Otomedius Excellent

Otomedius Excellent is a side-scrolling shoot-'em-up. It serves as a sequel to Otomedius and continues the spin-off series that parodies and builds upon gameplay elements from the Gradius franchise. The game features both a single-player campaign and multiplayer modes, including local and online co-op for up to three players. Online functionality includes a score attack mode with leaderboard rankings. Post-release content includes additional stages, characters, and costumes via downloadable content.

Gameplay follows the traditional horizontal shooter format, where players pilot flying characters known as Angel Squadrons. Each character comes with their own ship, inspired by Konami franchises, and a unique loadout. Players collect power-ups to activate weapons using a power-up bar similar to the Gradius series. Weapons and abilities are assigned using a card system, with customizable setups. New to this installment is the ability to replay completed stages for better scores and rankings, and to unlock extra content.

The story is set in the year 2011 and follows the Angel Squadrons as they battle the newly formed Bacterian Army and a force known as the Dark Force. The conflict spans multiple themed stages, including coastal areas, space battles, ancient ruins, and a final confrontation in a terrestrial sky fortress. Several of the characters and enemies are drawn from across Konami's game library, integrating references from series like Castlevania, Parodius, Getsu Fūma Den, and TwinBee.