Gradius: The Interstellar Assault

This is a single-player side-scrolling shoot 'em up with alternating horizontal and vertical stages. Destroy enemies and ground targets to collect power capsules, then spend them on the familiar power meter for speed, missiles, double shots, lasers, options, and shields. The Vic Viper must survive dense bullet patterns, narrow passages, and fixed turret fire, with a boss battle at the end of each stage. Success depends on managing power-ups, movement, and survival between deaths.

Vic Viper

The player-controlled starfighter and the series' iconic main craft.

Prioritize movement speed early, then build toward stronger offense and a shield. In vertical stages, stay near the center so you have room to dodge from both sides. Learn enemy spawn points and clear turret-heavy sections before they flood the screen. Try to preserve at least one defensive upgrade before boss fights, since recovery after a death can be difficult.

Tips and tricks

• Power-up order matters; speed first usually improves survival.
• Learning spawn points is more valuable than reacting late.
• Leave yourself room in vertical stages instead of hugging the edges.