Just got it today and it is great. The Megadrive/Genesis version does
NOT compare. This is based on the complete arcade version, not that
cut-down 16-bit one. Since the arcade version used 2 monitors ala
Ninja Warriors(Taito's other multimonitor game) or X-Men(Konami's),
you can use the L&R buttons to adjust the playfield size. You can
zoom up REAL close, or letterbox the heck out of it. I recommend
shrinking the screen as small as it goes, then tapping the R button
once. If you don't have it fully letterboxed, the screen will pan
with you when you go near the edges. (WARNING: If you have it zoomed
in all the way, enemies can blast you from off screen. At least
letterbox it a little to get a wider view.) If you've played the
Genesis version, you'll see differences (i.e. Red Crab appears in
zones G/H/I/J, just like the arcade. Also there are other background
scenes which were cut from the Genesis game. You also go INSIDE(!)
Alloy Lantern after defeating it.) This is more challenging than the
Genesis version. Your ship's computer says "I always wanted a thing
called tuna sashimi" near the start of the game. LOL! The music is
some great stuff by Taito's sound team Zuntata (Galactic Attack, Bust
A Move 2, Darius Gaiden). This is pretty much as good as Darius
Gaiden (3).