
Even though they're almost the same game, I prefer G-Darius over Darius Gaiden because of the ship capturing mechanic. You could even capture mini-bosses and use them as shields, bombs, use their secondary fire, or use them to charge your boss-killing super laser.
Like I said before, Darius is one of my favorite shooter series even since I played the first one in arcades that had the three screen long cabinet. And the first level music of Darius, "Captain Neo," is one of my top favorite game songs ever.