Shmups Wiki -- The Digital Library of Shooting Games - User contributions [en]

Gradius

2022-05-23T04:04:14Z

Arjak: added References & Contributors section

[[File:Logo_Gradius_3x.png|400px|center]]

{{GameInfobox
| bordercolor = black
| title = Gradius
| background = #f8f8f8
| image = Gradius_TitleScreen.png
| width = 256px;
| imagecaption = Title screen
| imagescalepx = 200px
| developer = [[Konami]]
| music = Miki Higashino
| program = Person A
| art = Person B
| releasedate = 1985
| nextgame = [[Salamander]]
}}

''[[Gradius]]'' (グラディウス) is a horizontal-scrolling shoot-em-up developed by ''[[Konami]]'' in 1985, and is the first game in the Gradius series. It introduced a unique power-up system that allowed players to choose their upgrades, which would become a staple of the series.

''Gradius'' was originally released in arcades in 1985, and has been ported to numerous consoles. Some early ports were localized under the title ''Nemesis''.

__TOC__

{{clear}}

== Gameplay Overview ==

''Gradius'' is a three-button shooter (two in most ports). There are seven stages in the game (although some ports feature an additional stage). with the game looping upon completing the final stage.

=== Controls ===

* '''A''': Fires the standard shot or laser.
* '''B''': Fires missiles (once activated)
* '''C''': Activates currently selected power-up.

Note: In most ports, '''A''' and '''B''' are combined into a single fire button.

=== Weapons ===

[[File:Gradius_PowerMeter.png|thumb|600px|right|The Power Meter used in Gradius.]]

When you start the game or lose a life, your ship will only have a horizontal-firing shot. When you destroy certain enemies (indicated by being a different color) or enemy formations, they will drop Power Capsules. With every red Power Capsule collected, the highlighted power-up on the Power Meter at the bottom of the screen will change. When the power-up that you want is selected, press '''C''' to receive it. This will reset the process, and you will need to collect more Power Capsules to "purchase" additional power-ups. If the last choice is highlighted and another Power Capsule is collected, the choice will wrap around to the start of the Power Meter.

* '''Speed Up''': Increases the movement speed of your ship. Can be purchased multiple times.
* '''Missile''': Activates usage of missiles. Press '''B''' to fire a missile diagonally down. If the missile reaches the ground, it will fly along it until hitting an enemy or obstacle. This is very useful for destroying ground-based enemies.
* '''Double''': Adds a second shot to your standard weapon that fires diagonally up. Cannot be used together with the '''Laser'''.
* '''Laser''': Changes your standard shot into a strong laser that fires horizontally and moves up and down with your ship. Hold the button to increase the length of the beam. Cannot be used together with '''Double'''.
* '''Option/Multiple''': Adds an option that travels behind your ship, mimicking its movements. Shoots an extra shot/laser or missile every time you fire. You can have up to four at a time (two in some ports).
* '''?''': Adds two front-facing shields to your ship. Each shield can absorb a certain number of shots before disappearing.

=== Items ===

There are two types of collectable Power Capsules in ''Gradius'' which appear upon defeating certain enemies or enemy formations.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Item !! Description
|-
| <div style='text-align: center;'>[[File:Gradius_PowerRed.png]]<small><br>'''Red'''</div></small> || Collect these to advance the Power Meter.
|-
| <div style='text-align: center;'>[[File:Gradius_PowerBlue.png]]<small><br>'''Blue'''</div></small> || Destroys or damages all enemies on-screen when collected. Appears after a certain number of Red Capsules have appeared.
|}

=== Rank ===

The rank system in ''Gradius'' is based upon a formula that differs depending on which version of the game you are playing. In the western version, renamed ''Nemesis'', the difficulty dip switch settings have a far greater impact. Regardless of the version being played, the rank caps at 15.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Gradius (Japan) rank
|-
| rank = ( (survival frames / 1000) + (stages completed * 3) + power + (number of options * 2) + difficulty variable ) / 2
|-
! Nemesis (US) rank
|-
| rank = ( (survival frames / difficulty variable) + stages completed + power + (number of options * difficulty variable) + difficulty variable ) / 2
|}

The difficulty setting (Easy/Normal/Hard/Very Hard) has a much greater influence on rank in ''Nemesis'':

* Survival frames is divided differently depending on the version played. If playing ''Gradius'', it is always divided by 1000. In ''Nemesis'', the divisor is determined by the difficulty setting as 768/608/512/384.
* Power refers to a value based on the number of power-ups acquired. The value of each power up is static in ''Gradius'', but based on the difficulty setting in ''Nemesis''.
:* Missiles add 2 to the value in ''Gradius'', and 1/2/2/3 in ''Nemesis''.
:* If the player has four options, add 2 in ''Gradius'', and 1/2/2/3 in ''Nemesis''.
:* Lasers add 4 to the value in ''Gradius'', and 3/3/3/4 in ''Nemesis''.
:* Shields add 4 to the value in ''Gradius'', and 4/7/8/10 in ''Nemesis''.
* The number of options is multiplied by 2 in ''Gradius'', and 2/3/4/5 in ''Nemesis''.
* The final difficulty variable is 0/2/4/6 in ''Gradius'', and 0/4/8/10 in ''Nemesis''.

== Story ==

On the far side of the galaxy exists the planet Gradius, a lush, Earth-like world that has lived in peace for many years. That peace came to a sudden end when Planet Gradius was attacked by the Bacterian Empire, a race of amoeba-like beings from a star cluster located in Sub-Space. Facing a hopeless battle against the Bacterians, Planet Gradius launches their last hope of survival, the hyper-space fighter Vic Viper. Its mission: to end the war by piercing through the Bacterian forces and destroying the core of their flagship, the space fortress Xaerous.

== References & Contributors ==

* [https://gradius.fandom.com/ Gradius Wiki]
* [https://tcrf.net/Nemesis_(Arcade) The Cutting Room Floor: Nemesis (Arcade)]

Gradius

2022-05-23T03:54:33Z

Arjak: added story section

Gradius

2022-05-22T22:35:15Z

Arjak: added rank section

Hishouzame

2022-05-22T17:55:06Z

Arjak: reformatted page

[[File:Hishouzame title.jpg|center]]

{{GameInfobox
|bordercolor = black
|title = Hishouzame
|background = #f8f8f8
|image = Hishouzame title screen.png
|width = 324px;
|imagecaption = Title screen
|imagescalepx = 180px

|developer = [[Toaplan]]
|
|music = Masahiro Yuge<br/>Tatsuya Uemura
|
|program = Person A
|
|art = Person B
|
|releasedate = 1987

|previousgame = Previous game of the developer
|nextgame = Next game of the developer
}}

'''Hishouzame''' (飛翔鮫, Flying Shark or Sky Shark in North America and Europe) is a vertically scrolling shoot-em up developed by [[Toaplan]] in 1987. It was published by Taito in Japan, Romstar in North America and Electocoin in Europe. <ref>https://archive.org/stream/ArcadeGameList1971-2005#page/n131/mode/1up</ref>

It was the third shoot 'em up developed by Toaplan but the first to use the new Motorola 68000 microprocessor. This new processor allowed for more onscreen sprites which allowed the designers at Toaplan to become more creative with enemy patterns and graphical touches. It was also the first Toaplan game to allow players to scroll the screen left or right. <ref>http://shmuplations.com/toaplan-chronicleqa/</ref>

Many ports of Hishouzame were released to many different consoles and often named Flying Shark or Sky Shark in North America and Europe. M2's ShotTriggers division announced in April 2020 that they were developing a new port of Hishouzame for modern consoles. <ref>https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/toaplan-shoot-em-ups-twin-cobra-truxton-ii-flying-shark-and-out-zone-coming-to-consoles</ref> <ref>https://www.siliconera.com/toaplans-flying-shark-twin-cobra-truxton-ii-and-out-zone-coming-to-modern-platforms/</ref>

== Gameplay Overview ==
Hishouzame is a prototypical Toaplan shoot 'em up with 8-way joystick movement, a shot button, and a bomb button.

=== Weapons ===
----

* '''A (Press):''' Fires a shot. Tapping A fires many more shots than holding A.
* '''A (Hold):''' Auto fires but the shots do not repeat very fast.
* '''B:''' Launches a bomb. The bombs in this game generate circular fire that only affects that area of the screen. The bombs are not screen clearing and repeatedly damage enemy until the fire disappears. The bombed area also cancels all bullets that enter that area.

=== Items ===
----

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Item  !! Description  !! How to Get
|-
| <div style='text-align: center;'>[[File:Hisho power up.png]]<br>'''Power Up'''</div>|| Increases the number of shots fired at a time by two, for a maximum of 5 upgrades || [[File:Hisho red plane.png|thumb|right|60px]] <br><br>Spawns upon shooting down all 6 '''red planes''' in a pattern (red planes do not appear at maximum power)
|-
| <div style='text-align: center;'>[[File:Hisho bomb.png|thumb|100px]]<br>'''Bomb'''</div>|| Adds a bomb to the player's total Bomb stock || Spawns upon shooting particular land targets like tanks or turrets on ships. Only one bomb item can appear on screen at a time so additional items can sometimes be gained by collecting the first before shooting another container.
|-
| <div style='text-align: center;'>[[File:Hisho 1up.PNG|thumb|100px]]<br>'''1UP'''</div>|| Awards the player with an [[extend]] || [[File:Hisho white plane.PNG|100px|thumb|right|]] <br><br>Spawns upon shooting down 6 consecutive '''white planes''', which randomly take the place of yellow planes with a 1/16 chance. Once the white planes have appeared no more will until either a death or the next stage is reached, and they will never appear in stage 1. After two 1UP items have appeared (the item itself, not the white plane formations), no more white planes will appear at all.
|-
|}

==== Power Item Locations ====
The red plane formations that drop a power item replace the yellow formations in specifically designated areas depending on the player's current power level:
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-table;">
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Stage !! Areas
|-
! 1
| 0 - 8
|-
! 2
| 9 - 17
|-
! 3
| 18 - 26
|-
! 4
| 27 - 36
|-
! 5
| 37 - 49
|}
</li>
<li style="display: inline-table; margin-left:40px">
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Power Level !! Power Item Areas
|-
! 0
| All
|-
! 1
| 5,9,11,14,19,22,25,29,31,33,34,35,38+
|-
! 2
| 10,13,19,23,28,30,33,35,38+
|-
! 3
| 13,22,29,31,35,38+
|-
! 4
| 12*,22,28,34,38+
|-
! 5
| None
|}
</li>
</ul></div>
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Although this area is designated eligible for power item drops at this power level, no such plane formations actually appear here.
=== Rank ===
----
Hishouzame has a simple rank system with a maximum value of 15, and is determined by the formula ''(area+loop*50)/8 + difficulty'' </br>
with area referring to the player's progress through the game. Rank primarily affects enemy bullet speed and the frequency of enemy attacks.</br>
Enemy bullet speed has a maximum value of 21 and follows the formula ''13 + rank/2 + loop + power''
</br>Large enemies also undergo HP scaling: ''HP = base + rank * 2 + (loop & 15) * 4 + power * 2''
</br>This means that enemy HP continues to increase by a small amount (4) with each loop, peaking every 16 loops before suddenly dropping by 60 again to repeat the cycle.

=== Loops ===
----
Hishouzame loops indefinitely but from the second loop on, stage 1 is skipped as it was designed as an easy introductory stage for beginners. The enemy bullet speed increases by 1 each loop until the maximum value of 21 is reached. Eventually an overflow is reached at which point bullets will be given a calculated speed of 0 and become completely stationary. <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20130224034931/http://www.gamengai.com/cmnt_inf.php?id=2332&type=translation&p=2</ref> Using the formula above this can be calculated to occur at loop 65512 while at maximum power and rank.

=== Scoring ===
----
Points are awarded by shooting down enemies and blowing up destructible environments like bunkers and mountains.

'''Power Ups and Bombs:''' Collecting power ups and bombs yields 150 pts each.

'''End Stage Bonus:''' 3000 points are awarded for each bomb left over at the end of the stage.

'''Yellow Planes:''' Shooting down all 6 yellow planes in a pattern yields 1000 pts. Once fully powered up, the red planes are replaced with yellow planes providing the player with the ability to increase their score even more.

'''Yellow Plane x6''' [[File:Hisho yellow plane.png]] '''1000 Points''' [[File:Hisho 1000 points.png]]

== Strategy ==
<div style='text-align: center;'>
''See [[(Template Page)/Strategy]] for '''stage maps''', '''enemy and boss descriptions''', '''walkthroughs''', and '''advanced play strategies'''.''
</div>
----

This section details some particular strategic information about the game and its gameplay, such as hidden 1UPs and some basic scoring tricks. For anything particularly deep or highly complex, you can probably leave it in the Strategy page.

''(Currently evaluating whether or not this specific section should even include information outside of the separated Strategy pages. Worth thinking about as a community.)''

==== Creating a new page ====
There are two ways to create a new entry in the wiki:
# Reference the new page that you would like to make on a page somewhere ( <nowiki>[[Your Page Name Here]]</nowiki> ), and then click the red link to be taken to the "missing page" screen. You can then click "create a new page" and start filling it out.
# In the search box on the top right, type in the name of the page you would like to make, and then search. You will be taken to a similar page as above, prompting you to create the missing page.

== Story and Setting ==
The arcade version of Hishouzame does not have any type of clear story. The UK version of the arcade game mentions a war that is being lost by "your" side and so they send in the "Flying Shark" to reclaim the lost bases. <ref>https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/games/images/11763</ref>

The planes in the game are biplanes which would set the game in around World War I. However, the tanks and bomber plane would set the game closer to World War II.

In an interview, Masahiro Yuge states that the Vietnam war movie ''Apocalypse Now'' was the inspiration for the setting. A company trip to Thailand also helped form the scenery in the game. <ref>http://shmuplations.com/toaplan-chronicleqa/</ref>

The North American NES version instruction manual tells the story via a comic. It mentions World War II and how the Sky Shark is the last pilot in the battle. He must break through the enemy forces and save the American POW's. <ref>http://www.digitpress.com/library/manuals/nes/Sky%20Shark.pdf</ref>
----

== Development History ==
If available, you can include information here about the hardware, the development of the game, and its general reception. ''Try to have as much information in this section cited as possible.''
----

== Version Differences ==
* Include information here about differences in a game between various versions. This includes regional differences, patch updates/bugfixes, and the like.
----

== Trivia ==
* Cool facts and random tidbits go here!
----

== Gallery ==
<div style='text-align: center;'>
''See [[(Template Page)/Gallery]] for our collection of images and scans for the game.''
</div>
----

== References & Contributors ==
<small>
# Primary info provided by [[User:Coreo|Coreo]]
</small>

Gradius

2022-05-22T01:34:18Z

Arjak: added items section

File:Gradius PowerBlue.png

2022-05-22T01:04:28Z

Arjak: Blue Power Capsule from Gradius.

== Summary ==
Blue Power Capsule from Gradius.

File:Gradius PowerRed.png

2022-05-22T01:03:41Z

Arjak: Red Power Capsule from Gradius.

== Summary ==
Red Power Capsule from Gradius.

Gradius

2022-05-22T00:43:14Z

Arjak: added title screen image, changed Next Game in infobox

File:Gradius TitleScreen.png

2022-05-22T00:36:08Z

Arjak: Title screen for Gradius.

== Summary ==
Title screen for Gradius.
== Licensing ==
{{Non-free game screenshot}}

Gradius

2022-05-21T18:20:38Z

Arjak: added power meter graphic

[[File:Logo_Gradius_3x.png|400px|center]]

{{GameInfobox
| bordercolor = black
| title = Gradius
| background = #f8f8f8
| image = Template_Title.png
| width = 200px;
| imagecaption = Title screen
| imagescalepx = 180px
| developer = [[Konami]]
| music = Miki Higashino
| program = Person A
| art = Person B
| releasedate = 1985
| nextgame = [[Twin Bee]]
}}

''[[Gradius]]'' (グラディウス) is a horizontal-scrolling shoot-em-up developed by ''[[Konami]]'' in 1985, and is the first game in the Gradius series. It introduced a unique power-up system that allowed players to choose their upgrades, which would become a staple of the series.

''Gradius'' was originally released in arcades in 1985, and has been ported to numerous consoles. Some early ports were localized under the title ''Nemesis''.

__TOC__

{{clear}}

== Gameplay Overview ==

''Gradius'' is a three-button shooter (two in most ports). There are seven stages in the game (although some ports feature an additional stage). with the game looping upon completing the final stage.

=== Controls ===

* '''A''': Fires the standard shot or laser.
* '''B''': Fires missiles (once activated)
* '''C''': Activates currently selected power-up.

Note: In most ports, '''A''' and '''B''' are combined into a single fire button.

=== Weapons ===

[[File:Gradius_PowerMeter.png|thumb|600px|right|The Power Meter used in Gradius.]]

When you start the game or lose a life, your ship will only have a horizontal-firing shot. When you destroy certain enemies (indicated by being a different color) or enemy formations, they will drop Power Capsules. With every red Power Capsule collected, the highlighted power-up on the Power Meter at the bottom of the screen will change. When the power-up that you want is selected, press '''C''' to receive it. This will reset the process, and you will need to collect more Power Capsules to "purchase" additional power-ups. If the last choice is highlighted and another Power Capsule is collected, the choice will wrap around to the start of the Power Meter.

* '''Speed Up''': Increases the movement speed of your ship. Can be purchased multiple times.
* '''Missile''': Activates usage of missiles. Press '''B''' to fire a missile diagonally down. If the missile reaches the ground, it will fly along it until hitting an enemy or obstacle. This is very useful for destroying ground-based enemies.
* '''Double''': Adds a second shot to your standard weapon that fires diagonally up. Cannot be used together with the '''Laser'''.
* '''Laser''': Changes your standard shot into a strong laser that fires horizontally and moves up and down with your ship. Hold the button to increase the length of the beam. Cannot be used together with '''Double'''.
* '''Option/Multiple''': Adds an option that travels behind your ship, mimicking its movements. Shoots an extra shot/laser or missile every time you fire. You can have up to four at a time (two in some ports).
* '''?''': Adds two front-facing shields to your ship. Each shield can absorb a certain number of shots before disappearing.

File:Gradius PowerMeter.png

2022-05-21T18:12:54Z

Arjak: The Power Meter used in the original Gradius.

== Summary ==
The Power Meter used in the original Gradius.

Gradius

2022-05-21T18:07:38Z

Arjak: added weapons section

[[File:Logo_Gradius_3x.png|400px|center]]

{{GameInfobox
| bordercolor = black
| title = Gradius
| background = #f8f8f8
| image = Template_Title.png
| width = 200px;
| imagecaption = Title screen
| imagescalepx = 180px
| developer = [[Konami]]
| music = Miki Higashino
| program = Person A
| art = Person B
| releasedate = 1985
| nextgame = [[Twin Bee]]
}}

''[[Gradius]]'' (グラディウス) is a horizontal-scrolling shoot-em-up developed by ''[[Konami]]'' in 1985, and is the first game in the Gradius series. It introduced a unique power-up system that allowed players to choose their upgrades, which would become a staple of the series.

''Gradius'' was originally released in arcades in 1985, and has been ported to numerous consoles. Some early ports were localized under the title ''Nemesis''.

__TOC__

{{clear}}

== Gameplay Overview ==

''Gradius'' is a three-button shooter (two in most ports). There are seven stages in the game (although some ports feature an additional stage). with the game looping upon completing the final stage.

=== Controls ===

* '''A''': Fires the standard shot or laser.
* '''B''': Fires missiles (once activated)
* '''C''': Activates currently selected power-up.

Note: In most ports, '''A''' and '''B''' are combined into a single fire button.

=== Weapons ===

When you start the game or lose a life, your ship will only have a horizontal-firing shot. When you destroy certain enemies (indicated by being a different color) or enemy formations, they will drop Power Capsules. With every red Power Capsule collected, the highlighted power-up on the Power Meter at the bottom of the screen will change. When the power-up that you want is selected, press '''C''' to receive it. This will reset the process, and you will need to collect more Power Capsules to "purchase" additional power-ups. If the last choice is highlighted and another Power Capsule is collected, the choice will wrap around to the start of the Power Meter.

* '''Speed Up''': Increases the movement speed of your ship. Can be purchased multiple times.
* '''Missile''': Activates usage of missiles. Press '''B''' to fire a missile diagonally down. If the missile reaches the ground, it will fly along it until hitting an enemy or obstacle. This is very useful for destroying ground-based enemies.
* '''Double''': Adds a second shot to your standard weapon that fires diagonally up. Cannot be used together with the '''Laser'''.
* '''Laser''': Changes your standard shot into a strong laser that fires horizontally and moves up and down with your ship. Hold the button to increase the length of the beam. Cannot be used together with '''Double'''.
* '''Option/Multiple''': Adds an option that travels behind your ship, mimicking its movements. Shoots an extra shot/laser or missile every time you fire. You can have up to four at a time (two in some ports).
* '''?''': Adds two front-facing shields to your ship. Each shield can absorb a certain number of shots before disappearing.

Gradius

2022-05-20T16:04:29Z

Arjak: added music credit, controls

Gradius

2022-05-20T05:51:10Z

Arjak: began page, will add more later

[[File:Logo_Gradius_3x.png|300px|center]]

{{GameInfobox
| bordercolor = black
| title = Gradius
| background = #f8f8f8
| image = Template_Title.png
| width = 200px;
| imagecaption = Title screen
| imagescalepx = 180px
| developer = [[Konami]]
| music = Person A
| program = Person B
| art = Person C
| releasedate = 1985
| nextgame = [[Twin Bee]]
}}

''[[Gradius]]'' is a horizontal-scrolling shoot-em-up developed by ''[[Konami]]'' in 1985, and is the first game in the Gradius series.

File:Logo Gradius 3x.png

2022-05-20T05:33:30Z

Arjak: In-game logo for Gradius.

== Summary ==
In-game logo for Gradius.
== Licensing ==
{{Non-free logo}}

Konami

2021-05-23T19:30:06Z

Arjak: /* Shooting games developed by Konami */ Added Scramble and Super Cobra to list

== Konami ==
[[File:Konami 1998.png|center]]

===== Shooting games developed by Konami =====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Game !! Year !! Original System !! Publisher
|-
| ''[[Scramble]]'' || 1981 || ||
|-
| ''[[Super Cobra]]'' || 1981 || ||
|-
| ''[[Gradius]]'' (Nemesis) || 1985 || ||
|-
| ''[[Twin Bee]]'' || 1985 || ||
|-
| ''[[Vs Gradius]]''|| 1986 || ||
|-
| ''[[Salamander]]'' (Life Force) || 1986 || ||
|-
| ''[[Ajax]]''|| 1988 || ||
|-
| ''[[Thunder Cross]]''|| 1988 || ||
|-
| ''[[Gradius II]]'' (Vulcan Venture) || 1988 || ||
|-
| ''[[Parodius]]'' || 1988 || MSX ||
|-
| ''[[Gradius III]]''|| 1989 || ||
|-
| ''[[Trigon]]'' (Lightning Fighters) || 1990 || ||
|-
| ''[[Parodius Da!]]'' || 1990 || ||
|-
| ''[[Thunder Cross II]]''|| 1991 || ||
|-
| ''[[Detana!! Twin Bee]]''|| 1991 || ||
|-
| ''[[Xexex]]''|| 1991 || ||
|-
| ''[[Pop’n TwinBee]]'' || 1993 || Super Famicom / SNES || Palcom Software (Europe)
|-
| ''[[Gokujo Parodius]]'' (Fantastic Journey) || 1994 || ||
|-
| ''[[Twin Bee Yahhoo!]]''|| 1995 || ||
|-
| ''[[Salamander 2]]''|| 1996 || ||
|-
| ''[[Sexy Parodius]]'' || 1996 || ||
|-

|}