An early 1996 Japan-only release, Konami’s Gradius Deluxe Pack features straight conversions of the mid-1980s arcade classics Gradius and Gradius 2.
In these side-scrolling shmups, you take control of the Vic Viper and blast your way through multiple levels collecting powerups left behind by enemies to be able to select which ship upgrade/power you want.
Tough and decidedly 1980s-looking, these games were nevertheless hugely popular and responsible for spawning many sequels and spinoffs, such as the Parodius and Salamander series. Shmup lover? Right this way, please…
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