Gradius
Gradius is a seminal horizontal-scrolling shooter developed and published by Konami for the NES. Players control the Vic Viper starship through challenging stages filled with enemies and obstacles, utilizing a unique power-up system to enhance their ship's capabilities.
Game Controls
About This Retro Game
Gradius introduced the iconic 'Options' - floating orbs that mirror the player's attacks, creating strategic gameplay possibilities. The game's power-up system uses a collectible meter where players choose when to activate specific upgrades.
Known for its memorable soundtrack and challenging difficulty, Gradius set the standard for the 'shmup' genre. The Moai heads in Stage 2 became one of gaming's most recognizable enemy designs.
The NES version was a faithful port of the 1985 arcade original, bringing Konami's precise shooting action home. Gradius spawned numerous sequels and influenced countless shooters with its tight controls and innovative power-up mechanics.
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Konami's spin-off of the Gradius series featuring both horizontal and vertical scrolling shooter segments. Introduced cooperative multiplayer and power-up capsules that automatically activate when collected.
The NES port of Konami's legendary horizontal shooter featuring the Vic Viper spacecraft. Includes all stages from the arcade original with redesigned power-up mechanics and new weapons for the NES hardware.
Salamander is a 1986 arcade shoot 'em up developed and published by Konami. A spin-off of the Gradius series, it features both horizontal and vertical scrolling stages with cooperative two-player gameplay. Players control the Vic Viper or Lord British spaceships to battle through organic alien environments with power-up capsules and unique weapon options.
Gradius II: GOFER's Ambition is a 1988 horizontal-scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Konami. As the direct sequel to the original Gradius, it introduces new power-up systems, enemy types, and the iconic 'Moai' stage. Players control the Vic Viper spacecraft against the Bacterion Empire's new GOFER weapon system.
Gradius III is a classic horizontal-scrolling shoot 'em up arcade game developed by Konami. As the third main installment in the Gradius series, it introduces new power-up systems and challenging stages while maintaining the core gameplay that made the series famous.
An original Gradius installment developed exclusively for Game Boy Advance, featuring refined gameplay mechanics and new power-up configurations. This entry combines classic horizontal shooter action with portable-friendly difficulty adjustments and four distinct weapon edit modes.