Chimera Stages are a set of 6 stages found in the original mobile version of Space Invaders Infinity Gene, unlocked by purchasing 3 different DLC. Each set of two stages is a direct reference to another Taito franchise, being Darius (C-1), Night Striker (C-2), and Metal Black (C-3).
These stages were delivered alongside an update that allowed for playing the game in landscape mode, making these stages more closely resemble their inspirations. This was heavily advertised as the proper way to play these purchasable levels.
C-1A Captain Neo[]
Captain Neo is the first stage of the Darius-themed Silver Hawk DLC. It's named for its music track, which originates from Zone A of the first Darius game. Its level geometry mirrors this too; when played in landscape mode it resembles the rocky slopes of that first level. Its turquoise coloration is shared by that level too, as well as ending in a fight with King Fossil.
The fight with King Fossil is introduced with a unique message straight from the Darius franchise: "Warning! A huge battleship 'King Fossil' is approaching fast." This message is paired with the warning sound effect from that game. This fight is accompanied by a change in level aesthetic, going from a turquoise cavern to beige with swirls. This is a direct reference to the change in arenas found in Darius.
C-1B I Can Not Ape[]
I Cannot Ape is the second of the Darius-themed stages. Its stage and music name "I Can Not Ape" is actually an anagram of "Captain Neo." Compared to its twin, it is much faster paced, throwing excessive enemies at the player at once. Its level geometry is more symmetrical in comparison and requires less squeezing through gaps. Its aesthetics might be a reference to Zone K of Darius, but this connection is tenuous.
The battle with King Fossil is much the same as before, but in a red arena. It is introduced with the same warning message as in Captain Neo.
.png "1B I Cannot Ape (Probably).png (31 KB)")
C-2A Urban Trail[]
Urban Trail is the first of the Night Striker-themed stages. It's named for its music track sourced from the original Night Striker, "Urban Trail." Aesthetically, it draws from Stage A: In a Large City, with its launch bay at the beginning, city skyline, and blue-yellow sunset. The beginning of the level features a voice saying "standby ready, good luck."
The boss of the stage is signified by a unique warning sound. When it arrives, a voice says "all gun barrels opened." The boss, Great Destroyer (or Twilight Mirage in its second phase,) is unique for a number of reasons. It's two distinct bosses treated as one, and each of those bosses functions as multiple entities as well. Also, those bosses don't appear in Stage A at all. The boss arena still references Stage A's boss background in having a dark blue sky.
C-2B Burn Alt Air[]
TBA
C-3A Born to Be Free[]
TBA
C-3B Before Ten Orb[]
TBA