gradius vs. r-type (an inane comparison)

[professor ganson]

I'm playing both series lately, and I'm just curious:
1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together?
2. Which is your favorite series?
3. Do you agree with the following? (I feel confident only about the first and last two on the list.)
R-Type > Gradius
R-Type II < Gradius II
R-Type III ? Gradius III (draw? )
R-Type IV* > Gradius IV
R-Type Final < Gradius V
(Note how evenly matched.)

*Delta is the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet.

[Neo Rasa]

After thinking it over, I agree with the way you ranked those completely. Personally I enjoy the gameplay in the Gradius series more but I love the design and pacing in the R-Type series more.

[Rob]

I'd probably take the first two for Gradius, then the next 2 R-Types, then obviously Gradius V by a huge margin. Gaiden and Parodius then tip the scales even more. To me Gradius is the classic shooter series, even if I don't really love more than a few of them.

[LSU]

1. Gradius Gaiden from Gradius, R-Type II from R-Type.
2. I much prefer the Gradius series, by a very large margin. I do appreciate the fine design in the R-Type games and I see why people would like them so much, but I just find them a bit of a chore to play in general (just too slow for me...). The Gradius series however, I enjoy every single game, despite some of them (especially 4) being quite flawed.
3. Couldn't disagree more with the first choice - I enjoy the first Gradius a great deal more than the first R-Type, and personally I'd rate part II from each series on about even footing. I'd definitely agree with all the rest though.

[Nate]

1. R-Type Delta
2. R-Type Series
3. Agreed down the board although I haven't played much Gradius 2
And I'd go w/ R-Type 3 > Gradius 3

Here are a couple of funny additions - just my opinion...

R-Type Leo < Gradius Gaiden

Pulstar > Salamander (1 or 2)

[JBC]

1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together?
Gradius Gaiden , and Leo (Yes, Leo )

2. Which is your favorite series?
I will never be able to decide this!

3. Do you agree with the following?
R-Type > Gradius - Yes
R-Type II < Gradius II - No
R-Type III ? Gradius III (draw? ) - i'd say
R-Type IV* > Gradius IV - No, i feel that GIV is highly underated due soley to it's difficulty
R-Type Final < Gradius V - No question. Gradius V blows Final away

[Edge]

That's a hard question I like both series very much, even if I have to admit I don't know all of their franchise.

My favorite from both series together is Gradius V followed by R-Type Delta.

[Regulus]

<i>1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together? </i>

-R-Type III and Gradius V

<i>2. Which is your favorite series? </i>

-Toughie... R-Type wins just barely because I really like how much they developed the R-Type universe and story between Delta and Final... very nice story for a shmup, I think.

<i>3. Do you agree with the following? (I feel confident only about the first and last two on the list.)</i>

<i>R-Type > Gradius</i>

-Yup.

<i>R-Type II < Gradius II</i>

-Yup... but I've only played the NES GII, so...

<i>R-Type III ? Gradius III (draw? Confused )</i>

-Nope, I personally enjoyed R-Type III more.

<i>R-Type IV* > Gradius IV</i>

-I, sadly, have not yet played Delta.

<i>R-Type Final < Gradius V</i>

-Basically. Maybe if Final's first and second stages weren't total drags... and maybe if the music were on par with the rest of the series. Good game, but GV was better by a long shot, I think.

[Herr Schatten]

1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together?
R-Type series: R-Type
Gradius series: Gradius Gaiden
Both together: R-Type

2. Which is your favorite series?
R-Type, obviously.

3. Do you agree with the following?
R-Type > Gradius
Yes.
R-Type II < Gradius II
Yes.
R-Type III ? Gradius III
No. Gradius III is nothing special at all. R-Type III is. So R-Type III > Gradius III
R-Type IV > Gradius IV
Yes.
R-Type Final < Gradius V
This is difficult. I like R-type Final. It just had needed some more work and it would be a real classic. Shame Irem chose to not bother enough. Nice game, just not as good as it could've been.
Gradius V I hate. I can see that it's a well-crafted game, but I just strongly dislike it, maybe because it's more akin to Treasure's style than to classic Gradius gameplay. It's far too long, some levels drag on endlessly. They should've made two games with all the ideas they stuffed into this single one. Typical Treasure idea overflow methinks. I thought they had learned with Ikaruga that less is more, but no, Gunstar Super Heroes and Gradius V proved me wrong. The graphics and music are nicely done, but they don't give a f**k about the Gradius franchise. (And yes, there should've been Moais) The mechanical stages just look like horizontal Iky, the organic bits simply look like crap, honestly. This is not Gradius. Additionally, I hate the gimmicky use of the options they force on the player and the non-skippable cutscenes. For some people GV is the rebirth of the series, for me it's its death and the betrayal of most of what the series stands for.
R-Type Final is far from perfect, but at least it's R-Type.
So R-Type Final >> Gradius V

Gradius Gaiden doesn't show up in your list, but IMO it's better than every single R-Type game except the first.

[Twiddle]

Looks like someone didn't enjoy Thunder Cross.

[Last Guardian]

I'm playing both series lately, and I'm just curious:
1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together?
R-Type Final and Gradius Advance/galaxies

2. Which is your favorite series?
R-Type by a huge margin, love the more detailed design and slower paced gameplay.

3. Do you agree with the following?
R-Type > Gradius , yay
R-Type II < Gradius II , never played Gradius II so dunno
R-Type III > Gradius III , never had the pleasure of playing R-Type III
R-Type IV* > Gradius IV , yay
R-Type Final < Gradius V , nay

Imo the gradius games feel a bit 'light' compared to R-Type. Never understood if it's the design, background story or gameplay that makes me feel this way. In the end, for me: Force > Options.

[Kamakazie]

<i>1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together? </i>

-R-Type III / Gradius V

<i>2. Which is your favorite series? </i>

-I prefer R-Type, but I still love Gradius

<i>3. Do you agree with the following? (I feel confident only about the first and last two on the list.)</i>

<i>R-Type > Gradius</i>

-Yep

<i>R-Type II < Gradius II</i>

-No

<i>R-Type III ? Gradius III (draw? Confused )</i>

-I agree

<i>R-Type IV* > Gradius IV</i>

-Yep.

<i>R-Type Final < Gradius V</i>

-If it wasn't for the horrible slowdown, R-Type Final would have been good... even then it would be a tough match against Gradius V.

[Shocky]

Ouch.. this is like someone asking "If you were absolutely forced to, would you kill all the penguins or all the koala bears" X_x

1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together?

Gradius Gaiden
R-Type Final


2. Which is your favorite series?

Gradius, maybe because of the secret aspects and more inventive weapon system in the first games. But I don't really make a separation between the Gradius/Salamander/Parodius continuums in my mind, and on the other hand to me, Pulstar is not an R-Type game. Also, the smaller ships in pre-V Gradii give more freedom to wicked level design than the big and slow ships of the R-Type series.


R-Type > Gradius

No. Gradius takes this one. R-Type looks much better, but its stages are quite repetitive when compared to Gradius, which has secret bonus stages and even player-controlled vertical scrolling. R-Type bosses are better.


R-Type II < Gradius II

Yes. Gradius wins again. Mainly for the same reasons as their predecessors. The MSX games Gradius 2 and Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou Episode II beat both games though.


R-Type III ? Gradius III

Gradius wins once again, not because Gradius III is exceptionally good, but rather because R-Type III is somehow offending me with ugly graphics and colors, especially in the acid cave stage. And the weapon system is quite clumsy. I haven't completed it yet, so maybe if the last stages are nice I could rethink this.


R-Type Leo vs. Gradius Gaiden

Gradius Gaiden crushes Leo.


R-Type IV* > Gradius IV

Yes. R-Type Delta wins. Finally IREM invented enough new features to kick the series going again, and the level designs are more complex than before which is amounts to serious replayability. The stage 1 music haunts my head often. I love Gradius IV too, haven't finished it yet though.. the Stage 8 Boss Rush proved too much for me last time and I haven't had a chance to try again. Both R-Type IV and Gradius IV offer a serious challenge, lovely.


R-Type Final < Gradius V

No. R-Type Final is the game for me. The ship and weapon designs are just out of this world. Some people say the music is mediocre, but I don't agree, it's great, as are all the sounds. It's slow as hell, but the 100+ ships
compensate: It's relaxing to just blast away and test out the best weapons/ships in different stages. Just have to remember to set the difficulty to R-Typer when the ships start to get too strong.

Gradius V is greatness, and I've played it countless times, but finally I got bored with it. The unskippable cut scenes (present also in Final) can really hurt a shooter, I play these games because I don't want to wait, I want to shoot! And like Herr Schatten said, it's not a "real" Gradius.. where are all the secret bonus stages, weapons and stuff? What's with that tiny hitbox? Why is there so little original music, and so many symphonic remixes of old Gradius music? Where are the Moais? Ok, you get some lame weapons in the Edit mode after completing the game, yeehaa.. The freezable and directional multiples/options are a nice touch though.

[system11]

1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together?
2. Which is your favorite series?
3. Do you agree with the following? (I feel confident only about the first and last two on the list.)

1) R-Type Delta, Gradius V
2) R-Type
3) Yes, but only within the context of the ones mentioned. You've got R-Type Leo and Gradius Gaiden missing. I think Leo logically maps to Gradius III, and R-Type III logically maps to Gradius Gaiden. Did you mean III = Leo really? Super R-Type is also missing.

[professor ganson]

You've got R-Type Leo and Gradius Gaiden missing. I think Leo logically maps to Gradius III, and R-Type III logically maps to Gradius Gaiden. Did you mean III = Leo really? Super R-Type is also missing.

My comparison list is really inadequate for the reasons you mention. I just liked how the numbers corresponded for the first four, so this really is an inane comparison, as I warned. I've never played Leo-- that's why I left it off my list.

Gaiden rules! Though I'm very far from being able to make up my mind on the first two questions I asked. I was looking for spiritual guidance from y'all. So far my favorites are R-Type and Gradius V, both on my top 25 list.

[Ganelon]

I'm playing both series lately, and I'm just curious:
1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together?
2. Which is your favorite series?
3. Do you agree with the following? (I feel confident only about the first and last two on the list.)
R-Type > Gradius
R-Type II < Gradius II
R-Type III ? Gradius III (draw? )
R-Type IV* > Gradius IV
R-Type Final < Gradius V
(Note how evenly matched.)

*Delta is the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet.

1. R-Type: Delta
Gradius: Gaiden
Both: R-Type Delta

2. R-Type

3. 1: yes
2: no
3: >
4: yes
5: exactly what Herr Schatten said

[MOSQUITO FIGHTER]

1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together? Xexex
2. Which is your favorite series? R-Type
3. Do you agree with the following? (I feel confident only about the first and last two on the list.)
R-Type > Gradius Yes
R-Type II < Gradius II Yes
R-Type III ? Gradius III (draw? ) R-Type 3 > Gradius 3
R-Type IV* > Gradius IV Yes
R-Type Final < Gradius V Yes

Xexex seems to be better than either series. Best of both worlds. That aside I'd like to get into Gradius V, but I have a difficult time seeing those tiny silver bullets for some reason. Odd because even Battle Garrega doesn't bother me that much. Annoying game to score attack also because I can breeze through stages 1-4 but then stage 5 always ends my run.

[chtimi-CLA]

1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together?
r-type 1
2. Which is your favorite series?
r-type
3. Do you agree with the following? (I feel confident only about the first and last two on the list.)
my choice:
R-Type
R-Type II
R-Type III
R-Type IV
Gradius V

r-type together with twin cobra really got me into shoot them ups. i prefer everything in r-type, gameplay design and music, compared to gradius. when i found the internet i remember i was surprised gradius had such a following, i rarely saw gradius in arcades while r-type was everywhere. i can't get into gradius (i have played 1-5 and gaiden), even the most popular episodes. like most smuppers not into gradius my favourite episode is V since it plays more like a treasure shooter. i can see how real gradius fans could have issues with V though.

*Delta is the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet.

i thought the delta was a symbol of the (unfortunate) transition to 3D graphics

[Ed Oscuro]

Looks like someone didn't enjoy Thunder Cross.

hehe.

Anyway, I don't much care for the original R-Type. I've always found the gameplay a bit lacking compared to Gradius (which only demands you pay attention to the gimmicky bits when selecting powerups, and so you can focus on moving and shooting, instead of lining up your next power shot). Music gets on the annoying side, and the graphics, while they do foretell great future productions from the Irem staff, really don't seem to demonstrate what you'd expect out of a game two years newer than Gradius.

Especially considering that it's the earlier game, Gradius wins that match.

R-Type Leo is a fantastic game, though.

[Ed Oscuro]

*Delta is the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet.

i thought the delta was a symbol of the (unfortunate) transition to 3D graphics

It can easily stand for both. Delta is the difference operator in mathematics, i.e. delta-V for change in velocity (V sub[i.e. subscript] 2 - V sub 1 = Delta V)

Delta is also a triangle shape, and triangles are the basic polygonal unit used in rendering almost all 3D games (and graphics hardware is optimized around triangles, so a square polygon will actually be two triangles).

[Middlemoor]

I never really got into horizontal shooters.

[tekneekz]

i like gradius v the most out of all those but i wish they would release gradius gaiden or the same collection from the psp to ps2 since i never played gaiden and it looks cool

[Bloodreign]

I'm pretty much split, as I find myself playing both series time and time again.

R-Type had a laid back scrolling approach, but the original Gradius wasn't exactly speedy either (shorter stages though, Gradius 2's Crystal Labyrinth stage is so damned long), R-Type had some pretty inventive and screwed up ideas for bosses ( which was actually cool). R-Type 2 played similarly to R-Type 1, while Gradius 2 got rid of the 1 boss for 6 stages approach that Gradius 1 had, I hold both in high regards.

Gradius 3 is revered for it's brutal difficulty (though tviks humbled it) R-Type 3 again took the weird boss approach, but the stage ideas were pretty nice.

Gradius 4 while difficult (not as bad as 3's difficulty though) was a good game in it's own right, I enjoy playing it time and time again, though it's tried and true formula never changed. Leo on the other hand got rid of the bits, yet still managed to be an outstanding game.

Gradius Gaiden was pure awesomeness and it's novelty with me still hasn't worn off, even if again it's tried and true formula never changed. R-Type Delta was the series first jump into 3-D, it's formula as well stay tried and true, though it's last stage threw me for a loop (baby sperm dead ahead captain).

Gradius V felt a little too mechanical, but it's length meant the game wouldn't end too quickly, at first I found the storyline strange but once I reached the end I understood it better. R-Type Final moved very slowly, but I found the boss fights pretty epic, the 100 ships to unlock gives it lots of replay value.

I'll give these two series an equal split and if stuck on a desert island with my choice of 3 shmup series to take along with me, it would be Gradius, R-Type, and DoDonPachi.

[gameoverDude]

1. Gradius V & Gaiden (2 way tie) / R-Type Leo
2. Gradius series

3. R-Type > Gradius AGREE
Gradius loses on level design, and the bosses are too similar. R-Type has some more interesting bosses- like huge, UGLY Gigeresque aliens and the several screen long mothership.

R-Type II < Gradius II AGREE
Konami adds some more variety to the stage designs and bosses. R-Type II isn't bad either, but it falls behind Gradius II somewhat.

R-Type III ? Gradius III (draw? Confused )?

R-Type IV* > Gradius IV AGREE
Gradius IV does feel somewhat rehashed and the BGM isn't quite on par with III. R-Type Delta adds speed select and the special weapon powered up by grinding bullets with the Force. Both of these are major improvements.

R-Type Final < Gradius VAGREE
R-Type Final is as the Last Hope developers would say, a bit too "Valium-ish". Delta slaughters it. It just seems a bit too slow and methodical compared to Gradius V. Making checkpoints optional in GV was a good move, and the option control system is great.

[J-Manic]

I like both series'. They are both equally enjoyable to me. Especially the games below. These are the only ones I actually enjoy playing.

R-Type III
R-Type Delta
R-Type Final

Gradius Gaiden
Gradius V

[zaphod]

Best R-type: Original.

Best Gradius: Among the arcade, Gradius II is best i think. Console i believe it's Gradius Gaiden.. if i EVER get to play it lol.

R-type is just so well tuned that no other offering in the series can beat it. it is the perfect memorizer, ad has yet to be topped. even by Delta.

[Super Laydock]

1. Fave Gradius game: Gradius 2 MSX
Fave R-type: original

2. Fave series: Gradius

3. R-Type > Gradius a reluctant YES
R-Type II < Gradius II YES
R-Type III ? Gradius III (draw? ) NO, R-type III is better
R-Type IV* > Gradius IV never played Delta, but like Gradius IV, still can't judge
R-Type Final < Gradius V definitely. It destroys it!

(Note how evenly matched.)

My list shows an even match too, but the Gradii I like better, I like them a WHOLE lot more than the R-Types I like better.

[Gorecki]

The only ones I've spent any time with are Gradius V, R-type Delta, and R-Type Final. The R-Type games edge it for me, I just love the atmosphere. They do however kick my arse something terrible. I've been playing R-Type Delta on hard for about a month and I have never managed to last more than a minute into level 3. Respect to Irem!

[ghibli99]

I'm playing both series lately, and I'm just curious:
1. Which is your favorite game from each series or from both taken together?
2. Which is your favorite series?
3. Do you agree with the following? (I feel confident only about the first and last two on the list.)
R-Type > Gradius
R-Type II < Gradius II
R-Type III ? Gradius III (draw? )
R-Type IV* > Gradius IV
R-Type Final < Gradius V
(Note how evenly matched.)

1. R-Type and Gradius Gaiden
2. Gradius, I think. Heh.
3. Yes, yes, >, yes, hell yes (I hate R-Type Final).

[Alpolio]

When I first read this, I kept thinking that you guys were comparing Gradius III to R-type Leo -- as in the 3rd arcade version of R-type. No one's conclusions made a damn bit of sense. R-type III (Leo) equal to or better than Gradius III??? But it's the SNES release that you're talking about. R-Type III The Third Lightning. Ok... I can see that.

I was starting to think you guys were calling Leo a "real" R-type. *shudders*