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Explore the exciting world of Gradius Origins, featuring a brand-new Salamander III and classic favorites!
Introduction to Gradius Origins
It looks like Konami is feeling nostalgic and ready to celebrate its glory days. During the recent Nintendo Direct presentation, the company revealed the collection Gradius Origins, and let me tell you, the lineup of games is nothing short of impressive!
New Additions and Classic Favorites
The highlight of the announcement was the surprise unveiling of a completely new installment — Salamander III. This fresh addition joins the ranks of the legendary series of space scroll-shooters. But hold on, there’s more! The collection will also feature various versions of classic shooters, including rare regional editions and prototypes.
Developers clearly didn’t skimp on modern conveniences: you’ll find rewind features, quick saves, and an invincibility mode for those who may not be ready to tackle the hardcore challenges from the ’80s. True enthusiasts will find art galleries and soundtracks included, while competitive players can test their skills in online leaderboards.
Games in the Collection
Here’s what you’ll find in the Gradius Origins collection:
- Gradius (known as Nemesis in the West)
- Salamander (also called Life Force)
- Gradius II (also known as Vulcan Venture)
- Gradius III
- Salamander 2
- Salamander III
While this lineup is impressive, true fans of the series might notice some notable absences. For instance, classic titles like Gradius Gaiden, Gradius IV, and Gradius V are mysteriously missing. Additionally, there are no console versions of the first three Gradius games; only arcade versions are included. Many fans argue that the versions on NES and SNES are better balanced overall. And let’s not forget the portable releases like Gradius Advance that also didn’t make the cut.
A Promising Future for Gradius
That said, it’s entirely possible that if this collection is successful, Konami may release a second one. The introduction of the brand-new Salamander III certainly outweighs any potential shortcomings in the collection. Plus, there’s no need to worry about the quality of the games — they’re being handled by M2, a studio with a stellar reputation for releases like this.
The Gradius Origins collection is set to launch on August 7. Initially, it will be available on Nintendo Switch, and later it will roll out to other platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. In the meantime, you can check out the trailer for the collection:
And here’s the trailer for Salamander III:
FAQs:
- What games are included in the Gradius Origins collection?The collection includes Gradius, Salamander, Gradius II, Gradius III, Salamander 2, and the new Salamander III.
- When is the release date for Gradius Origins?Gradius Origins is scheduled to launch on August 7.
- Which platforms will Gradius Origins be available on?The collection will initially be available on Nintendo Switch, with later releases on Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
- Will there be new features in Gradius Origins?Yes, the collection will include rewind functions, quick saves, and an invincibility mode.
- Who is developing the Gradius Origins collection?The collection is being developed by M2, a studio known for its high-quality retro game releases.
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