User Review : Gradius V

Gradius V

Good old Gradius fun but better than ever with the gameplay direction of the developers from Treasure (Radiant Silver Gun, Ikaruga, Mischief Makers...).

Includes about 8 stages of pure Hardcore non stop action with challenges beyond any expectation from even the toughest players around.

Gameplay:
>>You pilot the one-ship-army Vic-Viper. D-pad moves your position, X shoots, O for powering up, R1 control "Multiples"
Before beginning playing you go to the Weapon Array, where you select one out of four different set of weapons and support tools.
After selecting the Type, the first stage begins. Here you'll encounter different formations of enemy ships, some in rows. When destroying a rows of enemy ships they'll release a power up token. When pick up, it scrolls your six-slot power up bar, it scrolls fromleft to right as keep picking them. Each block of the bar has a powering up effect depending on the Type you've choose. To power up Vic-Viper press O (circle) on the desired slot. The slot are sorted like this:

[Speed-Up] [Missile] [Double] [Laser] [Multiple] [Shield]

Speed-Up = Increases Vic-Viper's movement speed through the screen. When powered to max, a Speed-down option will become available.

Missile = Basic back up fire, it shoot missiles on perpendicular direction of your basic shots. It covers Vic-Viper's from above and below.

Double = A secondary fire option. Depending on Type selected, double may shoot to front and rear at the same time, or front and diagonal forward.

Laser = The power up version of Vic-Viper's basic shots. They're very powerful and can be shot in straight line that covers and destroys anything in its path.

Multiple = Special Orbs that orbits Vic-Viper. Multiples can shoot the same as whatever Vic-Viper has installed. Multiples can be manually controlled by pressing R1. Multiple effects are different depending on the selected Type.

Shield = A force field that can hold up to 3 hits. It protects Vic-Viper from enemy fire and obstacles.

>>You can earn extra ships by obtaining high scores.
>>Enemies attack in patterns, but there are some random element through out the game's stages.

Music/Sound:
>>Greatly composed music scores combining electronic sounds with techno beats, and graceful space themes, with the return of some of the classic tunes from earlier instalments in the series.
>>Sound effects are just as good, and for the game's look, it is a perfect match.

Graphics:
>>Awesome visual composed of space travelling to unimaginable places. Perfect side scrolling experience in full 3D visuals.
>>Colors and enemy ship designs are tuned up old-school fresh new look.

Overall:
This game's difficulty and challenges are what is worth. Has a lot of replay value through out trial and error. If you are a Hardcore gamer, this game is for you. You'll never get enough of it.