Gradius 25th Anniversary

[Seahawk]

http://www.konaken.com/images/gra25th_banner_468.jpg

On May 29, 1985, Konami released one the most innovative shooters of all time into arcades. Gradius (or Nemesis if you prefer) was truly a revolution at the time, with its innovative capsule power up system allowing you to choose for the first time how you would power up your ship. Add in great graphics and touching music, and you have a game the likes of which had never been seen before.

http://www.gamestone.co.uk/gradius/games/AC/01_shot03.pnghttp://www.gamestone.co.uk/gradius/games/AC/02_shot05.pnghttp://www.gamestone.co.uk/gradius/games/AC/03_shot09.pnghttp://www.system16.com/screens/gradius4_a.pnghttp://bhdaamov.hp.infoseek.co.jp/gradius/pic/v-23.gif

It sequels have provided to concepts such as power meter select, weapon edits, new shield systems, but the core gameplay has always remained the same. 25 years later, the series is still going strong.

My first Gradius game was Gradius III on the SNES......I never thought I would still be playing so many years later.

I invite everyone to try the series out on RetroUprising. I promise that if you get good at Gradius games you will easily trounce most other shooters on the site, since it's one of the most hardcore shooter series you will ever play.

Arcade Games
Gradius/Nemesis AC (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/5871/)
Salamander AC (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/6152/)
Gradius II/Vulcan Venture AC (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/6618/)
Gradius III AC (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/5465/)

Ports
Gradius NES (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/1611/)
Gradius TG-16 (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/1612/)
Life Force NES (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/7596/)
Salamander - TG-16 (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/3419/)
Gradius III SNES (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/1613/)

If you don't feel like playing there here is also some Gradius related video content instead:
Gradius AC Full Run (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2C3ACC58E328B72C)
Gradius II AC Full Run (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2496E567162660BD)
Gradius III AC Full Run (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=6C97E2B4CD074325)
Gradius III SNES Full Run (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=19B33CAB7E5D7BEC)
Gradius IV Practice Run A (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9hdhd3GA30)
Gradius IV Practice Run B (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kogSBcfHgdg)
Gradius Rebirth High Score Run (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B49442A5910FFC62)
Nemesis III MSX Full Run (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=0D5F462E2B7A3286)

Here's to another 25 years of destroying the core!!

[LunaAngelRose]

Gradius is my favorite video game that I do agree with you Sea 25 years old all these years and it still rules as the best nes shoot em up game out there.

Happy 25th Anniversary Gradius!

Here's to another 25 years of bosses and awesome levels that totaly rock!

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/gradius-lego-431.jpg

[Davidizer13MK2]

You missed a game:
Retro Uprising - Arcade - Salamander 2 (http://retrouprising.com/game-menu/game/8113/)

Still, there's nothing like a round of Gradius. For better or worse, it's played the shmup formula pretty straight: while shmups got darker and got more complex stories in the PS1 era (Einhander, R-Type Delta, G-Darius, Radiant Silvergun), Gradius Gaiden stayed pretty light in terms of tone and story. Personally, I like the Life Force/Salamander side of things more than the regular Gradius games, but they're both great.

Also, Luna, that Lego model is awesome.

[samejamesbond]

Has anyone played Gradius V for the PS2?
I heard it was a great game.

[Seahawk]

Has anyone played Gradius V for the PS2?
I heard it was a great game.

I have it. It is not bad, but not especially good. It's very difficult.

On a random note, pic related, it's a Vic Viper cake:
http://image.movapic.com/pic/m_201005300152584c01466a0ee17.jpeg

[marxxx]

I am also a huge fan of Gradius. I had no idea it has been 25 years. Boy, how time flies!

[AVGNJr1985]

Man I'm a fan of Gradius. :)

[splatglobe 95]

happy late birthday gradius game!

[elrod21]

I still remember the slowdown on the stage with those things with long arms. ;)