Is Gradius V too hard for a first timer?

mikehaggar · Post by **mikehaggar** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:50 pm

Hey everybody, just wanted a community opinion on the following. I have never played shmups beyond a tons of gradius games on consoles (which are highly simplified with infinite continues, etc.)

Lately, I've taken an extreme liking to Gradius V, and I've decided to try to beat the game in Score Attack (i.e. 1CC it). SO far, things are going good (I've nearly reached the 4th level), but I'm wondering if you guys can tell me if this is ok for a first shooter, or if the game is simply too hard later on. I don't know how it gets later, so that's why I'm asking. Is it considered a hard shmup, or is it just right in difficulty??

Turrican · Post by **Turrican** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:00 pm

There are easier games to begin with, even among the same series.

But then again, Gradius V offers a difficulty setting - if you think it's too harsh try the easier settings.

More in general, play what you like, don't think too much over difficulty. I could name games that are friendly to newcomers, but what good would it be if you happen to dislike them?

Edit: I see your post was asking for something more precise: yes, GV difficulty has a steep curve from level 5 and on.

Never_Scurred · Post by **Never_Scurred** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:03 pm

No, I think its great for someone getting into the more modern shmups. I personally love this game but enjoyment hinges on how well you can deal with repetition. You've stuck with it so far and made progress so keep going. I would recommend some of the CAVE, Psikyo, and Raizing titles as well.

Aquas · Post by **Aquas** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:08 pm

I think it's just right, but I personally recommend credit feeding through the game so you can access the all the parts of each stage through practice mode. Practicing specific parts will no doubtedly lead to faster overall success. That is, you can do this once you have enough credits earned to make it through.

It's such a long game, you'll ultimately be saving yourself a lot of time and probably frustration by using the practice mode. I started out with Type 2, but then migrated to Type 3. Each type has its advantages stage wise and boss wise.

mikehaggar · Post by **mikehaggar** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:11 pm

So far I'm really digging Type 2. You seem to have so much more control that way. I have been using practice mode....but through score attack and not credit feeding. Whenever I've reached a new level or part, I then use the practice mode to practice that part 100 times till I can get it. The strategy's been working so far, but then again, the hardest is yet to come.

What makes Type 3 better for you Aquas?

Aquas · Post by **Aquas** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:30 pm

I like it for a few main reasons:

1. Ease of creating a focused shot by bringing in all the options. The game is designed for you to use the spaced options on many of the bosses as well.
2. Besides Type 4, Type 3 allows you to change the options on the move. I enjoy the battle flow this style exhibits.
3. There's a good advantage of being able to shove the 3rd and 4th options far out, often to take out stuff in anticipation.

I enjoy the formation aesthetic, and the balance this type gives to the stages. Type 2 can be used to wipe out enemies on the screen with a single wave, but Type 3 is a bit more active up against the enemy formations leading to the boss. This, IMO, will make you a better player quicker. Type 2 got too tricky for me when dealing with the bosses.

yojo! · Post by **yojo!** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:37 pm

You should try to 1CC gradius III (PS2) first; you should then be able to clear Gradius V on your first run.

bsidwell · Post by **bsidwell** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:41 pm

Personally I've had the best luck with the rotate formations, whichever type that is (I can't remember anymore.) It has the continuous laser, which is awesome, and big coverage up front and a fair amount around and behind you, which is a big help during the levels. It's nowhere near as good against bosses as Freeze, but it's not crippled either as long as you can keep your laser.

Difficulty-wise, the first five levels are pretty much a breeze once you know how to deal with them. However, it stiffens up considerably at the fifth boss and goes up from there. Using stage select is an absolute must, the game is simply too damn long to learn starting from the beginning every time.

orange · Post by **orange** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:45 pm

true story you'll get to level 6 and the game will punch you in the face until you stop playing it

mikehaggar · Post by **mikehaggar** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:22 pm

Crap.....well, I guess I'll stick to Type 2 unless it becomes apparent that I can't progress otherwise. I'm not looking forward to Level 6 and beyond, but we'll see how I fare. Luckily I'm not playing more than a little bit each day, so it may be a while before I stop playing, even if it does get VERY hard.

Ruldra · Post by **Ruldra** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:54 pm

Gradius V was my first shmup 1cc, and I say it's a great way to get into the genre. No silly scoring mechanics to worry about, just survive.

Keep in mind that it'll take time and practice to beat the first loop. When I first got started, my runs would end on level 2, but I kept at it and eventually I reached level 3, then level 4, and so on until the end. It's just a matter of persistence. Don't give up.

As for weapon types, pick the one you're most comfortable with. At first I used Type 3, but I never found a way to quickly kill the rolling ball boss on stage 6, so I switched to Type 1. Nowadays I actually use Freeze options and Fire Blaster. That flame is so goddamn powerful when used right.

captpain · Post by **captpain** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:52 pm

I haven't played Gradius V, but I can second that you really just have to keep pushing to 1CC Gradius games. They tend to be a bit on the long side, so they take extra patience...

Never surrender

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:22 am

mikehaggar wrote:Crap.....well, I guess I'll stick to Type 2 unless it becomes apparent that I can't progress otherwise.

All of the types are fine, it's just that some parts will be easier or harder depending on which you use. IIRC most of the totally insane players who get a dozen loops in use Type 1, but just use the one you like best.

In any event, just the fact that you like the game a lot seems to make it a fine choice to go for the 1CC on - it's certainly not the easiest shmup out there, but that'll make it all the more satisfying if/when you reach your goal. Might as well enjoy yourself along the way, right?

themachinist · Post by **themachinist** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:50 am

I worked at it until the wierd flesh walls of that one level (4? 5?). Then I took a breather (very long one, which has not yet ended

). I personally like the one type where you can freeze the options in unique formations. I have some formations I've made up for different situations.
Just need some patience and persistence (as with everything!) and I think the fact htat it doesnt have some crazy scoring system helps you focus on just getting through it. Not sure about lvl 6 on as ppl said.. haven't been there yet.

neorichieb1971 · Post by **neorichieb1971** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 4:31 am

I only like the surround shield option formation and that doesn't fire backwards making it completely useless for later levels.

DEL · Post by **DEL** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:52 am

neorichieb1971 wrote;

I only like the surround shield option formation and that doesn't fire backwards making it completely useless for later levels.

That's Type 4 which I used, and there's a way round that ->Type 4 Edit - Backward firing double. Works fine on that backward scrolling section of ST6.
----------------
As for the main question - GV is fine for beginners, except for the ramp up in difficulty on ST7, 2-7, 3-7 etc.

moozooh · Post by **moozooh** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 12:17 pm

Formation types are aligned logically. Ease of use increases from I to IV, while potential benefits decrease. In other words, type IV will get the ball rolling from zero experience, but as you're getting more and more skilled with the game, moving on to the earlier types will allow for more freedom and more effective damage output.

Ruldra · Post by **Ruldra** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 3:10 pm

BulletMagnet wrote:IIRC most of the totally insane players who get a dozen loops in use Type 1.

That's because Freeze options are the most versatile. Tough areas becomes quite easy when you're using the right option formation. With Type 1, it's all about finding the most effective formation for each section in the game.

For example, on stage 5, I freeze my options like this (keep in mind that I use FireBlaster):

Code: Select all

 o
 o
>
 o
 o

...and all of a sudden a stage I used to hate becomes awfully easy.

On stage 4, where all those destructible bullets are attacking you, I freeze them like this:

Code: Select all

   o
o
   >
o
   o

...which makes me pretty much immune to said bullets.

Or that backwards section on stage 6:

Code: Select all

o

o  o  o  >

It's just like moozooh said. As you're getting more experienced, you find that Type 1 is much more useful than the other types.

electricgrave · Post by **electricgrave** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:22 am

mikehaggar wrote:I have been using practice mode....but through score attack and not credit feeding. Whenever I've reached a new level or part, I then use the practice mode to practice that part 100 times till I can get it. The strategy's been working so far, but then again, the hardest is yet to come.

That's a great way to do it! I'm no fan of credit feeding either. IMO just play the game as it comes, no practice, no nothing, just you and the machine, no aids, no tricks. I believe this way is extremely more rewarding, but what you're doing is very commendable too. I do practice in Ikaruga for chain purposes only.