It's so hard to review a game like Gradius. This is a near-legendary title - it has inspired a franchise that has sold millions, not to mention the spin-off series Parodius and countless other clones.
But when reviewing classic retro titles, you have to judge if this game is still worth playing today. Thankfully, Gradius is a game that has aged much better than most shooters of the era, regardless of the fact that its many sequels have improved the core concept in practically every way you could possibly imagine.
The depth and variety of the game's power-ups was an immediate draw for players back in the '80s, and still holds up today. Modern updates to the series still use the same basic formula now, over two decades later, and also pay homage to another key feature first seen in Gradius – the core. "Shoot the core!" is the series' call to action, referencing the pulsating inner energy chamber that serves as the weak spot for the vast majority of Gradius boss characters.
Visually it's not going to turn heads, but then the Gradius series has never really been about impressive graphics. The gameplay is the big draw here and it's refreshing to find that the central gameplay of the franchise hasn't really changed since this version was released. Oh, and the rather unhealthy fixation with Easter Island statues is both confusing and entertaining at the same time!
There are better shooters available for the VC - Soldier Blade being one of them - but this is still worthy of downloading and ranks as one of the best NES games currently up for grabs on the Wii.
1. Ben
20 Feb 2007, 00:08 GMT
I've played Gradius & Life Force before, and I was excited to download the VC Rom for the Wii, however, I can't seem to get the Konami code to work... I thought maybe I just sucked, so I plugged in my old NES & popped in Gradius & it worked immediately for me... Did you actually get the Konami Code to work on the VC??
2. Dazza
20 Feb 2007, 15:39 GMT
The code still works. Pause the game then enter:
up, up, down, down, left, right ,left, right, B, A
Then un-pause. This activates all powerups except for Speed Up and Double.
3. Manaman
20 Feb 2007, 16:29 GMT
Gradius is nice and all, but what I really want is Life Force. Hope that's coming next...
4. Dazza
20 Feb 2007, 16:34 GMT
Yeah, I much prefer life force to the original Gradius too. The level design is great and it's got simultaneous 2 player mode. Top notch stuff!
5. Zweck36
25 Feb 2007, 20:44 GMT
Total excellence! Yes the code still works!
6. DEMON212
10 Mar 2007, 04:23 GMT
Am I the only one who seems to think that it runs slower than it used to?
I'm sure that you used to be as fast as, 2 speed powerups make you on the VC version.
7. diablos79
14 Mar 2007, 19:18 GMT
I like this game, although to be honest i was a bigger fan of parodious. Something about pirate ships with giant catheads and vegas showgirls as end of level bosses just tickle me. I dunno maybe its just me. As for gradius, its good but r-type is miles better.
8. sam
21 Mar 2007, 05:13 GMT
This game has some nice ideas but if you die after level 2-3 your pretty much screwed (unless you cheat). I seem to keep coming back to this one, but only for 10-15 mins at a time. After which I cant stop humming the music! It is worth the Wii points.
9. ehawk
24 Mar 2007, 00:28 GMT
I use this game as a bit of a break from my other more intense games, defo a must have but die once and you might as well just start again!! damn those bubble blowing heads!
10. PresidentLeever
25 Apr 2007, 16:09 GMT
This hasn't aged well imo. It's very slow paced an unforgiving. I also don't like the upgrade system at all, but maybe that's just me.
Anyway Life Force is much better and it's 2-player as well, but remember to get the PCE/TG16 version.
11. Tull
01 Jun 2007, 18:50 GMT
First game with the legendary Konami Code
12. William
07 Jul 2007, 23:24 GMT
It's my favorite game of all time for the VC! I've downloaded this before, and I play it from time to time. It's a great game! The music is pretty awesome, though.
13. Mii be you
11 Sep 2007, 00:35 GMT
This game is great. Good music, great challenge and awesome gameplay makes this one of the best NES games that I've ever played. Konami's greatest legacy. I also played the minigame on Mystical Ninja.
14. Alessandro Sojack
02 Oct 2007, 18:21 GMT
I never liked the NES version of Gradius, mostly because it was just missing a ton of stuff from the arcade version. The NES version of Lifeforce was great though, adding the Salamander/Gradius powerup system, switching up some of the levels for the better, and the limitted NES palette actually worked here, making the game look even grungier and organic.
15. learn japanese ds
09 Jan 2008, 02:43 GMT
haha the only time I've every played this was during intermission in Blades of Steel! I didn't even realize it was it's own game till now.
16. angel m. rivera collazo
01 Feb 2008, 17:02 GMT
this is my favorite NES game.I suck playing it.just killed one boss. :[
17. Faz666
08 Feb 2008, 20:56 GMT
This game is the reason i re-bought an NES, reminded me of my student house days
18. Manicfatty
14 Feb 2008, 18:39 GMT
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now gimme Life Force...GIMMMEEEEEEE!
19. Matmax14
13 May 2008, 20:02 GMT
this game is so boring...i like gradius 2 and 3 more...still the same endboss...
20. Sharecrow
18 May 2008, 17:25 GMT
I like this game a lot. It's surprisingly addictive and certainly challenging. I feel so behind in my shooters.....maybe because I am playing four at once. Anyway, I'll beat each of those someday and someday I'll beat this one too.
That being said, I do hope that they release Life Force on the VC someday. That and Abodox!!!
21. CastlevaniaTest
24 May 2008, 04:53 GMT
This is a good game, but I found it hard to come back to after playing Gradius III.
Leave A Comment
Please login to post a comment.