Gradius 1 and 2 for PCE

[Dylan1CC]

How do the ports of Gradius 1 and 2 for PC Engine compare to the PCBs? Aside from arranged music are they pretty much arcade perfect? I have a sealed copy of Gradius I Hucard on the way and can't wait to play it (again, I sold my original copy quite a few years ago). Even though I own both the PSP collection and Gradius Deluxe Pack, there's just something unique about playing a well done console port, ya know? Also I know Gradius I Hucard has at least one bonus stage (the fossil level), are there any bonus stages/content in the Super CD rev of Gradius II (aside from the opening)? Any other details on all the major differences is appreciated.

[Squire Grooktook]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Gradius II also has an extra stage. A good addition, since the arcade version is a bit short imo.

[originalz]

G2 also has a super-hard difficulty level that I think is exclusive to that version. You know, in case you don't think the game is hard enough. Brilliant port all-around.

[Kollision]

Both are two of the best games you can get for the PCE.
Both have extra stages (skeleton one in G1, sphinx in G2).
Both are a little easier than the originals.

Well, I guess you can't go wrong with any of the Konami ports on the PC Engine.

[nimitz]

a little easier?

I haven't played G2 PCE, but I can tell you G1 pce is about 10x easier than the original, I 1-alled it on my first credit ever (died in at 2-4 iirc) and that was before I could 1-all Gradius arcade.

That's the main problem with the game, way too easy.

[Klatrymadon]

Does anyone else think the Viper handles better in these versions than it does in the originals? It's been a while since I last played them, so I can't describe in any detail what I mean, but the controls always felt tighter and more immediate (without merely being a matter of improved input lag). Same with PCE Salamander.

Am I talking bollocks?

[Kollision]

a little easier?

I haven't played G2 PCE, but I can tell you G1 pce is about 10x easier than the original

I guess you're right, I agree with you
In Gradius 2 the difference is a bit less, but it's also easier nonetheless.

[bcass]

How do the ports of Gradius 1 and 2 for PC Engine compare to the PCBs? Aside from arranged music are they pretty much arcade perfect?

The music isn't arranged in the G2 port for PCE, it's remastered to use Roland Sound Space. This means it has a richer sound than the PCB, but it's not arranged. This is the best recording of this OST available IMO. Superior to any of the official CD soundtracks that Konami have released this soundtrack on over the years.

[Dylan1CC]

Thanks for all the info, guys. My sealed Gradius I arrived on Friday, now I just need to get a new Turbo Duo as my U.S. unit died years ago. I'll probably go for a Duo-R next time (correct me if I'm wrong) as I hear the Japanese units have much more reliable capacitors (and one that is modded for both RGB and s-video).

How do the ports of Gradius 1 and 2 for PC Engine compare to the PCBs? Aside from arranged music are they pretty much arcade perfect?

The music isn't arranged in the G2 port for PCE, it's remastered to use Roland Sound Space. This means it has a richer sound than the PCB, but it's not arranged. This is the best recording of this OST available IMO. Superior to any of the official CD soundtracks that Konami have released this soundtrack on over the years.

Nice, I'm very happy to hear this as Gradius II's soundtrack is my favorite in the series. I'm trying to hunt down a copy of the Super CD that has both the stickers and the spine card.

[Mortificator]

There are some subtle balance differences between the arcade and PCE versions of Gradius II, one of which is talked about here. Also, the PCE port sends you back to the closest checkpoint when you lose a life and back to the start of the stage when you use a continue.

[MJR]

I love PCE arcade ports, in many cases they are best conversions around and sometimes even superior to their arcade counterparts. I just got myself PCE and these two are DEFINITELY in my shopping list \o/

[Dylan1CC]

There are some subtle balance differences between the arcade and PCE versions of Gradius II, one of which is talked about here. Also, the PCE port sends you back to the closest checkpoint when you lose a life and back to the start of the stage when you use a continue.

Thanks, very helpful read.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

How do the ports of Gradius 1 and 2 for PC Engine compare to the PCBs? Aside from arranged music are they pretty much arcade perfect?

The music isn't arranged in the G2 port for PCE, it's remastered to use Roland Sound Space. This means it has a richer sound than the PCB, but it's not arranged. This is the best recording of this OST available IMO. Superior to any of the official CD soundtracks that Konami have released this soundtrack on over the years.

Some Pioneer LaserActive titles used this Roland Sound Space audio format as the gold standard for three dimensional sound with just using a two speaker setup.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Despatche]

don't forget salamander