The problem I've with this game is the same problem I had with Darius I, in that you're not given enough defensive/offensive weapons to counteract the millions of shit flying all over the admittedly highly attractive backgrounds. The difficulty feels like it has ramped up over its predecessor especially with the bosses and the sub-bosses, as they've more ways to punish you now with your bigger hitbox(and they really look awesome doing it). The graphics and sound are the real stars of the show here, just like in the original with more levels to play through now as well.