Gradius IV

Gradius IV

Manufacturer	Konami
Year	1998
Emulated	MAME

In a surprise move in '98, Konami released a new Gradius game - the unfortunately titled Gradius IV Fukkatsu ( 'fukkatsu' allegedly translates as 'rebirth' or 'ressurrection'). Since it is neither a driving game nor a beat-em-up, the chances of it appearing in Western arcades were close to zero. Fortunately, Konami learned from Gradius III and remembered to make the game playable this time. In fact, Gradius IV is the best in the series since Vulcan Venture.

I've only played the PlayStation 2 version of this game, however people who have played the arcade original report that the PS2 game is an accurate conversion.

The game features many of the favourites of the series - Easter Island heads, dragons, volcanoes and organic blobby things. It is also the first Gradius game to benefit from hi-res graphics. However the graphics are adequate rather than stunning, certainly not as nice as R-Type Delta.

Controls

The controls are the same as the other Gradii games. A joystick moves your ship, the first fire button shoots your guns whilst the the second button releases your missiles. The third button is used to choose your power-ups.

Weapons

For this episode of the saga, Konami have abandoned Gradius III's 'edit mode' and gone solely with a selectable power meter. There are now six choices, the first four being the same as in Vulcan Venture. The new ones are :

Option 5: Harbinger of Doom

Vertical Mine	Detonates after a delay in a large vertical explosion.
Double	Fires a bullet at 45 degrees up as well as forward.
Armour Piercing	Powerful bullets that pass through multiple enemies.

Option 6: Vanguard of Chaos

Flying Torpedo	Twin missiles shoot forward after release.
Tail Gun	Fires backwards as well as forwards.
Twin Laser	Last seen in Gradius III, twin sets of short beams.

Speed up, multiple (or option), shield and force field are the same as always. Most of Gradius III's oddities have vanished.

Emulation

MAME supports this game now, however there is no sound and it requires a PC more powerful than any currently available.
Konami released a PlayStation 2 title that featured Gradius III and Gradius IV. They also released an impressive FMV clip that is the game's intro. Some people (including magazines that claim to be well-informed) were fooled into thinking that the movie represented actual gameplay. 'Gradius III & IV' was released for PS2 in both Europe and the US. Hooray! Well, half a hooray since Gradius III is best forgotten...
G4 will also feature on the forthcoming Gradius Portable for PSP.

Level Guide (soon)

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