Gradius Origins Review: A Masterful Shmup Collection That Defines Arcade Preservation

Konami’s classic shoot ’em up franchise, Gradius, has a legacy that spans decades, influencing countless games and setting the standard for the side-scrolling shooter genre. Now, in a collaboration that fans have been clamoring for, Konami and the legendary emulation experts at M2 have released Gradius Origins, a definitive collection that is far more than just a repackaging of old titles. This collection is a meticulously crafted historical archive, a celebration of arcade history, and an accessible entry point for newcomers, all wrapped into one stellar package. From the inclusion of rare regional variants and prototypes to an entirely new game, Gradius Origins sets a new benchmark for how retro compilations should be handled.

The collection brings together seven classic arcade titles, including the original Gradius, Gradius II, Gradius III, Salamander, Life Force, and Salamander 2. However, the true showstopper and the main reason for the collection’s existence is the inclusion of Salamander III, a brand-new game created from the ground up by M2 that feels like a perfect continuation of the series’ 90s aesthetic and gameplay. This is not just a compilation; it’s a piece of gaming history, preserved with surgical precision and enhanced with modern quality-of-life features that make these infamously difficult games more approachable than ever before.

A Treasury of Arcade Classics and Rare Finds

The core of Gradius Origins is its incredible lineup of games. M2’s emulation is, as expected, flawless, delivering an arcade-perfect experience with minimal input lag. The collection features a whopping 18 different regional and prototype versions across the included titles, giving hardcore fans a fascinating look at the subtle differences and changes made during each game’s lifespan. Notably, this is the first time the rare Gradius III AM Show Version has been officially made available on a home console, a significant win for preservationists and enthusiasts.

The collection masterfully highlights the different philosophies of the Gradius and Salamander series. Gradius is a game of careful resource management, where players collect power-up capsules to advance a power meter and strategically select their upgrades. This creates a tense, calculated gameplay loop that rewards memorization and deliberate action. Salamander, on the other hand, is a more frantic and action-packed experience. Power-ups are gained by grabbing specific capsules, and the gameplay switches between horizontal and vertical scrolling, making it a more reactive and chaotic ride. The inclusion of both series in a single collection provides a wonderful contrast and showcases the evolution of Konami’s shmup design.

Salamander III: A New Game That Feels Like a Classic

The inclusion of Salamander III is a standout feature that elevates this collection from a simple re-release to a must-buy. Developed by M2, the game is a masterclass in retro design. It flawlessly captures the look, feel, and sound of a mid-90s arcade shooter, blending elements from both the Gradius and Salamander series. The game is packed with new stages, unique bosses, and a fresh sense of urgency that will leave your heart racing. While it may not push the envelope in terms of originality, it delivers an authentic and highly polished experience that feels like a natural continuation of the franchise. It’s a love letter to a bygone era and a true gift to the fans who have waited nearly 30 years for a new entry in the series.

Modern Amenities for a Brutally Difficult Genre

The Gradius series is notoriously difficult, and a single mistake can often lead to a game over. M2 has addressed this by packing the collection with a suite of modern quality-of-life features that make these games accessible to a wider audience without compromising their classic challenge. Key features include:

• Quick Save / Quick Load: Players can save and load their progress at any point, making it easy to practice difficult sections without starting over from the beginning.
• Rewind Feature: This invaluable tool allows players to rewind gameplay whenever they make a mistake, providing a low-stakes way to learn enemy patterns and master stages.
• Invincible Mode: For those who simply want to experience the sights and sounds of the games without the pressure, this mode makes your ship impervious to damage.
• Training Mode: This highly customizable mode is a godsend for hardcore players. You can set restart points, choose your starting power-ups, and practice specific sections to perfection.
• Online Rankings: For the competitive player, the collection features online leaderboards, encouraging players to master the games and chase high scores.

This careful balance of preservation and playability is a testament to M2’s design philosophy. They’ve given players the tools to overcome the brutal difficulty without removing the challenge entirely. The original arcade feel, including deliberate slowdowns and other quirks, is preserved, but players are given the choice to toggle these features and play the games in a way that best suits their skill level.

Extensive Bonus Content for the Historian and Fan

Beyond the games themselves, Gradius Origins is a treasure trove of bonus content. The museum section is a deep dive into the history of the franchise, featuring concept art, design documents, and arcade flyers. The music player is particularly impressive, with over 200 tracks, including original soundtracks and unreleased arrangements. It’s the kind of comprehensive package that will satisfy even the most dedicated fan, providing a rich, contextual background for the games they are playing.

Conclusion: A Definitive Collection That is an Absolute Must-Buy

Gradius Origins is a landmark release in the retro gaming space. It’s a collection that is both a loving tribute to a legendary franchise and a masterclass in modern game preservation. The inclusion of a brand-new entry, the meticulous emulation, and the wealth of accessibility features make it an essential purchase. While some may lament the absence of later titles or console-exclusive entries, what is here is curated and executed to perfection. For fans of the shoot ’em up genre, for retro gaming enthusiasts, and for anyone who wants to experience a piece of arcade history, Gradius Origins is an absolute must-have. It proves that the classics, when given the proper care and attention, are just as thrilling and relevant today as they were decades ago.