Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gradius Collection delivers the quintessential side-scrolling shooter experience that defined the genre. Players pilot the iconic Vic Viper through five classic arcade campaigns, each with its own cleverly designed levels and escalating difficulty. The signature power-up bar returns, challenging gamers to strategically collect capsules and tailor their loadout on the fly, whether that’s speed boosts, shields, or the devastating Option satellites.

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Although all titles in this compilation are single-player only, the pace remains relentless and engaging. The addition of the triangle button for rapid fire, which simultaneously triggers your standard laser and missiles, adds a welcome layer of convenience without diluting the original challenge. Veteran players will appreciate how the game preserves tight enemy patterns and boss encounters, demanding precise positioning and split-second reactions.

Newcomers to the series can take advantage of the save and autosave features to practice specific levels or bosses, easing the steep learning curve without compromising the authentic Gradius feel. You can also switch between the original arcade view and a zoomed-in mode to find the perfect balance between nostalgia and readability. The result is a gameplay package that caters to both hardcore shoot ’em up enthusiasts and curious newcomers.

Graphics

Graphically, Gradius Collection is a faithful reproduction of the arcade originals, preserving the sharp pixel art and vibrant enemy designs that made the series a visual standout in the 1980s and ’90s. Each game’s backgrounds are richly detailed, from the mechanical corridors of the Moai statues in the first Gradius to the deep-space vistas and alien hives of Gaiden. The color palettes remain bold and inviting, giving every stage a distinct atmosphere.

The compilation’s flexibility in screen presentation lets you choose between the full arcade cabinet layout or a cropped, zoomed-in view that highlights sprites without black borders. This option is particularly useful on modern high-definition displays, ensuring enemies and projectiles are easy to track even during the most chaotic encounters. You’ll notice minimal graphical glitches or slowdown, a testament to the collection’s polished emulation.

Extras like video galleries from Gradius Deluxe Pack, Gradius III & IV, and Gaiden are presented in crisp, restored footage. These archival materials not only boost the compilation’s visual appeal but also underscore the series’ evolution in sprite work and stage design. For fans curious about how each title pushed the hardware of its day, these videos are both informative and aesthetically pleasing.

Story

While Gradius has never been a narrative-driven series, the underlying lore of the Galactic Empire’s conflict with the Bacterion Army provides enough context for the action on screen. Each level’s setting—from asteroid belts and space fortresses to alien-infested planets—hints at a larger struggle, even if exposition is kept to a minimum. Gamers who seek deep stories will find enough framework to fuel their fantasies of interstellar combat.

Gradius Gaiden, the PS1 exclusive now joined by its predecessors, steps this up slightly with brief mission briefings and more varied environments. The inclusion of new weapon types and unique stage hazards in Gaiden expands the lore by suggesting advanced research and development efforts by the Vic Viper project. These tidbits, though sparse, enrich the series’ universe and reward close observers.

The music gallery further enhances the narrative ambiance by allowing you to listen to full soundtracks that underscore each game’s mood. From the heroic main theme of the original Gradius to the darker, more experimental tones of Gaiden, the audio selections help piece together an auditory story of evolving conflict and technological advancement. It’s a subtle but effective way to appreciate the series’ thematic continuity.

Overall Experience

Gradius Collection is a love letter to shooters, presenting five pillar titles in one cohesive package. The compilation strikes a careful balance between pure emulation and modern enhancements: you get authentic arcade gameplay, bolstered by quality-of-life features like save states, adjustable views, and fully unlocked options. This combination makes it easy for players to dive in at any skill level and progress at their own pace.

The extensive extras—ranging from game footage galleries to the complete music soundtrack—add significant value, offering both historical context and behind-the-scenes insights. Hardcore fans will revel in the nostalgia, while newcomers will be impressed by the series’ design ingenuity and timeless mechanics. Whether you’re chasing perfect runs, hunting high scores, or simply exploring classic levels, there’s something here to keep you engaged for hours.

As a standalone purchase, Gradius Collection provides remarkable bang for your buck. With five full games, all faithfully reproduced and thoughtfully enhanced, it stands as one of the most comprehensive shooter compilations available. If you’ve ever wanted to experience or revisit the golden age of side-scrolling action, this collection is an essential addition to your library.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10