Gradius: The Interstellar Assault

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Gradius: The Interstellar Assault
Developer(s)	Konami
Publisher(s)	Konami
Designer(s)	Y. Daikai Hiroyuki Fukui Tamotsu Goto
Release date(s)	August 9, 1991 January, 1992
Genre(s)	Horizontal scrolling shooter
Mode(s)	Single player
Platform(s)	Game Boy
Media	Cartridge

Gradius: The Interstellar Assault is the second portable game in the Gradius series, originally released in Japan for the Game Boy in 1991 as Nemesis II.

The game was later remade for the Game Boy Color in 2000 as part of Konami GB Collection Vol. 4, and it was renamed Gradius II: The Return of the Hero.

[edit] Gameplay

The Interstellar Assault retains the traditional horizontal scrolling gameplay from the Gradius series. Once again the player takes control of the Vic Viper and flies through five different stages destroying Bacterion's army. However, unlike most of the games in the series, the game lacks many recurring themes that have become a staple of the series. Some of the more popular elements missing from this game are: A moai stage or any moai enemies, classic Gradius stages, classic Gradius music, and the traditional giant entity that is unprotected and serves as a final boss. There are, however, a handful of classic elements that are present such as Core bosses and even a portion where the Vic Viper must maneuver around a countless array of tiny spaceships like those featured in the original Gradius.

[edit] Weapons

The game retains the traditional power-up bar from the original Gradius'. As usual the player can speed-up multiple times, use missiles, shoot double firepower or lasers, use several Options at a time and use the classic shield (although it is referred to as a forcefield). However, before each game is started or continued, the player is given a "Weapon Select" screen. Here the player can choose between one of three settings for the missiles, double firepower, and lasers: