Parodius Da!: Shinwa kara Owarai e (World, set 1)

Konami’s Parodius Da!: Shinwa kara Owarai e is a frantic, horizontally scrolling shooter released in 1990 that playfully spoofs the company's own Gradius series. Players choose from a roster of unusual pilots – including a penguin and an octopus – to battle against a Great Octopus threatening Earth. Gameplay revolves around collecting power-ups dropped by defeated enemies, which can be used to enhance your ship’s weaponry; players may opt for automatic upgrades or manually select each weapon enhancement as they progress through the stages. The game's humor is evident in its bizarre enemy designs and outlandish environments, blending elements from Gradius and Konami’s TwinBee series into a chaotic mix of anime-inspired visuals. Players can also trigger special “bell” power-ups for screen-clearing effects and devastating attacks. Cooperative play allows two players to join the fight, adding another layer of absurdity to this fast-paced arcade experience. Featuring a memorable soundtrack comprised of remixes of classical pieces like Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 and Rossini's William Tell Overture, Parodius Da! delivers a unique blend of challenging gameplay and offbeat comedic charm that sets it apart from other shooters of the era.