
In addition to games like Castlevania, Contra, and Metal Gear, Gradius is one of Konami’s longest-running and influential franchises, though it hasn’t received as much recognition due to the shmup genre’s niche popularity. One of the standout features of Gradius Origins is its effort to make the game more accessible within the shmup genre by offering a variety of options for those who might need them. Forty years after its initial arcade release, Gradius remains a solid blueprint for scrolling shooter games that followed, and along with its sequels and Salamander/Life Force spin-offs, marks a significant milestone in the development of arcade shoot ’em ups. Gradius Origins honors this legacy while also advancing it with Salamander 3, making it a must-have for any shmup enthusiast’s collection.