Gradius Origins Brings Back Konami’s Iconic Shoot ’Em Ups in Stunning New Collection
Gradius Origins (also known as Gradius Origin Collection) is a meticulously curated anthology of classic Konami shoot-’em-up (shmup) titles, developed by M2 and published by Konami. Released globally on August 7, 2025, the collection is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam)
What’s Inside the Collection
- Seven Arcade Classics: The collection spans the roots of the Gradius franchise, featuring Gradius (Nemesis), Gradius II: GOFER no Yabou (Vulcan Venture), Gradius III, Salamander (Life Force), Salamander II, and Life Force, plus the newly created Salamander III
- Regional Variants & Rare Builds: Includes 18 different versions—from Japanese ROM and prototype builds to rare arcade variants like the “Gradius III AM Show Version,” making this collection a treasure trove for aficionados
- Brand-New Entry—Salamander III: A modern, fresh take on the series by M2, offering new mechanics, hybrid scrolling, and vibrant level design that blends classic thrills with contemporary polish
Enhanced by Modern Features
- Quality-of-Life Enhancements:
- Quicksave/Quickload
- Rewind functionality
- Invincible Mode
- Training Mode (adjust restart points, loop counts, power-up status)
- Online leaderboards for competing across platforms
- Exclusive Extras: A robust gallery featuring music tracks (including unreleased variations), concept artwork, and even easter egg trophies that deepen immersion
Reception & Highlights
Critics praise the collection’s emulation fidelity, layered content, and accessibility:
- COGconnected calls it “an in-depth trip through the early history of Konami’s most famous retro arcade shooters” COGconnected.
- Cloud Dosage hails its clean presentation, smart tweaks, and Salamander III as a standout Cloud Dosage.
- NoisyPixel declares it “a masterclass in retro game preservation… essential for both longtime fans and newcomers.” Noisy Pixel.
Why Gradius Origins Matters
- Ideal for Both Veterans & New Fans: Whether you’re nostalgic for Vic Viper’s glory or curious about the genre’s evolution, the collection delivers authenticity, variety, and learning tools
- Historical Significance: Titles like Gradius helped define the power-up and level design standards for all shmups to follow
- Legacy Meets Innovation: By merging rare arcade builds with a brand-new entry, Konami and M2 strike a nostalgic chord while pushing the series forward.
Conclusion
Gradius Origins stands out as a definitive tribute to a legendary series. Its blend of archival completeness, modern enhancements, and the surprise of Salamander III makes it an unmissable offering for shmup enthusiasts and a solid entry point for newcomers.
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