This game is rated ESRB: Everyone for Mild Fantasy Violence.
The player returns as the role of the pilot of the Vic Viper spaceship to battle the second onslaughts of the Bacterion Empire, under the new leadership of Gofer, the giant head. Gradius II has kept the gameplay from the original game, but infused it with enhancements brought from the spin-off, Salamander (Life Force). This is primarily evident in two of the weapons configurations that are selectable. Another first in the series was the inclusion of the "boss rush" (also known as "boss parade" or "boss alley"), a level designed entirely with only boss confrontations. Gradius II retains the selection bar from Gradius, but now the player can choose between four different weapon configurations and progressions. All schemes have speed-up and multiples (Options), but have differing 'Missile', 'Double' (laser), and 'Laser' weapons. The player can have at most four multiples. Additionally, there are also two types of shielding to choose from: shield and forcefield. The shield option adds more durability, but only for the front of the Vic Viper, while the forcefield adds protection for the entire spacecraft, albeit only against three hits. In the Famicom version, choosing another multiple after four will make the four multiples to move around the spacecraft for 16 seconds; force field is the only shielding available for protection of the entire spacecraft, withstanding three hits and it is included in four different weapon configurations and progressions; and 'Double' and 'Laser' have to be activated twice to achieve full performance.
Two years ago, the planet Gradius suddenly fell under attack from the advancing Bacterian forces. Struggling against these invaders, the Gradius Army opted to deploy the super-dimensional fighter Vic Viper as their last resort. Diving right into the core of the enemy forces, Vic Viper waged an epic life-or-death battle, ultimately destroying the Bacterian fortress Xaerous and saving Gradius. Now, once again, Bacterian has set its sights on destroying the planet Gradius. The attack is led this time by the elite special-forces unit Gofer. The Gradius Army wasted no time in sending out the order. Vic Viper, prepare for takeoff!
