Prepare for takeoff, but maybe pack a sense of humor and a giant penguin suit. When you think of classic Konami shoot-'em-ups, Gradius probably comes to mind first. But lurking in its shadow, and occasionally dancing right on top of it, is the utterly bonkers and brilliant Parodius series.
Instead of gritty sci-fi battles, Parodius delivers a vibrant, hilarious, and surprisingly challenging experience that pokes fun at its serious older sibling while standing tall as a fantastic shmup in its own right. Let's blast off into this world of flying octopi, can-can dancers, and weaponized penguins.
What Exactly is Parodius?
At its core, Parodius is a "cute 'em up" – a subgenre of the shoot-'em-up (shmup) known for its colorful graphics, often surreal or humorous themes, and less serious tone compared to traditional space shooters. Konami took their established Gradius formula – horizontal scrolling, the iconic power-up bar, challenging stages – and injected it with pure, unadulterated absurdity.
Think of it as Gradius after a few too many trips to a psychedelic carnival. You still collect power-up capsules to get speed-ups, missiles, lasers, and options (those helpful little drones that mirror your shots), but you might be flying a penguin, an octopus, a twin-bee, or even a stickman on a paper airplane instead of the sleek Vic Viper.
The World of Weird: Why Parodius Stands Out
While the gameplay mechanics borrow heavily from Gradius, Parodius carves its unique identity through its relentless humor and bizarre presentation. This isn't just a palette swap; it's a full-blown comedic assault on your senses.
- Character Roster: Forget generic spaceships. You'll pilot penguins (Pentarou), octopi (Takosuke), and characters pulled from other Konami franchises like TwinBee and Ganbare Goemon. Each character often has their own distinct set of weapons, adding replayability.
- Enemy Design: Prepare for giant, winking moai statues, dancing showgirls, bubble-blowing cherubs, flying pigs, and enemies that look like they escaped from a fever dream.
- Music: The soundtracks are often remixes or parodies of classical music pieces, adding another layer of cultured silliness to the chaos.
- Levels: Stages are imaginative and unpredictable, featuring everything from candy lands and bathhouses to giant boss battles against things like a massive, inflatable elephant or a dancing cat.
This blend of solid, sometimes difficult, shmup action with genuinely funny and unexpected visuals is the secret sauce that makes Parodius so memorable and beloved by those who discover it.
Key Entries in the Series
The Parodius series spans several titles, primarily released in arcades and Japan, though a few did make it to Europe.
- Parodius (or Parodius
From Myth to Laughter): The originator, first an MSX game, later an arcade title. It set the stage for the absurdity. - Parodius Da!
Shinwa kara Owarai e(From Myth to Laughter): A major arcade and console hit, often considered a classic entry. This is where many players outside Japan got their first taste via European releases on systems like the SNES/Super Famicom or NES. - Gokujō Parodius!
Kako no Eikō wo Motomete(Fantastic Journey): Another fantastic entry, expanding the character roster and upping the ante on the weirdness. Popular on the Super Famicom. - Jikkyō Oshaberi Parodius (Chatting Parodius): Added voice commentary and even more bizarre scenarios.
- Sexy Parodius: Known for its slightly more risqué humor and themes.
- Paro Wars: A strategy spin-off, a departure from the shmup genre.
While the later titles built upon the foundation, the core experience of Da! and Gokujō often stand out as fan favorites for perfectly balancing the Gradius gameplay with the signature Parodius charm.
Playing Parodius Today
Given their arcade and Japanese console origins, getting into Parodius today might require a bit of effort, but it's definitely possible!
- Original Hardware: Tracking down Super Famicom or European SNES/NES cartridges is an option, though prices vary. Arcade PCBs are also out there for the dedicated collector.
- Compilations: Konami has released various compilations over the years on PlayStation, Saturn, PSP, and other platforms that include Parodius titles. These can be a great way to access multiple games.
- Emulation: For many, emulation is the most accessible route to experience the arcade perfect versions or the Super Famicom classics. Projects like MAME for arcade or SNES emulators make these games readily available on modern PCs.
- Digital Stores: While less common than Gradius, keep an eye on digital storefronts like GOG or console e-shops for potential Konami retro collections that might include Parodius in the future (though currently, they are not widely available digitally in the West).
However you play it, experiencing Parodius is a must for any retro shmup fan looking for something truly unique and hilarious.
Why Retro Gamers Still Love It
Parodius isn't just a footnote in Konami's history; it's a beloved series with a dedicated fanbase. Why?
- Expert Parody: It successfully mimics and respects the Gradius gameplay while completely subverting its tone. It's a loving, funny tribute.
- Unforgettable Charm: The sheer creativity and absurdity of the characters, enemies, and levels leave a lasting impression. It's genuinely funny and visually exciting.
- Solid Gameplay: Beneath the silliness is a competent and often challenging shmup that requires skill and strategy, just like Gradius.
- Nostalgia: For those who played it back in the day, especially on imported consoles or in arcades, Parodius holds a special place as a uniquely "Konami" and uniquely "weird Japan" experience.
It's a series that proves video games don't always have to take themselves seriously to be brilliant.
FAQ
Q: Is Parodius related to Gradius? A: Yes, absolutely! Parodius is a direct parody of Konami's Gradius series, using similar gameplay mechanics like the power-up bar but with a completely different, humorous theme.
Q: Are the Parodius games difficult? A: Like Gradius, Parodius games can be quite challenging, especially later in the levels. They require pattern recognition, quick reflexes, and smart use of your power-ups. The humor doesn't mean it's easy!
Q: Were Parodius games released outside of Japan? A: A few titles, most notably Parodius Da! and Gokujō Parodius (as Fantastic Journey), received releases in Europe, but the series was never officially released in North America.
Q: Which Parodius game should I start with? A: Parodius Da! or Gokujō Parodius are often recommended starting points as they are classic, well-regarded entries that perfectly capture the series' essence.
So, if you're tired of grim space battles and want to shoot down dancing chickens with a flying octopus while dodging giant hammers, give Parodius a try. You won't regret diving into Konami's most wonderfully weird shmup series.
