This week’s Famicom Fridays feature takes us into the absurd and hilarious world of Parodius Da! (パロディウスだ!), a title that turns the classic shoot ’em up genre on its head with its zany humor, surreal enemies, and over-the-top action. Released in 1990 by Konami, this parody of their own Gradius series is as chaotic as it is charming—and it’s a must-play gem for fans of retro Japanese gaming.
🕹 What is Parodius Da!?
The name "Parodius" is a mash-up of "Parody" and "Gradius"—and that’s exactly what this game delivers: a parody of the space shooter genre. Instead of your typical starfighter, you’ll take control of bizarre characters like:
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Vic Viper from Gradius (naturally)
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Octopus, a flying red octopus
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TwinBee, the colorful hero from the TwinBee series
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Pentarou, the adorable penguin who quickly became a fan favorite
Each character comes with unique weapons and playstyles, giving players plenty of variety and replay value.
🤪 A Wild Ride Through a Ridiculous Universe
Parodius Da! is packed with outrageous levels and enemies. You'll shoot your way through stages featuring:
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Giant Vegas showgirls with cannons
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Dancing Moai statues (yes, like the Easter Island heads)
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Cat battleships
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Boss fights with flying lips and laser-shooting octopuses
It’s a visual spectacle that leans heavily into Japanese pop culture and surreal humor, offering something new and bizarre around every corner.
🎵 Music and Style
The soundtrack is one of the highlights of the game, filled with remixes of classical music like:
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"The Can-Can"
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"William Tell Overture"
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"Blue Danube"
These familiar melodies are given a high-energy twist that matches the game’s frantic pace and playful tone. Combined with vibrant sprites and bold colors, Parodius Da! is a sensory overload—in the best way.
📦 Legacy and Ports
While it started as an arcade game, Parodius Da! was successfully ported to the Famicom, bringing the hilarity home for Japanese gamers. It later saw versions on the Super Famicom, PC Engine, Game Boy, and even PlayStation compilations.
Although it was never officially released outside Japan for the NES/Famicom, it remains a cult favorite among import collectors and shoot ’em up fans worldwide.
🧠 Did You Know?
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Parodius Da! was the second game in the Parodius series but the first to reach wider popularity.
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The game’s subtitle in Japanese roughly translates to “It’s Parodius!”—a simple but proud declaration.
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Konami packed the game with references to its other franchises, including Castlevania, Goemon, and more.
🎯 Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a classic Famicom game that breaks all the rules and has fun doing it, Parodius Da! is a perfect pick. It’s a loving tribute and a hilarious roast of the very genre Konami helped popularize.
Whether you're here for the nostalgia or discovering it for the first time—this title is a blast from start to finish.
🛸💥 Stay tuned for more Famicom Fridays and keep those retro vibes alive!
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