Gradius V is just beautiful

[Raytrace]

I know I'm probably really late to the party here, but my god I love Gradius V - esp. emulated at 1200 x 1200 (if that's not 'safe' delete this post) . I really like the balance it has and the cutscenes, just everything about it really I love, and the 'spin around you' options/multiples - very handy in tight corridor sections. I didn't even realize untill I read some reviews that Treasure were involved either.

[evil_ash_xero]

You're quite late to the party.

But yeah, it's sublime.

[mjclark]

Yes it is beautiful and actually the reason I got into shmups

[J-Manic]

Sure it's a beautiful game. I just wish Treasure would've brought something new to the table to make THIS Gradius a little unique (like they do with all of their games).

[xbl0x180]

Hahah. I'm not even there, yet. I'm still playing with Gradius III and IV for the PS2 and recently got the Gradius collection for the PSP

[Kollision]

Yes it is beautiful and actually the reason I got into shmups

+1

[emphatic]

esp. emulated at 1200 x 1200 (if that's not 'safe' delete this post)

To make it safe, post some screen caps, please.

[ave]

It's very beautiful. I was looking forward to this game even when I was neither into shmups nor ever played Gradius before (!) and got it on PAL release day in 2004. Been in love ever since.

[Captain]

Its a beaute.

[Obiwanshinobi]

I'd say it is audiovisually slick. Makes real good use of the PS2 hardware. It's the MGS2 engine, isn't it?
But beautiful? Wouldn't say so. Not quite as pretty as Ikaruga. It just lacks that aesthetical spark of something.
Contra: Shattered Soldier, on the other hand - now that's where Konami hit some high points.

[Raytrace]

I'd say it is audiovisually slick. Makes real good use of the PS2 hardware. It's the MGS2 engine, isn't it?
But beautiful? Wouldn't say so. Not quite as pretty as Ikaruga. It just lacks that aesthetical spark of something.
Contra: Shattered Soldier, on the other hand - now that's where Konami hit some high points.

cool yeh it isn't quite as beautiful as Ikaruga or, in relative to time, Gradius II itself.
I didn't really just mean beautiful looking though - I just meant in general it's beautiful, I should have worded it better :p

[Raytrace]

Sure it's a beautiful game. I just wish Treasure would've brought something new to the table to make THIS Gradius a little unique (like they do with all of their games).

is the spinning option/multiple unique? or was it in Gaiden or something?

[Raytrace]

esp. emulated at 1200 x 1200 (if that's not 'safe' delete this post)

To make it safe, post some screen caps, please.

haha I cant tell if you're being sarcastic or not - if it is 'safe' I would love to (screenshot taking is one mf my 'hobbies' haha - I like to make wallpapers with them)

[ncp]

1200 x 1200

I don't remember Gradius V's screen being square...

[Captain]

And now there's Nemesis online.
Thousands of stages,lots of ships,but all gradius style.

ONLINE PLAY EVEN.
Too bad no one is ever online ,u can change that though.

[kid aphex]

Gradius 5 HD, please (more likely than ever, thanks to konami's recent HD collections)

[NzzpNzzp]

is the spinning option/multiple unique? or was it in Gaiden or something?

They're in MSX Gradius 2 and SNES Gradius 3.
And in Otomedius G and X too, because they have like every weapon ever, but obviously they weren't out when V was released, so yeah.


V is way too slow for my tastes, but have fun I guess!


Oh yeah, Hikaru/Akane can get rolling options in Sexy Parodius too. Can't believe I forgot that.

[Drum]

It's a wee bit too sterile for me. Lotta spit-shined sci-fi space junk and whatnot. Much prefer Gradius Gaiden.
The effects are great though - cool glowy beams and stuff. I especially like the wiggle of the lasers.

Re: the rotary options: I had the most luck with them. How are they generally regarded in terms of effectiveness?

[J-Manic]

The rotating options are awesome, and makes the game super easy (depending on which sub-weapon you're using for the particular situation you're in).

In all honesty, when I first gave GV a go, I felt that it pretty much was a hori Ikaruga graphic-wise. It looks great, but I prefer to play Ikaruga over it. I'm not trying to compare the two. I just think that Treasure put more effort into Ikaruga than they did with GV. It's a more enjoyable experience for me.

I'd also rather play Gradius Gaiden. Now THAT game is a beauty with an even better soundtrack.

[professor ganson]

As far as aesthetics go, I prefer the Parodius games. Also, Gradius V isn't terribly expensive or rare, so I'd strongly recommend to the op that you play it on the hardware it was made for.

[mrsmiley381]

Well, yeah. Gradius V is the reason I got into game design. Of course it's beautiful.

Elephant Gear is also awesome, I should write a giant paper on it.

[xbl0x180]

As far as aesthetics go, I prefer the Parodius games. Also, Gradius V isn't terribly expensive or rare, so I'd strongly recommend to the op that you play it on the hardware it was made for.

This game is 60 bucks new - twice as much as it used to cost when it was first released. I could buy a new release Japanese import for that amount. Even a used copy/beater of this goes for 20. Screw that. I'd settle for a ROM of this until the price is lowered

[Paradigm]

$20 for Gradius V is too much for you? How fucking cheap are you?

[xbl0x180]

$20 for Gradius V is too much for you? How fucking cheap are you?

Hahahah. Why the rude/angry tone over what I'd choose to spend my money on? Remember, I wasn't the one who pissed on your wheaties, so take that s*** somewhere else, little angry dude.

[Raytrace]

1200 x 1200

I don't remember Gradius V's screen being square...

yes I'm not sure exactly which ratio I should use, but as my monitor is 1920x1200 I settled for that so at least there would be no pixel blur (and there doesn't seem to be) - the circle enemeies (i.e. the first waves in most Gradius games) look pretty much perfectly circular though - I'll check again...

[Raytrace]

And now there's Nemesis online.
Thousands of stages,lots of ships,but all gradius style.

ONLINE PLAY EVEN.
Too bad no one is ever online ,u can change that though.

DID NOT KNOW OF THIS!!!

checking now :p

[Raytrace]

is the spinning option/multiple unique? or was it in Gaiden or something?

They're in MSX Gradius 2 and SNES Gradius 3.
And in Otomedius G and X too, because they have like every weapon ever, but obviously they weren't out when V was released, so yeah.


V is way too slow for my tastes, but have fun I guess!


Oh yeah, Hikaru/Akane can get rolling options in Sexy Parodius too. Can't believe I forgot that.

damn I really should get a J-360

[Raytrace]

It's a wee bit too sterile for me. Lotta spit-shined sci-fi space junk and whatnot. Much prefer Gradius Gaiden.
The effects are great though - cool glowy beams and stuff. I especially like the wiggle of the lasers.

Re: the rotary options: I had the most luck with them. How are they generally regarded in terms of effectiveness?

yeah the delayed kinda whip motion of the lasers is beautiful

well they make it vaguely possible for this dreadful player (I love shmups and 2D fighters, but I'm not particularly 'good' at them) to get through most of the level 2 'ship'

[Raytrace]

I'd also rather play Gradius Gaiden. Now THAT game is a beauty with an even better soundtrack.

that is indeed a beautiful game, but I still find it hard to place pre pic-mipped 3D games over later era games looks wise, maybe as I get older that transitionary period will be nicer looking to my eyes

[Raytrace]

As far as aesthetics go, I prefer the Parodius games. Also, Gradius V isn't terribly expensive or rare, so I'd strongly recommend to the op that you play it on the hardware it was made for.

while of course I am playing 'using a real disc on my PC, and need a new box...' (obv)

yes I should definitely - I havent used her in ages, but the PS2 is still connected by RGB SCART...

if I had an original PS3 I'd play all my PS2 games more