Gradius V PS2 game

Gradius V

2004

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5

from 43 members

Well known in the early years for Gradius, famed developer Konami has stuck by its old-school scrolling shooter and has carried it right through to the age of 3D gaming. In 2004, Konami is still supporting the series, well aware of its loyal fanbase of retro gamers, and is bringing a brand new chapter in Gradius to PlayStation 2 in the fifth instalment of the seminal shooter. As the saga continues, Gradius V pits players as accomplished space fighter Vic Viper once more as he attempts to overcome the alien masses in seven substantial stages. Genre fanatics will be thrilled to hear that gameplay is much the same in Gradius V as it was in the original shooter. There is, however, a multitude of upgrades and noticeable improvements helping to avoid a repetitive feel to the proceedings. As you might expect, the player begins the side-scrolling adventure with a single mounted laser that can only be enhanced through defeating oncoming alien craft and salvaging the pick ups they leave behind. As the player collects further pick ups, a broader range of weapons systems becomes available by choosing from a control panel at the bottom of the screen. Gradius V, however, ups the ante a little by offering some five weapons systems that include lasers, bombs and missiles. Shields are also offered as a defensive measure. Furthermore, each of these aids comes with a large number of upgrades that will prove invaluable to your efforts from the very beginning. As many of you will be aware, these classic shooters are notoriously difficult. Movement is often tight, enemy fire can be overwhelming, and end-of-level adversaries are often formidable. Gradius V is no exception. In fact, more often than not, players will find themselves employing the tried and trusted trial-and-error approach to get through the game. Ultimately though, gaining the skill to overcome such a demanding and difficult game is very rewarding. Gradius V is a faithful instalment to the much-loved shooter. We can only look forward to the next in the series.

Gradius V details

Format:	3 PS2
Players:	1
Genre:	Shooter
Developers:	KONAMI
Rental release:	08 Oct 2004

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Most helpful review Gradius V

Not sure what to think.

By a customer from edinburgh, scotland , 09 Jul 2006

[Highly rated reviewer]

When you first play this game, it throws you back to the days of Super Probotector on the SNES, which is a very very good thing. Fast pacied unrelenting action. Like the SNES classic however this game is extremely tough. Not a lot of guidance is given leaving you wondering if your blasting is having any effect on end of level bosses. This is the main downfall. Games stop being as fun when you don't really know what is going on. The presentation is also very minimal and altogether the game doesn't feel like it's stretching the PS2 hardware very far.
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Not sure what to think.

By a customer from edinburgh, scotland , 09 Jul 2006

When you first play this game, it throws you back to the days of Super Probotector on the SNES, which is a very very good thing. Fast pacied unrelenting action. Like the SNES classic however this game is extremely tough. Not a lot of guidance is given leaving you wondering if your blasting is having any effect on end of level bosses. This is the main downfall. Games stop being as fun when you don't really know what is going on. The presentation is also very minimal and altogether the game doesn't feel like it's stretching the PS2 hardware very far.
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