Gradius Origins [PC] | REVIEW

Konami has dug deep into its archives once again, and this time, its legendary shoot ’em up series Gradius that gets its moment in the spotlight. Gradius Origins brings together some of the most iconic horizontal shooters of the 80s and 90s, while also introducing something entirely new that adds the cherry on top of this impressive package. For long-time fans, it’s a nostalgia trip loaded with extras, and for newcomers, it’s the perfect introduction to one of the genre’s best series.

Check out some screenshots down below:

At the heart of this collection are the first three Gradius games, which absolutely stand the test of time. These shooters helped define the template for the genre, with fast-paced side-scrolling action, seemingly endless waves of enemies, and the unique and clever upgrade system tied to collecting orbs. Each orb lights up a bar of potential abilities, and players must decide whether to spend them immediately or save up for more powerful options. It’s a system that rewards smart planning but punishes mistakes harshly, especially for new players who won’t be immediately familiar with how the system works. Lose a life and you’re thrown back to a checkpoint with none of your upgrades, often leaving you underpowered against overwhelming odds… yeah, it’s brutal. But despite this, it’s this ‘risk versus reward’ element of design that adds to the thrills of the experience.

Alongside the main trilogy, the package includes Salamander, Life Force, and Salamander 2. These spin-offs shake things up, most notable in the more traditional power-up system which can make things a little less punishing. There’s also the addition of co-op play, whilst vertically scrolling levels shift perspective mid-run and bring even more variety to the experience. Oh, and they also embrace more surreal themes within their design, with the somewhat grotesque aesthetic adding a bizarre sense of spectacle to the experience. It completely shifts the tone from the more sci-fi orientated theming of Gradius, but it helps makes the inclusion of all of the titles in the collection together feel more diverse and enjoyable.

“Gradius Origins might not be the definitive package some fans were hoping for, but what’s here is still a brilliant celebration of Konami’s classic shooters.”

It’s great to play through some of these classic releases, especially since they’re still so enjoyable today, but there’s no doubting that the real hook of Gradius Origins comes with the inclusion of Salamander III – the first new entry in the spin-off series since 1996. Developed by M2, it feels like a natural continuation of the original releases, staying true to their look and mechanics while adding some fresh ideas. Don’t get me wrong, it’s tough as nails, but it captures the spirit of the arcade era perfectly and easily stands out as the highlight of the package. There’s clearly plenty of life left in the series, and Salmander III proves it.

In terms of content, there’s plenty here to keep players occupied. The collection features 18 versions across all titles, including Japanese, American, and European releases, as well as prototype builds. For long-time fans or those who appreciate this deeper dive into gaming, being able to explore these subtle variations is a real treat. The extras go even further, with galleries of artwork, music players, and the ability to watch and save replays. It’s a museum-like presentation that celebrates the history of the series as much as the games themselves, with Gradius Origins proving to be a wonderful preservation of the series across all areas of its design.

Check out some screenshots down below:

There are also more modern quality-of-life features that make the experience more forgivable, with options like rewind, save states, and difficulty toggles make these notoriously unforgiving shooters much more accessible. There’s even an invincibility mode for those who just want to experience the spectacle without worrying about constant failure, and whilst it’s not quite as rewarding, it’ll at least allow struggling players to see each game through to their conclusion.

However, If there’s a real drawback to Gradius Origins worth mentioning, it’s the sense that the collection isn’t as complete as it could be. The absence of later entries such as Gradius 4, 5, and Gaiden is a bit disappointing, and their inclusion would have elevated this from being a great collection to arguably being the best collection of classic releases out there. But still, with the iconic core trilogy, the stranger and more playful Salamander spin-offs, and the brand new Salamander III, there’s a hell of a lot of value here. Add in the variety of regional versions, the abundance of extras, and thoughtful accessibility options, and you’ve got a collection that does justice to one of Konami’s most enduring series.

Developer: Konami, M2
Publisher: Konami
Platform(s): PC (Reviewed), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch,
Website: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2897590/GRADIUS_ORIGINS/