Salamander III announced for Gradius Origins for Switch [by M2] - Coming August 7, 2025

[Lemnear]

I've never really dived into Gradius, I think maybe I should with Origins
Too bad IV, V and Gaiden are missing for completeness.
Will M2 release it worldwide this time? wow

PS: finally a sound gallery!

I guess they're saving it (and other Gradius games like Gaiden and V) for an Origins 2 collection.

Now I have some Hype.


Damn the cover art is awesome.

Spoiler

[SuperDeadite]

Huh, interesting. I don't know too much about these games or their revisions, but it seems like this collection has a bunch of revisions to choose from. BEEP had a Gradius II in the other day... or was it Surugaya? I forgot, but I'm pretty sure it was BEEP. I see Salamander 2 sometimes and there was one of those available a few weeks ago as well. I think they were both in the 120,000 yen range or somewhere around there.

Only real problems with getting a Gradius II (or a Salamander 2) PCB are that they are expensive and I'd have to rotate my cabinet's monitor to play them properly. I guess I could get a supergun and that would solve that problem as well. If I do that, though, I might as well play the ShotTriggers release because it's going to be on the same screen (my PC monitor) that I'd use the supergun with.

Salamander II is expensive now? That was one of the first pcbs I bought as it was like 8,000 at Mak back then lol.

For G2, the X68000 version is the best. It has everything. Even the freaking arcade test mode is included. Plus the MIDI tunes are godly.

[Steven]

Huh, interesting. I don't know too much about these games or their revisions, but it seems like this collection has a bunch of revisions to choose from. BEEP had a Gradius II in the other day... or was it Surugaya? I forgot, but I'm pretty sure it was BEEP. I see Salamander 2 sometimes and there was one of those available a few weeks ago as well. I think they were both in the 120,000 yen range or somewhere around there.

Only real problems with getting a Gradius II (or a Salamander 2) PCB are that they are expensive and I'd have to rotate my cabinet's monitor to play them properly. I guess I could get a supergun and that would solve that problem as well. If I do that, though, I might as well play the ShotTriggers release because it's going to be on the same screen (my PC monitor) that I'd use the supergun with.

Salamander II is expensive now? That was one of the first pcbs I bought as it was like 8,000 at Mak back then lol.

For G2, the X68000 version is the best. It has everything. Even the freaking arcade test mode is included. Plus the MIDI tunes are godly.

Everything's expensive now. I might be wrong about Salamander 2's price, as my memory is truly terrible and it was almost a month ago since I went to BEEP and Surugaya, but it's not something that I could buy casually. There's one on Yahoo Auctions that sold for 69,800 yen in November. That's not terribly expensive, but it's still more than a month of rent.

[Bassa-Bassa]

For G2, the X68000 version is the best. It has everything.

Except for a 15khz mode. So visuals' presentation is substantially changed against the PCB due to that. Ruined for many people, even.

[Sumez]

I was about to buy a Salamander 2 PCB ten years ago, but it was too expensive for me then.

[SuperDeadite]

For G2, the X68000 version is the best. It has everything.

Except for a 15khz mode. So visuals' presentation is substantially changed against the PCB due to that. Ruined for many people, even.

Please stop spreading old internet lies from people who don't know what they are talking about.
(I don't blame you personally, but I am getting tired of fixing false information from "internet experts.")

Gradius II has an extensive amount of options. Here is a shot of the manual for you.
You can switch to 15khz with the F6 key. Also if you want the play the original arcade version of the game you must hold F10 while the game is booting.
Also holding F11 will enter the "secret" arcade version test mode.

[BIL]

^ hardcore

[Lemnear]

I have a vague impression that Konami learned their lesson with Cygni, and have now commissioned Salamander 3 from M2, so as not to make the same mistake again.

[Steven]

I just really really REALLY hope this game isn't super easy. I never played any of the ReBirth games (my Wii is hacked as of about 15 years ago, so it wouldn't be too hard to get them), but after Haunted Castle Revisited's nonexistent difficulty, I hope Salamander III (why the change from Arabic numerals in Salamander 2 to Roman numerals for Salamander III? I hate when this happens) turns out okay. Haunted Castle Revisited is effortless to the point where I'd give it to someone who has never played Dracula before and is also extremely terrible at action games in general. I know a girl who plays games and falls into both of those categories; maybe I'll test this theory on her someday. It's mostly disappointing because the level design and stuff is generally fine to good, but it's been so long since I played it that I don't really remember exactly what makes it so easy. I do remember dying by time over being by far the most dangerous thing in the game, but that's about all. I do also remember someone no missing it on the highest difficulty within a few hours of launch. Most disappointing.

This is I guess the part where I admit that I've always really been an R-Typer and not a Gradius human. Still haven't played Salamander 2, but it's a permanent fixture over at Mikado. I think. It was there last time I was there, but maybe it got cycled out. I stay away from the Gradius section over there because it's 200 yen for one credit, which is absolutely ridiculous. I'm going there on Sunday, so I'll try to remember to not forget to play it if it's in. After the announcement, I'd be surprised if it isn't in there.

[bobrocks95]

Holy shit, does LRG's marketing copy just have errors or do you not get Salamander III with their version?????

[Bassa-Bassa]

Here is a shot of the manual for you.

Hey, thanks for that. I'm not sure if I can blame the internet for it or just my memory confusing it with Dracula, which does lack the option. It's been some time now.

[ryu]

Holy shit, does LRG's marketing copy just have errors or do you not get Salamander III with their version?????

Pretty sure it's included. At least I see no reason to think otherwise.

[bobrocks95]

Holy shit, does LRG's marketing copy just have errors or do you not get Salamander III with their version?????

Pretty sure it's included. At least I see no reason to think otherwise.

I'm dumb it's listed at the top instead of below Salamander III. They are weirdly emphasizing the Gradius III AM show version over the entirely new game though, for some reason.

Konami's store for the version with 3 posters is IP blocked, but the standard and limited editions are now up on Amazon Japan for those interested: https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%8 ... th=1&psc=1

[Klatrymadon]

Really tempted by that in spite of my broad anti-tat stance. I don't suppose the book will be bilingual like the Cozmic Voyager one?

[To Far Away Times]

I just really really REALLY hope this game isn't super easy.

Gradius Rebirth has some bite to it. I still haven’t cleared that one yet. Probably not as hard as the arcade games, but certainly not a freebie clear either. Definitely picks up in stage 3.

I played a couple minutes of Haunted Castle Revisted and didn’t care for it. I just don’t think that game is for me, in any form, even though I love Castlevania. I did enjoy M2’s Castlevania Rebirth though.

[Restart_Point]

My fave series of all time. This has to the biggest reason to finally get a PS4/5 for me now. And mainly for Salamander III. Surely there's more to mine from the Gradius family. If so I wonder what other extras may be on further comps? Gradius 4 / 5 remasters would surely be a huge draw for shmuppers. How about a Gradius 6, M2????

[Sumez]

Also, that key art:

How fucking insane is it to make three different cover arts available for the physical release and not featuring that on any of them.

https://limitedrungames.com/products/sw ... us-origins

But you can pretend your game is G2 or G3 and nothing else I guess.

[BIL]

PS5 confirmed, nice. I was worried this would be Switch/Steam only like Operation Night Strikers currently is. Salamander 2 is an instant buy. Can finally retire my trusty PS1 Deluxe Pack.

I'm ambivalent on the new game tbh. I went balls-out on Dominus last summer, still yet to boot up the AC remake. Nothing against it, was just unimpressed by the lukewarm buzz, and floored at finally enjoying the NDS games on a proper setup. Feels like an alternate timeline where they were late PS2 releases.

I hope the older games are ported to ShotTriggers standard. Sounds a given, but Contra Anniversary Collection arrived years after ACA Contra, and its port of the arcade game is poor. Same broken 3D stages as every pre-ACA emulation (including M2's NDS version and MAME), plus tons of slowdown. And Super Contra somehow lost its iconic voices. ACA one fixed that years later.

By the same token though, all those games are on ACA, so it'll be fine either way. And M2's Dracula sets only got stronger over the ensuing years. In any case, I'd get this specifically for M2-quality GX emulation.

EDIT:

So this is basically M2 ShotTriggers arcade Gradius. Cool. I have a feeling that Powered by M2 ShotTriggers is going to show up in the credits EDIT: it's in the trailer, so yeah, it's literally M2 ShotTriggers Gradius

Oho, nice.

[pablumatic]

How fucking insane is it to make three different cover arts available for the physical release and not featuring that on any of them.

https://limitedrungames.com/products/sw ... us-origins

But you can pretend your game is G2 or G3 and nothing else I guess.

Yeah it is strange. The JP box cover is that new artwork and should have been for the western release as well.

[Ms. Tea]

Some more video released by Konami on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0jyXhojDT4

Shows about 30 seconds of gameplay from the attract mode, alongside the how to play and introduction sequences.

[Sly Cherry Chunks]

AM Show version sounds interesting

https://x.com/Shingi/status/1905353827462906357

[BIL]

AM Show version sounds interesting

https://x.com/Shingi/status/1905353827462906357

Yes! Indeed that is FUCKN HUEG, and goddamn near as much of a USP as Salamander 2. (or Salamander 3 if it's rad) Possibly moreso, depending on how it plays. A historic inclusion at any rate.

Ah man, it's rad to see Gradius in the limelight and in the best of hands.

[Jonpachi]

Really hoping to see an Asian release pop up soon unless LRG's Japanese imprint already has their paws on it. No way am I waiting 14+ months to get a physical copy once this drops.

[OldSkoolShmuper]

Some more video released by Konami on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0jyXhojDT4

Shows about 30 seconds of gameplay from the attract mode, alongside the how to play and introduction sequences.

Very nice, thank you

[Despatche]

Salamander III looks great, as expected. The gameplay looks a bit too safe though. No cool new weapons or anything?

The AM Show version is really important. It's the legendary version that was supposedly said to be "too easy" by all the Gradius II lords, and Konami supposedly responded by turning the game into the nonsense we know today. Once people get their hands on it, the internet is going to be littered with "this is what the game should have been"-type comments, and they're probably going to be right.

Doesn't look like any of the PS2 stuff is gonna be in here, which is unfortunate. AM Show version aside, I guess the PS2 version is still the best for now. But if there's at least a wait setting, especially for the AM Show version...

Life Force 2 also doesn't seem to be here, which feels bad when they really brought out the AM Show version.

I have a vague impression that Konami learned their lesson with Cygni, and have now commissioned Salamander 3 from M2, so as not to make the same mistake again.

No, this is just a followup to Dracula Revisited.

Cygni has basically nothing to do with Konami. I assume the devs simply begged every single European game publisher for help, and Konami Europe answered.

[pablumatic]

Salamander III looks great, as expected. The gameplay looks a bit too safe though. No cool new weapons or anything?

I think it should have been named Salamander Rebirth. A numbered sequel brings too many expectations for me, especially after Gradius V.

And no widescreen? I think retro graphics can exist at 16:9 too.

[bobrocks95]

Doesn't look like any of the PS2 stuff is gonna be in here, which is unfortunate. AM Show version aside, I guess the PS2 version is still the best for now. But if there's at least a wait setting, especially for the AM Show version...

For all the extras listed here? https://shmups.wiki/library/Gradius_III ... inwa_e#PS2

What would M2 miss here? Or is arcade Gradius III so hard that putting the Wait Level to the highest on PS2 makes it actually playable with extra slowdown or something?

Really hoping to see an Asian release pop up soon unless LRG's Japanese imprint already has their paws on it. No way am I waiting 14+ months to get a physical copy once this drops.

Live on Amazon Japan, here's the link again: https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%8 ... B0F28WTC1B

[XoPachi]

Is there a reason M2 is disliked by pockets of this community? Not specifically here but just among arcade people. When they announce or release something and most people are excited, I see a handful annoyed with M2's involvement.

I never see a reason given though.

[Steven]

I just really really REALLY hope this game isn't super easy.

Gradius Rebirth has some bite to it. I still haven’t cleared that one yet. Probably not as hard as the arcade games, but certainly not a freebie clear either. Definitely picks up in stage 3.

I played a couple minutes of Haunted Castle Revisted and didn’t care for it. I just don’t think that game is for me, in any form, even though I love Castlevania. I did enjoy M2’s Castlevania Rebirth though.

That's good. I plan to eventually play both of those when I remember and am not too lazy to go find my Wii.

Life Force 2 also doesn't seem to be here

........................there's a Life Force 2? It feels like this damn series has about as many spinoffs as Megami Tensei does at this point.

Is there a reason M2 is disliked by pockets of this community? Not specifically here but just among arcade people. When they announce or release something and most people are excited, I see a handful annoyed with M2's involvement.

I never see a reason given though.

Because some people are really fucking stupid and/or completely clueless. Usually it's the latter: "wut is the point of dis i haz emyulaytorz for freeeeeeeeeeeeeee and it doez the same thingzzzz" is unfortunately depressingly common.

Either that or they're annoyed with M2's general total incompetence regarding their PC releases. No keyboard control remapping, no video options, no audio options... the first Dracula collection has fucked up audio on SFC Dracula if you don't play it with your monitor set to a very specific refresh rate that isn't the SFC's native refresh rate and it doesn't even have a button to press to quit the game. How the hell did that even happen? M2 also sucks ass at video options in general even on consoles, as do most Japanese emulation rerelease companies, so it's not just a PC-only thing. M2's the best of the old game + fancy emulator companies (honestly this doesn't say as much as it might seem considering how bad some of them can be; Hyperkin is putting out a really bad PC Engine emulator box pretty soon, for example), but they're not perfect.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Holy shit, does LRG's marketing copy just have errors or do you not get Salamander III with their version?????

Pretty sure it's included. At least I see no reason to think otherwise.

I'm dumb it's listed at the top instead of below Salamander III. They are weirdly emphasizing the Gradius III AM show version over the entirely new game though, for some reason.

Konami's store for the version with 3 posters is IP blocked, but the standard and limited editions are now up on Amazon Japan for those interested: https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%8 ... th=1&psc=1

Went ahead and pre-ordered the Switch Amazon.co.jp exclusive LE Gradius Origins Premium Box set with Global Priority shipping method (via EMS shipping method from Japan to the USA by Fedex) = comes out to an even 17,200 yen altogether. Delivery is estimated to be for the August 10-13, 2025 timeline according to Amazon.co.jp themselves.

Is well worth spending a bit extra compared to ordering through LRG and waiting for what seems like an eternity (or whenever they get around to delivering the said goods).

Wanted to place the pre-order for Gradius Origins before it quickly sells out.

Thanks for the Amazon.co.jp Gradius Origins pre-order link, bobrocks95.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~