Physical copies of the NTSC-U version have become somewhat scarce, as the print run was limited compared to major AAA titles. As a result, the ISO (the disc image format for Xbox 360) has become a primary way for enthusiasts to experience the game on modified hardware or through emulation.
Ignore the weird “petting” minigame and you get: Otomedius Excellent -NTSC-U--ISO-
Otomedius Excellent is the 2011 sequel to Konami's spin-off shooter, , bringing the classic Physical copies of the NTSC-U version have become
Essentially, it is a horizontal scrolling shooter that reimagines the stoic, mechanical world of Gradius and Salamander as a vibrant, "moe"-infused universe. Instead of piloting the Vic Viper spacecraft, players control "Angel Wing" girls—personifications of famous Konami ships—who fly through surreal environments to battle the Bakunyu army. Key Features of the NTSC-U Version: Instead of piloting the Vic Viper spacecraft, players
In the pantheon of modern horizontal shoot-'em-ups (shmups), few titles carry the weighty legacy of Gradius and Parodius . Konami’s Otomedius Excellent stands as a spiritual successor to both, wrapping hardcore bullet-hell mechanics in a vibrant coat of anime aesthetics. For collectors and emulation enthusiasts, the most sought-after digital artifact remains the .
However, the presentation is starkly different. Instead of piloting the Vic Viper starfighter, players control "Riding Vipers"—mecha suits piloted by a cast of anime girls. Characters like Aoba Anoa and Erul Tron serve as the face of the game, bringing personality and voice acting to a genre historically defined by silent spaceships.