Released in 1995 as a Japanese arcade exclusive, Guardians (Denjin Makai II) is a side-scrolling beat ’em up developed by Winkysoft and published by Banpresto. As the sequel to 1994’s Denjin Makai, the game follows a group of eight specialized heroes working to stop a futuristic criminal organization comprised of mutants, cyborgs, and otherworldly beasts. 

Characters and Story Context

While the game contains minimal dialogue, the “Guardians” are established as futuristic peacekeepers. The roster includes several returning characters from the first game who have undergone significant narrative-driven changes: 

• Girulian: A futuristic cop who takes over as the main protagonist. He uses laser-emitting shades and a martial arts style focused on kicks.
• Kurokishi: A female officer from the original game who returns with a new look (blonde ponytail) and a bionic arm capable of freezing enemies.
• Zeldia: Formerly a living cocoon, she has now evolved into a blue-haired, winged humanoid who uses whirlwinds and dive-bomb attacks.
• Tulks: An even more muscular version of the original game’s wrestler who now fights with an oversized pistol for a weapon.
• P. Belva: A powerful robot upgraded with arm cannons and knee blades.
• Jinrei: A ninja with exceptionally long hair who throws shurikens at rapid speeds.
• Rou: A “Kung Fu Wizard” who uses magical cards, electric whips, and energy waves.
• Skullbyule: A large mutant dinosaur-like creature that fills the “heavyweight” role once held by Zeldia’s cocoon form. 

Plot Structure

The game spans five stages of combat through urban streets, military bases, and futuristic landscapes. 

• Branching Paths: Players are occasionally given the option to choose their next destination, which changes the environments and bosses encountered, providing multiple narrative routes to the final confrontation.

• The Conflict: The Guardians fight through waves of “gray-uniformed enforcers” and bizarre bosses—including a shape-shifting bodybuilder and a massive scorpion—to dismantle the syndicate’s operations.
• Endgame: The journey concludes with a final battle against an “overly large” boss, representing the core threat of the criminal network.