Gradius 2

:"This article is about the MSX computer game, see Gradius II for the official arcade sequel.Infobox VG
title = Gradius 2


developer = Konami
publisher = Konami
designer =
engine =
released = ^JPN August 22, 1987
genre = Horizontal Scrolling shooter
modes = Single player, multiplayer (alternate)
ratings =
platforms = MSX
media = 1 Mbit Cartridge (128 kB)
requirements =
input =

"Gradius 2", retitled "Nemesis 2" in the west, is a video game released for the MSX computer in 1987 by Konami. The game is a sequel to the original MSX version of "Gradius", but is unrelated to the arcade game "Gradius II Gofer no Yabō" (which used the Roman numeral 'II'). This led to the retitling of the arcade version of "Gradius II" to "Nemesis 3: Eve of Destruction" ("Gofer no Yabō Episode II") when it was ported to the MSX. This version was ported to the Sharp X68000 computer under the name "Nemesis '90 Kai", with some graphical and aural enhancements.

In a departure from other games, instead of controlling Vic Viper, the available ship is called Metalion. Unlike other titles, this game has a heavier focus on story, which is told by cut-scenes. The gameplay is mostly unchanged from the rest of the series, though there are some powerups that temporally gives the ship some enhancements. Also, when the bosses are being defeated, if the Metalion flies where they are, a mini-level can be accessed in order to obtain new permanent upgrades, if the mini levels are successfully cleared.

tory

The Director General of Space Science Agency Dr. Venom was exiled to Planet Sard for a failed coup d'état. In the year 6665, he escapes and invades Planet Nemesis and the seven planets it controls with the help of the Bacterian. The Nemesis Highest Council sends James Burton, ex-pilot of the Vic Viper, to pilot Metalion and attack Dr. Venom and the Bacterian invaders. The game takes place during the year 6666.

Gameplay

New weapons:

To get them, the player had to enter into the main bosses ship just after the big explosion when the combat ends. Then a slow alarm sound appears, indicating there's still time. Once the player gets inside the bosses, a short stage has to be completed (the same for every boss).When the nucleus of the boss is destroyed, then the new weapons may be granted:

If the big boss was killed in less than 15 seconds, 2 weapons are granted.

If the big boss was killed in less than 30 seconds, 1 weapon is granted.

If the big boss was killed in more than 30 seconds, no weapon is granted.

On the X68000 version, you get one weapon, no matter how long it takes to kill the boss.

tages and bosses

There are a total of fourteen normal levels and two bonus levels; this game is much longer than other "Gradius" titles, which usually have around eight levels. However, stages 10-13 are just boss fights. The levels are the same in both.

Nemesis '90 Kai

This Sharp X68000 port is essentially an enhanced remake of "Gradius 2" with graphical quality on par with "Gradius III".
It includes two new stages exclusive to this version of the game, and 4 new bosses (two of which replace the rematches fought in the MSX version.)
Infobox VG
title = Nemesis '90 Kai


developer = Konami/ SPS
publisher = Konami
designer =
engine =
released =
genre = Scrolling shooter
modes = Single player only
ratings =
platforms = Sharp X68000
media = Floppy disk
requirements =
input = Game controller/keyboard

Ports

Aside from being remade as Nemesis '90 Kai as mentioned above, Gradius 2 was also ported to the Sony PSP in 2007 as part of the Salamander Portable collection.

This is not the only Gradius II. In 1988, Gofer No Yabou (The Ambitions of Gofer??) was ported to the NES, and dropped the "Gofer No Yabou" title. It is similar to its older brother, but it does have differences.

References

*cite book
year = 2006
title = Gradius Portable Official Guide
publisher = Konami
id = ISBN 4-86155-111-0

External links

* [http://www.geocities.jp/ht_deko/gradius/neme90.html Extensive Japanese page on Nemesis '90 Kai]
* [http://www.geocities.jp/ht_deko/gradius/gradius2.html Extensive Japanese page on Gradius 2]
* [http://www.700km.com.br/mundobizarro/gradius2.php Japanese page of Gradius 2 covering the introduction]
*moby game|id=/gradius-2