Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gradius III and IV deliver the classic side-scrolling shoot-’em-up thrills that fans of the series have come to expect. From the moment your Vic Viper launches into the first stage, you’ll find yourself weaving through dense patterns of enemy fire, judiciously collecting power-ups, and deciding when to bank your Orbs, Lasers, and Shields for maximum effect. The core loop of risk versus reward remains as addictive as ever: do you grab that Double shot at the cost of a Speed Down, or press on in hopes of a level 4 Laser? Every decision matters, and each stage is built around memorizing attack waves and reacting with pixel-perfect precision.

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What sets this compilation apart from a straight arcade port is the suite of modern enhancements tucked under the hood. Adjustable difficulty and speed settings let newcomers ease into the challenge, while veterans can crank everything to maximum for that authentic, old-school sweat. A stage-select option allows you to practice tricky boss fights or revisit your favorite levels without having to play through from the start. Extra game modes, including score-attack variants and a boss rush, provide plenty of incentive to keep coming back even after you’ve beaten both titles.

Gradius IV introduces subtle refinements to the formula established by its predecessor. Stages are more varied, with occasional 3D‐style background segments that contrast with the purely 2D environments of Gradius III. Weapon loadouts feel a bit more aggressive, and the bosses become increasingly elaborate in their attack patterns. While the jump from III to IV isn’t night and day in terms of core mechanics, the pacing in IV feels slightly tighter and more modern, making it an engaging follow-up rather than just a rehash.

Graphics

Both games boast pixel art that still looks sharp decades after their arcade debut. Gradius III’s parallax-scrolling backgrounds, rotating tunnels, and intricate Moai head stages are rendered faithfully in this compilation, preserving the original color palette and sprite detail. Gradius IV builds on that foundation with more ambitious effects—multi-layered starfields, rotating 3D segments, and larger, more elaborate enemy sprites. The result is a visual spectacle that still pops on modern screens.

Perhaps the most impactful visual addition is the newly created 3D introduction movie. It frames the conflict between the Vic Viper and the Bacterion Empire in cinematic fashion, with dynamic camera moves, textured models, and a dramatic score. While it doesn’t alter the in-game graphics, it does provide a context and sense of scale that the arcade originals never had, lending the compilation a fresh coat of polish.

Under the hood, the emulation remains rock-solid. There are no noticeable frame-drops or slowdown, even in the most chaotic boss encounters. For purists, the option to toggle scan-line filters or play in a pixel-perfect window preserves the CRT aesthetic, while more casual players can enjoy a full-screen up-scale with crisp edges. Whether you prefer your pellets old-school or smoothed out for a modern display, the compilation accommodates both tastes.

Story

As with most classic shoot-’em-ups, narrative takes a back seat to action. The barebones plot—pilot the Vic Viper against the mechanized hordes of the Bacterion Empire—serves mainly as a framing device. However, the new 3D introduction film breathes life into a universe that previously relied on instruction-card blurbs and attract-mode text. You glimpse alien worlds under siege, the sleek silhouette of your starfighter, and the towering dread of the Andore Moai section chief all before the first wave of enemies appears.

In-game story elements are primarily communicated through stage names and minimalist briefings, but they’re enough to establish a sense of progression. You’ll travel from space highways to volcanic planets, navigate toward enemy strongholds, and ultimately confront the flagship of the Bacterion Empire. Each thematic change in environment reinforces the feeling of a high-stakes interstellar conflict.

While hardcore narrative fans might find the lore light, the compilation’s focus on pure gameplay makes up for any lack of plot depth. If you’re looking for branch dialogues or character development, you won’t find it here—but if you want a straightforward arcade adventure with enough atmospheric touches to keep you invested, Gradius III and IV deliver in spades.

Overall Experience

Gradius III and IV on one disc represent a superb value for shmup enthusiasts and retro gamers alike. You’re essentially getting two full arcade experiences, each with dozens of challenging stages and high-score pursuits. The added features—difficulty and speed adjustments, stage select, extra modes, and the cinematized intro—ensure that the package feels more than just a museum piece; it’s an active celebration of Konami’s legacy.

The learning curve remains steep, but the adjustable settings make it accessible for players of all skill levels. Beginners can dip their toes into the series’ loop system without the frustration of instant game-overs, while veterans can chase perfect runs and leaderboard glory. The compilation’s polish, combined with spot-on emulation, means that you’re seeing and playing Gradius as it was meant to be experienced—no compromises.

Ultimately, Gradius III and IV stand as two of the finest entries in one of gaming’s most storied franchises. Whether you’re rekindling nostalgia or discovering the series for the first time, this compilation provides hours of adrenaline-pumping action, addictive weapon-upgrade mechanics, and some of the most memorable level designs in shoot-’em-up history. It’s a must-have for anyone who craves classic arcade intensity paired with modern conveniences.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10