Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade
Released Nov 2021
Darius is one of the pioneers of the side-scrolling shoot 'em genre, and the Steam version replicates the multi-screen arcade experience with 4 different titles and 7 versions filled with aquatic-lifeform-themed bosses and epic, Zuntata-composed soundscapes!
94% positive · 154 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $44.99
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Evaluation
Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade launched on November 17, 2021 as a curated compilation of 4 classic Taito arcade titles across 7 versions. The store description presents it as a complete package — a fixed set of games with no mention of additional content, DLC, or future updates planned for the collection itself.
Post-launch developer activity has been limited to maintenance: a feature patch on May 5, 2022 added display and controller options, and a Steam Deck compatibility fix was issued in December 2023 and finalized in January 2024. No major content additions have been released for this collection, and no future content has been announced.
The developer news feed includes posts about other Taito products — notably Operation Night Strikers — but those are entirely separate games. Nothing in the developer's communications points to new games, titles, or features being added to this collection. The game shipped as a finished archival product and has received only technical upkeep since launch.
Evidence
Store description presents a fixed set of 4 titles and 7 versions with no mention of additional content, DLC, or expansion plans.
Announcement for Operation Night Strikers, a separate Taito game. No relation to this collection.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
TAITO CORP.
Achievements
59
Platform
Windows
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op · Local/Split Screen
About this game
Darius is one of the pioneers of arcade side-scrolling shoot 'em up games, first released in 1986 in a custom, 3 screen cabinet featuring in-seat bass speakers to deliver the impact of the game direct to the player! The aquatically themed, giant robotic fish bosses and Zuntata-composed soundscapes captured the hearts and minds of arcade goes everywhere, and now Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade brings 4 of those titles (total 7 versions) from the Darius arcade series, each with added features, some exclusive to Steam!
Announced in 1986 and released to arcades in 1987. The revolutionary 3-screen cabinet, in-seat bass speakers and iconic cast of colourful, aquatic-lifeform-themed boss characters, together with the now legendary soundtrack established its place in game fan's hearts. Other features carried over included the branching stage maps and power up system.
Darius (Arcade, new version, 1987)
A difficulty-balanced version of the previous release making boss battle easier the more powerups you have.
Darius (Arcade, extra version, 1987)
Further difficulty balances along with all new enemy placement makes for an easier game which gets much more difficult at the end.
A dual screen sequel to 1987's original game, with new bosses, new weaponry, the ability to switch directions during boss battles and... TUNA SASIMI!
Darius II was redesigned for the international market with shorter stages and less bosses with less health, but higher overall difficulty to balance the changes out. As a result, some routes and bosses were removed completely.
SAGAIA (Arcade, ver.2, 1989)
Conceptually the same as version 1, but with various changes, this second version is shrouded in mystery and it's unknown whether it was ever available to play at the time.
The first Darius game available on a single screen, this allowed it to be installed in more arcades than its predecessors. Spectacular visuals with semi-transparent effects, parallax scrolling and breath-taking boss entrance scenes, the visuals are only surpassed by the difficulty! New to the series is the ability to capture and use mid-bosses, as well as the black hole bomb!
Features:
- Multi-monitor support (Steam only!)
Use 2 or 3 monitors for that authentic arcade experience! - Simulated in-seat speaker(Steam only!)
Replicate the arcade's seat speaker output using a sub-woofer! - Quick Save & Load
Save at any point during the game, then come back later to practice! - Display features, Options & Gadgets galore
Scale, smooth and add scanlines, adjust difficulty, number of lives and add information-displaying gadgets to customise your view! - Training Mode
Set your powerup levels and choose which zone to practice!
DARIUS
Darius (Arcade, old version, 1986)Announced in 1986 and released to arcades in 1987. The revolutionary 3-screen cabinet, in-seat bass speakers and iconic cast of colourful, aquatic-lifeform-themed boss characters, together with the now legendary soundtrack established its place in game fan's hearts. Other features carried over included the branching stage maps and power up system.
Darius (Arcade, new version, 1987)
A difficulty-balanced version of the previous release making boss battle easier the more powerups you have.
Darius (Arcade, extra version, 1987)
Further difficulty balances along with all new enemy placement makes for an easier game which gets much more difficult at the end.
DARIUS II
Darius II (Arcade, Dual Screen version, 1989)A dual screen sequel to 1987's original game, with new bosses, new weaponry, the ability to switch directions during boss battles and... TUNA SASIMI!
SAGAIA
SAGAIA (Arcade, ver.1, 1989)Darius II was redesigned for the international market with shorter stages and less bosses with less health, but higher overall difficulty to balance the changes out. As a result, some routes and bosses were removed completely.
SAGAIA (Arcade, ver.2, 1989)
Conceptually the same as version 1, but with various changes, this second version is shrouded in mystery and it's unknown whether it was ever available to play at the time.
Darius Gaiden
Darius Gaiden (Arcade, 1994)The first Darius game available on a single screen, this allowed it to be installed in more arcades than its predecessors. Spectacular visuals with semi-transparent effects, parallax scrolling and breath-taking boss entrance scenes, the visuals are only surpassed by the difficulty! New to the series is the ability to capture and use mid-bosses, as well as the black hole bomb!
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 23, 2026
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