DARIUS
DARIUS is a 1986 side-scrolling shooter arcade game featuring branching paths, massive mechanical sea creatures as bosses, and a unique triple-screen display. Players pilot the Silver Hawk spacecraft against the alien Belsar army across 26 alphabetical zones.
Platform
arcade
Year
1986
Genre
Horizontal shooter
Developer
Taito
Controls
About This Game
Set in a futuristic ocean-themed universe, DARIUS introduced non-linear progression with its iconic zone select system (A-Z) and multiple endings based on path choices.
The game was revolutionary for its widescreen display using three 4:3 monitors side-by-side, creating an ultra-wide 12:3 aspect ratio for immersive gameplay.
Known for its biological-mechanical enemy designs and memorable electronic soundtrack composed by Hisayoshi Ogura (OGR).
Sparked a long-running series and influenced later shooters with its aquatic aesthetic, power-up system, and multi-stage bosses with weak points.
