Gradius Origins

“Side-scrolling space shooters haven't hit the same kind of resurgence, so what we're left with is a series of similar-playing shooters wrapped in a best-in-class collection of features that make them just close enough to playable. I appreciate the level of effort that was made for Gradius Origins, it has been treated with a kind of reverence that makes me think M2 truly cared about preserving these games. That said, in practice it feels more like a niche history lesson rather than a source of deep fun.”

“GRADIUS ORIGINS does what it says on the tin. It allows us to play all the Gradius and Gradius adjacent games in one place, either toughing it out or wimping out with the new features.”

“Konami and M2 have crafted a fine collection here that any fan of Gradius should check out. With three Gradius titles, three Salamander titles, and Life Force here there is a lot of shoot ’em up gameplay to enjoy even if it is hard as heck.”

“Gradius Origins brings to PS5 some of the most important horizontal shmups in history, all released between the 80s and 90s, with different versions of each title, in addition to a series of new features and extras that will please both newcomers to the genre and, especially, the most passionate fans.”

“Gradius Origins is a phenomenal package that has just about everything you could want from one of these. The games included are incredible, they created a new entry just for the collection, and the additions and inclusions are simply amazing.”

“Konami has partnered with shoot 'em up port experts M2 to deliver one of the best collections the Gradius series has ever received.”

“Gradius Origins is a celebration, an act of love for an era when every token was a gamble between you—a clumsy kid—and the universe itself.”

“M2, famous for its articulate, somewhat surgical approach to porting historical code just right, has done another fine job with Gradius Origins. There's so much polish here it positively gleams, and the overall care, bonus gadgetry and quality of life extras are all impeccably set. Salamander III is the big one, and it delivers, even if it doesn't really push the envelope in terms of originality or visual bombast. It's a shame there are still Gradius absentees in the list, and one day perhaps a truly comprehensive compilation will rear its head. For now, though, it's time to saddle up and destroy the core like never before.”

“The collection provides a huge array of titles with iconic, timeless gameplay, and a brand new title that deftly reinvigorates the franchise. If you like shmups, this one is a must.”

“I have a soft spot, like a big glowing orange weak point, for arcade-era shoot 'em ups. Not that I'm much good at them, mind. There's j...”

“Gradius Origins not only bundles together the first three Gradius games and makes multiple versions of them available, it also includes a trio of Salamander games and Life Force. These spin-offs dramatically boost the collection's value, especially with Salamander 3 being a brand new game that's been developed by M2. Add in plenty of options and museum-like content, and you have a genuine treat for shoot 'em up fans.”

“Konami keeps its promise to revive love for its most classic franchises with Gradius Origins. A love letter to the beginnings of the series, it takes the titles from the first 11 years and adds a kind of "what if" scenario that for many will be the biggest draw of the compilation. Six classic titles, all the arcade versions, and a juicy bonus, the previously unreleased Salamander III, are joined by a host of customization options and a perfect recreation. The result? A compilation that manages to hook us back into a saga that hasn't lost an ounce of its epicness.”

“The next collection of retro Konami games is here, and their names are Gradius and Salamander.”

“GRADIUS ORIGINS is a must-have collection for any shoot 'em up fan; heck, the super-fun SALAMANDER III makes it worth the price of admission alone and when you consider just how many extras and options are packed in, you'd be silly not to get it. 🚀”