The Arcade Archives range has given us a lot of fantastic retro titles on the Switch eShop, including a number of intriguing lesser-known games. Darwin 4078 definitely qualifies in that category, as it was a Japan-only arcade from Data East that introduced some neat ideas to the vertical scrolling shooter genre.
Across 16 levels a key gimmick is 'evolution', with your ship evolving as you progress and collect EVOL capsules. Too long without picking these up and you'll begin to devolve, but there are certain conditions where you want to be hit by enemies at a certain point of evolution in order to unlock a special, powerful form. This is certainly a game where a bit of internet research and comparing notes with others will add to the experience.

Darwin 4078 arrives on the Switch eShop this week on 15th July; another one for the virtual arcade collection?
[source famitsu.com]
Comments 6
Sounds like a shmup on drugs to be honest
Cool, two Darwin games on switch now but this should play a lot better then Johnny Turbos release of Super Real Darwin.
Removed - unconstructive
Played this in an arcade in Ibiza in the late 80s and loved it, but never saw it in the UK. This might have to be a purchase
Did nintendolife ever acknowledge Raiden release
This looks like a weird shooter, which is one thing I like. Darwin never knew the kind of things his name would eventually be associated with. Looking forward to giving this one a spin.
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