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Gradius 
Virtual Console Reviews Nintendo Entertainment System
Written by Dave   
Monday, 19 March 2007
Editor's rating
3.8
out of 5
 
     
Published By: Konami
Players: 1-2
Genre: Shooter
Wii Points: 500
Memory Blocks Used: 92
Across the galaxy, there exists a distant planet known as Gradius. Gradius’ peaceful existence has been brought to an end by an intense space invasion by a race known as the Bacterion. To save the planet, the hyperspace fighter Vic Viper has been deployed to fight the Bacterion invasion. Players pilot the Vic Viper through seven stages, shooting and dodging through deadly obstacles, while using various power-ups, including missiles, lasers, options and shields. The Vic Viper’s target is the enemy fortress, Xaerous. The only way to end the war is to plunge deep through the enemy forces and destroy its very core.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Presentation
4.0
Graphics
4.0
Sound
3.0
Gameplay
4.0
Emulation
4.0
Released in 1986, Gradius is one of those great games that gave birth to a new genre: the “shoot 'em up”, also known as “shmup”. Gradius takes the basic structure of Space Invaders and Galaga, and adds so many gameplay enhancements that it sets the standard for all future shooters.

The first thing you will notice is that the play-field is now horizontal instead of vertical like Space Invaders and Galaga. The objective is still the same: destroy your enemies without getting hit. You will encounter squadrons of enemy ships flying in stylized formations, and gun batteries placed on the ground: both below, and above you. You also run into environmental hazards that need to be avoided like mountains, and volcanos.

The big evolution in Gradius is the array of weapons, shields, and power-ups available to you. As you collect energy icons left behind by enemies, your power meter grows, giving you access to many enhancements such as improved speed, shields, lasers, missiles, and two-directional weapons.

Gradius is a revolutionary game that paved the way for games like R-Type, 1942, and later classics such as Raiden and Radiant Silvergun, and is a must have for your VC collection if you are a shmup fan.
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