ActionFit check
Is GRADIUS ORIGINS worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Fans of arcade shoot-'em-ups who want multiple regional and prototype versions
- Players interested in the Gradius and Salamander series across seven arcade titles
- Shoot-'em-up players who want practice settings, rewinding, and save states
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking a single modern campaign rather than a collection of arcade versions
- Players who want varied genres or slower exploration instead of repeated side-scrolling shooting
- Players looking for multiplayer-focused action
Our take on GRADIUS ORIGINS
The headline count of 18 versions may suggest 18 separate games, but the collection groups those versions across seven arcade titles. Its scope is archival and practice-focused rather than a new, broad campaign.
What is GRADIUS ORIGINS?
GRADIUS ORIGINS is a collection of side-scrolling arcade shooters built around seven titles from the Gradius series, including Salamander III.
It contains 18 game versions, covering regional, prototype, and arcade variants of Gradius, Salamander, Life Force, Gradius II, Gradius III, Salamander2, and the new entry. Collection-wide additions include save states, rewinding, and an Invincible Mode. Training Mode provides restart-point controls, loop-count settings, and power-up adjustments for practice. A gallery presents music and images from the included titles, along with additional material. The collection also includes the Gradius III AM Show Version, identified as its first appearance on home consoles.
How GRADIUS ORIGINS plays
- 0118 Arcade Versions
- The collection covers regional, prototype, and arcade variants across seven Gradius and Salamander titles.
- 02Practice Controls
- Training Mode allows restart points, loop counts, and power-up states to be adjusted.
- 03Save And Rewind
- Included games support save states and a rewind function.
- 04Invincibility Option
- An Invincible Mode is available alongside the other play features.
- 05Music And Image Gallery
- The gallery contains game music, images from each title, and other collection material.
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GRADIUS ORIGINS: platforms & release
Is GRADIUS ORIGINS worth it?
It is worth it if: fans of arcade shoot-'em-ups who want multiple regional and prototype versions. Skip it if: players seeking a single modern campaign rather than a collection of arcade versions.
Where can I download GRADIUS ORIGINS?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens GRADIUS ORIGINS's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is GRADIUS ORIGINS on?
Windows only.
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