Gradius is a horizontal scrolling shoot-em-up developed by Konami and released in arcades in 1985, later ported to the Sharp X68000. Players pilot a spacecraft through waves of enemies and environmental hazards, managing firepower through the series' signature power meter system. Collecting power-up items advances a highlight along a row of selectable upgrades — including options such as speed boosts, missiles, and lasers — and the player chooses when to activate the currently highlighted upgrade, resetting the meter afterward. This mechanic introduces a layer of strategic decision-making uncommon in arcade shooters of the era, as players must weigh the timing of activations against incoming threats. Gradius is widely regarded as a foundational title in the horizontal shooter genre and established the template for the long-running series that followed.
Gradius, our mother planet. Bacterian, a cluster of stars located in subspace, has invaded this dazzling planet and exposed it to a series of vicious battles. Threatened with extinction in the face of such an onslaught, the planet Gradius decides to deploy its final hope: the super-dimensional fighter Vic Viper. Its destination is the enemy fortress of Xaerous. The only way to put an end to this conflict is to plunge deep into the enemy's stronghold and destroy the core that lies at its center. Prepare to launch! And so, Vic Viper takes off into the vast blackness of space.
