Chimera Stages, also called Trap 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.
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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 tunnel at the beginning, city skyline, and blue-yellow sunset. The beginning of the level features a voice saying "standby ready, good luck." The level features excessive Kites that come from behind the player, mirroring how many enemies enter the play field in Night Striker.
The boss of the stage is signified by a unique warning sound. 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 of Night Striker at all. The boss arena still references both fights in having a dark blue sky.
C-2B Burn Alt Air[]
The second of the Night Striker levels, the name of Burn Alt Air and its music track is an anagram of "Urban Trail." It's faster and contains more enemies than Urban Trail. The beginning of the level has a notable introduction sequence where the player flies rapidly through a series of gates.
It lacks the voice lines at the beginning, though it still has the special warning sound before the boss appears.
C-3A Born to Be Free[]
Born to Be Free is the first of the Metal Black inspired Chimera stages. It's modeled after the game's first stage: Round 1 Down to Earth, with matching orange-yellow sky, ruined buildings, and music. The stage is slow paced, matching the somber tone of the music. Later, it features numerous invaders popping up from the bottom of the screen, likely referencing the hopping enemies from Round 1 of Metal black.
The boss of the stage, Apartheid, is introduced with a unique warning sound and, interestingly, no on screen warning message at all. Its arena, with green sky and blue buildings is a dead ringer for Apartheid's arena in the original Metal Black.
C-3B Before Ten Orb[]
Before Ten Orb is the second Metal Black stage and the last of the Chimera stages. Its name is an anagram of "Born to Be Free." As with the other B Chimera stages, it's faster paced and features more enemies, such as a barrage of Kites and wall of Expanders.
Like the previous stage, it lacks a visible warning message but has a special sound effect.
