiles, bombs, and a basic forward-firing cannon. These can be upgraded via power-ups that are dropped from certain foes once they are defeated. The Silver Hawk also comes equipped with the 'capture ball'. Rather than destroying its target, this weapon captures whatever its shot at which then essentially gives the Silver Hawk extra firepower. Depending on what enemy is captured you'll either be granted extra turrets or a frontal shield. These drones will continue to follow the Silver Hawk until they are destroyed, or if they are absorbed to power the beam-laser. 

The beam laser acts like the Silver Hawk's super-weapon and requires a captured ship to be absorbed to power. This weapon is specifically devastating to boss ships as it allows you to fire a sustained blast for a short period. While it seems a little over-powered, boss characters also have use of the weapon. If both weapons are fired at the same time, both ships enter a duel where you have to mash the fire button to overcome the enemies own laser. It's quite frantic when it happens and can lead to some major hand cramps! What's interesting is that if you win the duel, you'll do some major damage to the boss ship. 

The game features 15 missions that are selected from a branching path. Each path features 5 areas of increasing difficulty, with an overall ending, comes the completion of the path. Each level also features an alternative path which is chosen by either flying in the upper or lower portion of the screen when prompted. Regardless of what path you choose, the gameplay remains the same. The only real difference is that the stage boss will have a slightly different style to its attacks. 

The presentation of G-Darius HD is very faithful to the original title (which is also included). The 3-D textures retain all the pixilated style of 1997, and the game handles incredibly well. Each zone has its theme with plenty of goings-on in the background. This can be quite confusing at times as you'll evade a ship that's not technically there, to then collide with a projectile. Regardless, it doesn't take away from the enjoyment and makes you feel as if you are part of a large battle. 

The game's soundtrack is reminiscent of every other arcade shoot'em up. It's a high tempo beat that's full of heroic overtures that certainly sets the mood. On occasion, the soundtrack does seem to fade into silence. Whether this is intended or is a bug I'm not sure, but hopefully, if it is a bug it gets ironed out in an update. 

G-Darius HD is certainly a contender for the arcade crown. While it's steeped in nostalgia, its gameplay largely remains up there with the best of today. That classic Darius gameplay is here in all its glory and just goes to show that the '80s and '90s were the golden eras of arcade shooters. 

Rating 7.5/10

A code was kindly provided for this review.

G-Darius HD is out now and can be purchased via the Nintendo Switch eShop by clicking here.

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