One of the defining characteristics of the Gradius series is the use of a "power meter." The power meter is powered by a power-up item, whose purpose, when collected, is to move a highlight to the next power-up on the power meter. When a power-up that the player wants becomes highlighted, he or she may activate it, also causing the highlight to reset. Gradius, our mother planet. Bacterian, a cluster of stars located in subspace, has invaded this dazzling planet and exposed it to a series of vicious battles. Threatened with extinction in the face of such an onslaught, the planet Gradius decides to deploy its final hope: the super-dimensional fighter Vic Viper. Its destination is the enemy fortress of Xaerous. The only way to put an end to this conflict is to plunge deep into the enemy's stronghold and destroy the core that lies at its center. Prepare to launch! And so, Vic Viper takes off into the vast blackness of space.
ShooterArcadeActionScience fictionspaceArcade, Sharp X68000
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Character
Plot-driven, earnest, grave and classical in form.
- character-ledplot-driven
- earnestironic
- gravecomic
- classical in formformally daring
- intimateepic
Who loves it, who doesn't
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Reviews
No reviews yet.
About the game
- Platforms
- Arcade, Sharp X68000
- Developer
- Konami
- Publisher
- Konami
- Released
- May 29, 1985
- Modes
- Single player, Multiplayer
- Perspective
- Side view
IGDB rating 7.2/10 from 49 ratings.
Screenshots
Pairings
Companions we picked from the closest works, and how to take them.
Similar in taste
Closest on the same fourteen dimensions, from everything scored on Curator Co. Other media included when they land close.
Gradius IV: Revival 199989% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, grave.
RayStorm 199688% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, grave.
Vulcan Venture 198887% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, grave.
Raiden 199087% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, grave.
Contra 198785% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, classical in form.
Super R-Type 199184% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, grave.
Zanac 198683% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, grave.
Truxton 198883% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, grave.
UFO 197067% alikeSeries · Both earnest, grave, epic.
Mazinger Z 197264% alikeSeries · Both earnest, classical in form, plot-driven; this one is more effortless.
Often played with
Similar games per IGDB. Opening one adds it to Curator Co.
