Gradius is a series of horizontal shoot 'em up games developed and published by Konami.
Overview[]
First introduced in 1986, the series is mainly known by it's unique power-up system, which involves collecting power capsules that will highlight a weapon in the power meter. By pressing a second button, the player can activate the highlighted weapon in the power meter. In almost all games the player controls the Vic Viper, which fights against the Bacterian Empire. The most recurring enemies include the Moai, which have since became Konami's pseudo-mascot, and the Core Warships, bosses comprised of a core protected by multiple barriers and which are always preceded by the announcer urging the player to "destroy the core".
Games[]
Main Titles[]
- Gradius (1986)
- Gradius II: GOFER no Yabō (1988)
- Gradius III (1989)
- Gradius Gaiden (1997)
- Gradius IV: Fukkatsu (1999)
- Gradius Galaxies (2001)
- Gradius V (2004)
- Gradius NEO (2004)
- Gradius NEO Imperial (2004)
- Gradius Arc (2010)
Nemesis[]
- Nemesis 2 (1987)
- Nemesis 3: The Eve of Destruction (1988)
- Cosmic Wars (1989)
- Nemesis (Game Boy) (1990)
- Gradius: The Interstellar Assault (1991)
- Gradius ReBirth (2008)
Salamander[]
- Salamander (1986)
- Salamander (MSX) (1987)
- Life Force (1988)
- Salamander 2 (1996)
- Solar Assault (1997)
Compilations[]
- Gradius Deluxe Pack (1996)
- Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus (1997)
- Gradius III and IV (2000)
- Gradius Collection (2006)
- Salamander Portable (2007)
Slot Machines[]
- Piccadilly Gradius (1989)
- Gradius: The Slot (2011)
Cancelled Games[]
- Vic Viper
- Gradius VI
Other Media[]
Board Game[]
- Gradius (board game) (1986)
Mangas[]
Anime[]
- Salamander (OVA) (1988)