Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gradius: Deluxe Pack delivers the classic side-scrolling shooter action of Gradius I and II, faithfully ported to Windows 95, Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Both titles share the same tight control scheme that made the originals so addictive, putting you in control of the state-of-the-art Vic Viper fighter against relentless waves of Bacterian forces. Maneuvering through twelve uniquely themed levels in each game, you’ll dodge laser turrets, asteroid fields and organic space creatures that never quite feel reused from mission to mission.

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The core weapon system revolves around collecting power-up capsules to customize your loadout on the fly: speed boosts, multi-directional lasers, target-seeking missiles, and protective shields all stack in familiar Gradius fashion. This risk-reward mechanic encourages you to hang back and build up your gauge for more devastating attacks, but without a save feature, you’ll often need to replay long stretches after a single mistake. Be prepared for marathon sessions, because these ports haven’t added any new checkpoints or save states.

Both Gradius I and II ramp up their difficulty in different ways. Gradius I takes a measured approach, introducing new enemy patterns gradually, while Gradius II throws more complex formations and mid-level mini-bosses at you with less warning. Each port handles input latency well on all three platforms, though console owners may notice slight variations in responsiveness between the PlayStation’s DualShock and the Saturn’s pad. In every version, however, the gameplay remains as precise and rewarding as it was in the arcades.

Graphics

Visually, Gradius: Deluxe Pack stays true to the original 16-bit arcade sprites, with vibrant colors and detailed enemy designs that hold up surprisingly well on late-’90s hardware. The Windows 95 edition runs at a crisp 640×480 resolution, showcasing the parallax backgrounds in all their glory. On PlayStation and Saturn, screen resolutions drop slightly, but the dithering effects and palette transitions remain faithful to the arcade look, preserving the trademark neon weapon flares and sprawling boss set-pieces.

Both ports include screen filters to simulate old CRT monitors, a neat modernizing touch that enhances the nostalgic feel without compromising clarity. Level backgrounds—from the industrial corridors of Gradius I to the organic, pulsating landscapes of Gradius II—are rendered with enough detail to keep your eyes moving as the action scrolls by. Explosion animations remain snappy and colorful, ensuring that every power-up pickup and enemy defeat feels impactful.

While the Deluxe Pack doesn’t overhaul the original art, subtle enhancements like smoother sprite animations and menu interface improvements give these editions a polished presentation. The transition screens, stage select maps and even the pause menu carry a clean, organized layout that makes toggling between the two games simple. Whether you’re playing on a vintage PC or a mid-’90s console, the graphics still capture the essence of Konami’s arcade masterpieces.

Story

The narrative in Gradius is delightfully minimalistic: the Bacterians have launched an assault on the peaceful planet Gradius, and only the Vic Viper stands between the alien menace and galactic annihilation. Neither game delves deeply into character development, but the stakes are clear from the first screen. You know exactly why you’re flying and why every laser blast counts.

Gradius II expands the lore slightly by introducing the rogue planet-like entity Nemo (name varies by region), whose biomechanical fleets test your piloting skills in even stranger environments. Still, the story unfolds almost entirely through stage names, boss designs and brief mission briefing screens. This light narrative approach keeps the focus squarely on the frenetic shoot-’em-up gameplay rather than lengthy cutscenes or dialogue.

Fans of arcade-era simplicity will appreciate that the plot never gets in the way of action. The Deluxe Pack ports preserve every original title screen and attract mode animation, retaining the feel of an arcade cabinet inviting you back for “just one more try.” If you’re looking for a deep, cinematic storyline, this collection isn’t for you—but if a straightforward “evil aliens vs. lone fighter” setup is all you need to fuel countless playthroughs, Gradius: Deluxe Pack delivers.

Overall Experience

Gradius: Deluxe Pack is a compelling bridge between arcade nostalgia and home-console convenience. The lack of save functionality means you’ll need to dedicate serious blocks of time to see the ending credits, but completing a tough level or finally beating a boss after dozens of attempts provides a sense of achievement few modern shooters can match. The pack’s presentation—complete with CRT filters and faithful menus—complements the challenge without hiding the games’ age.

Port quality is remarkably high across Windows 95, PlayStation and Saturn. Load times are minimal, controls feel responsive, and the few added quality-of-life options like screen filters and display settings don’t interfere with the core gameplay loop. Multiplayer options are absent, which is a missed opportunity, but each title’s endurance mode—trying to get as far as possible in a single run—adds plenty of replay value.

For retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike, Gradius: Deluxe Pack offers a pure, unadulterated dose of classic side-scrolling action. If you crave challenging shooter gameplay, iconic 2D sprite art, and the rush of chaining together massive power-up combos, this collection is well worth exploring. Just be sure to clear your schedule before diving in—you’re in for a demanding, yet incredibly rewarding, ride through Gradius I and II.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10