RQ: Gradius/Parodius series - Rank information

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Pretas
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RQ: Gradius/Parodius series - Rank information

Post by Pretas »

I've been jumping back and forth between all of the main series Gradius and Parodius games lately. I'm aware that many (if not most) of them feature rather brutal ranking systems, which often results in being killed by an unmanageable overload of bullets later on if I recklessly power up as fast as possible. Unlike Garegga, the rank in Gradius games doesn't get much attention, and it's difficult to find information on it. But it's clearly a vital thing to be aware of, since I've seen how exponentially it can multiply the bullet count.

Looking for this kind of information. It's a tall order, but I'm not asking for all of it at once.

- Which of these games do and don't have rank? Which ones have it the worst?

- Is rank solely affected by powering up, or are there other factors? I've heard that allowing Option Hunters to steal from you may decrease it.

- What are good stage-by-stage timelines for gradually filling out your options and powerups in each game with rank, assuming you even want to reach max power?

- Are there any games where it is considered best to ignore the rank and compensate for it by reaching max power as soon as possible?

Thanks.
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Re: RQ: Gradius/Parodius series - Rank information

Post by trap15 »

They all have rank, not sure if any have it "worse" than others.

I'm not sure if there's any relation to time with the rank, but the biggest factor is definitely the power-ups. Options add a ton, laser adds a ton, shield adds a ton.

I know someone here wrote up Gradius 3's rank value stuff, and I imagine it applies similarly the rest of the Gradius games. Likewise, someone wrote up something on some Parodius game's rank values, and I imagine that applies to the other Parodius games as well.
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Pretas
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Re: RQ: Gradius/Parodius series - Rank information

Post by Pretas »

Found the data for Parodius Da and Gradius III AC.

I've also learned that it's advisable to use Auto or Semi-Auto mode in Sexy Parodius until you have a lot of experience with the game. Apparently, rank increases much faster in Manual mode than in the others. This must be why I keep getting bodied in Stage 3. Some people are saying that survival time also has an effect.

There seem to be some obscure conditions for accessing Gokujyo's battleship stage and Sexy's boss rush, which may or may not be tied to rank.

In III AC, getting Double only raises the rank by one point less than Laser. Contrary to what you said, options only raise it by one point each. I assume this is roughly applicable to I through V.
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Re: RQ: Gradius/Parodius series - Rank information

Post by LastDancer »

From what I heard Gradius series games are without time-based rank, except Gradius IV. Parodius series games have time-based rank.
You can full power up in Gradius games just fine. Parodius series games have different rank systems which I have little knowledge.
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