Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Parodius brings Konami’s classic shoot ’em up formula into the realm of whimsical parody. Both Parodius Da! and Gokujō Parodius lean heavily on the Gradius engine, but they twist it into a carnival of absurdity. Players pilot a selection of zany ships—ranging from a penguin in a propeller hat to a standard Vic Viper—each with its own handling quirks. Power‐up capsules still unveil familiar missiles, lasers, and options, yet the hilarious designs (like churro‐shooting cannons) keep you laughing even as you’re dodging a barrage of rubber octopi.

Level design alternates between multi‐layered scrolling stages and boss gauntlets that mock traditional sci‐fi tropes. In Parodius Da!, you’ll fly through jigsaw puzzles, candy castles, and outer‐space nurseries, while Gokujō Parodius ups the ante with dynamic backgrounds—giant pianos, octopus‐shaped submarines, and cosmic playgrounds. Each section demands tight reflexes: enemy patterns are deceptively random, and the checkpoint system can feel unforgiving if you haven’t mastered your weapon loadout.

Controls remain crisp and responsive, even when the screen is filled to bursting with color and chaos. Experienced shoot ’em up fans will appreciate the combo‐oriented scoring mechanics carried over from Gradius, but newcomers can still have a blast by simply powering up to full firepower and unleashing the “Option” drones. The two‐player mode in Gokujō Parodius injects cooperative mayhem—watch out, though, as friendly fire can quickly turn giggles into groans.

Graphics

The visual style in Parodius is a vibrant mash‐up of 16‐bit era charm and outright silliness. Sprite work is lovingly pixelated, from the adorable dancing octopus minibosses to the enormous carnival whale that serves as a level boss. Konami’s artists clearly had fun, layering backgrounds with Easter eggs that parody other Konami franchises—run into a space invader, and you’ll see the imprint of Salamander lurking in the stars.

Parodius Da! exhibits a slightly more primitive palette, but its hallucinatory color schemes still dazzle. Gokujō Parodius refines the presentation, introducing transparency effects on par with late-’80s arcades and onslaughts of parallax scrolling that keep each stage feeling alive. Animations are delightfully over-the-top: fish rain from the sky, UFOs play catch with your options, and every explosion is accompanied by a flourish of confetti.

Enemy designs range from the adorably ridiculous—like penguins marching in formation—to the outright bizarre, such as giant lobsters blasting lasers. Although the compilation doesn’t include widescreen support, running it on modern displays via emulation or reissued hardware still yields crisp images, making every ridiculous detail pop with nostalgia-tinged brilliance.

Story

Don’t come to Parodius expecting a deep narrative—this is a shoot ’em up that lampoons the very notion of storytelling in video games. Parodius Da! sets the tone with a “rescue mission” that quickly devolves into surreal interludes: you’re as likely to be shot at by giant cakes as evil octopi. The so‐called plot exists mainly to justify stage progression and unlock ever stranger encounters.

Gokujō Parodius ratchets up the parody by weaving in cheeky references to classic adventure tropes. One level features a quest to save a kidnapped self portrait of Moai statues, complete with hand-drawn cutscenes that mock anime melodrama. Voice‐over clips—granted, sparse and lo-fi—add another layer of mock seriousness, puncturing any pretense of a coherent storyline with well-timed one‐liners.

What narrative thread there is arises from the absurdity itself: you’re piloting ludicrous vessels in a world where flying squirrels, giant penguins, and anthropomorphic battleships all coexist with equal menace. It’s a love letter to gaming clichés and an affectionate parody that never feels mean-spirited. If you’re in it for a plot twist, you might be disappointed—but if you enjoy poking fun at conventions, Parodius delivers in spades.

Overall Experience

As a compilation, this disc is a treasure trove for fanatics and first-timers alike. Parodius Da! lays the groundwork with tight shooting and a handful of memorable levels, while Gokujō Parodius builds on that foundation with richer visuals, refined controls, and expanded multiplayer mayhem. Together, they represent the peak of Konami’s shoot ’em up parody subgenre.

The learning curve is steep but rewarding: mastering the power meter, chaining score bonuses, and memorizing absurd enemy patterns will keep you coming back for high‐score dominance. Replay value soars when you unlock alternate ships, hidden stages, and bonus loops that challenge even the most seasoned bullet‐hell veterans. Plus, cooperative play in Gokujō Parodius adds a layer of chaotic fun that’s perfect for couch companions.

For potential buyers, this compilation offers a unique blend of nostalgia and novelty. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood arcade favorite or discovering the series for the first time, Parodius’ blend of strategic shooting and wacky visuals ensures an experience that’s as challenging as it is charming. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Gradius collides with a single-player circus, this is your ticket to the most delightful shoot ’em up carnival in gaming history.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10