All the ships share the Speed Up and Option capabilities and can choose between four types of shields, in addition to being able to power up all offensive abilities to a second level.Fighters Vic Viper: YOU ARE THE VIPERThe main ship of the Gradius series, it fittingly also retains the classic Missile, Double, and Laser seen in all of them. Fighters and Mechanics Fighter selectGradius Gaiden gives up to two players the choice of four space fighters, each with their own unique weapon set. Its graphics are sprite-based but do showcase some 3D effects, which gives the game a visual style similar to another Konami PlayStation title you may have heard of called. GameplayGradius Gaiden's gameplay is a 2D-style horizontal shoot-em-up. But the invaders were overpowering and they destroyed 99% of the Gradius Army.At this point Gradius Army HQ decided to launch a desperation attack to the center of the dark nebula which seemed to be the source of the invaders.Receiving the order, 4 hyper space fighters launched from the mothership to the dark nebula carrying the last hope to save planet Gradius on their wings.' The text crawl is read by a male or female voice which can be chosen in the options and also affects the support voice in-game. Soon after the disapperance of the science vessel, the colony planets of Gradius were attacked and ruined by some unknown force.The Gradius Army fought gallantly.

But the nightmare suddenly returned.It began with the disappearance of a science vessel which went to the dark nebula known as the 'EVIL RANGE.' The 'EVIL RANGE' was never investigated because it was known as a dangerous nebula and entry was prohibited by the government. The threat of invasion was gone and peace returned to Gradius.200 years passed, the civilization of Gradius prospered and it looked as if the peace would last forever.

Gradius gaiden boss theme