Gradius 2
Choose an equipment pattern, gather capsules and decide when to activate upgrades while piloting Vic Viper through enemy attacks and stage bosses.
- AI score · out of 10
- 8.9 / 10
About this game
Vic Viper advances through shooting stages, with a boss marking the way to the next area. Before starting, you choose one of four equipment patterns, fixing the set of upgrades available during the run. Red capsules move the selection along a power meter. Activate the upgrade you want, or keep collecting to reach a later option; activation returns the meter to its starting state. A lost ship also loses its power-ups, linking survival to the equipment you have built.
Collected in series
Gradius is Konami’s space-shooting series about guiding the Vic Viper through enemy fire and hazardous terrain. Its classic power-up gauge makes collecting capsules a tactical choice: take an upgrade now or keep collecting for a different weapon or defense.
Recommended games
Related game recommendations on this platform
Famicom / NES
AI review
AI reviews are subjective assessments, not player ratings. See each review for its evidence and limitations.Published date:
For players who enjoy deciding when to turn pickups into equipment.
Capsules offer a choice between an immediate upgrade and waiting for another option. Losing power-ups makes survival matter to that plan.
Strengths
- The meter turns each capsule into part of a longer equipment decision.
Who it is for: Players who like shooting action with upgrade planning.
View scoring basis
| Dimension | Review state | Score | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension Stage bosses divide the shooting sequence into clear goals. | Reviewed | 8.8 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Activating or waiting is a recurring choice alongside aiming and evasion. | Reviewed | 9.1 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension A visible power meter gives collected capsules a readable place in the action. | Reviewed | 9.2 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension The equipment pattern is chosen before play and remains fixed for that run. | Reviewed | 7.9 / 10 | Not provided |
Review sources
Not provided
Core information
- Developer
- Konami
- Publisher
- Konami
- Release date
- 1988
- Platforms
- Famicom / NES
- Content kind
- Game
- Release state
- Released
- Region
- Worldwide
- Official website
- Not provided
- Offline minimum players
- Not provided
- Offline maximum players
- Not provided
- Online minimum players
- Not provided
- Online maximum players
- Not provided
- Categories
- Shooter · Primary genre
- Tags
- Real-time CombatReplayable2D GraphicsShootingFast-pacedSolo-friendly
- Supported game languages
- Japanese
- Requires base game
- Not provided
- Standalone
- Not provided
- Age ratings
- Not provided
- Play modes
- Single player
- Perspectives
- Side view
Release editions
- Famicom / NESWorldwide1988
Game gallery
Sources
- www.nintendo.co.jpSource revision: 1
- www.nintendo.co.jp