Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou/Guides - Revision history

ADR: ADR moved page Gradius II/Guides to Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou/Guides: Include subtitle.

2024-03-21T02:39:30Z

ADR moved page Gradius II/Guides to Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou/Guides: Include subtitle.

Frostyryker at 18:39, 10 December 2023

2023-12-10T18:39:20Z

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ADR at 19:35, 15 December 2022

2022-12-15T19:35:09Z

ADR at 03:43, 12 December 2022

2022-12-12T03:43:06Z

ADR: Created page with "This page aims to offer general gameplay tips and individual stage descriptions with a '''survival''' focus, for a description of scoring tricks visit the '''Gradius II/Scor..."

2022-12-11T21:56:12Z

Created page with "This page aims to offer general gameplay tips and individual stage descriptions with a '''survival''' focus, for a description of scoring tricks visit the '''Gradius II/Scor..."

New page

This page aims to offer general gameplay tips and individual stage descriptions with a '''survival''' focus, for a description of scoring tricks visit the '''[[Gradius II/Scoring Sections|scoring sections]]''' page.

==Weapon configurations==

The most important part for anyone who wants to clear Gradius II is figuring out what weapon setup feels the most comfortable and provides consistent results. A popular choice is '''Type 4''' thanks to its 2-Way Missile that makes it easy to learn stages, but generally speaking all the weapon configurations excel at different things and will work out with enough effort, such as Type 1's piercing laser during the moai stage, Type 2's spread bomb, or maybe you just really like the blue Ripple Laser and decide to stick with Type 3. A general ranking from easiest to hardest is probably like this:

#'''Type 4'''
#'''Type 3'''
#'''Type 1'''
#'''Type 2'''

Along with this, it is heavily recommended you pick '''Force Field''' as your shield. The regular '''Shield''' being able to take more damage isn't useful when it's easily taken out by terrain, large size makes it hard to avoid hits and it only protects the front of your ship. It's much easier to maintain the Force Field for long periods of time and protection from all sides is more important.

==Get used to higher speed levels==

Just like most of the Gradius series there are multiple speed levels to choose from by equipping the Speed Up slot, in this case 5 Speed Ups is the max. While playing with a single Speed Up can be easy it is extremely important to get used to 2 or even 3 Speed Ups early on, as the High Speed stage pretty much demands it, otherwise you will take '''at least''' a single death there. Moreover, there's extra benefits besides just moving faster, as higher speed levels make your Options more spread out giving greater coverage, especially if playing with Type 3 or Type 4 that have the Ripple Laser. Anything higher than 3 Speed Ups is not needed at all unless you really like it.

==Avoid the Option Hunter==

A new addition to Gradius II is the Option Hunter. This enemy is '''indestructible''' and can steal any Options you have if it comes in contact with one of them. How many Options are lost depends on which one was taken: if it touches the one that is furthest away from your ship you will only lose your 4th Option and keep the rest, while if it touches the closest one to your ship you will '''lose all of them'''. The Option Hunter has a unique alarm sound when it first appears and always aims at '''your ship''' with a horizontal trajectory. This means by fully moving up or down to get your Options out of your way it's possible to easily bait the Option Hunter.

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ class="nowrap" | Screenshot
|-
| [[File:GII option hunter dodge.png]]
|}

'''Smart and simple way to make the Option Hunter miss'''

However, this won't always work. Especially in more hectic situations like the Boss Rush and the Base stage where the Option Hunter can absolutely kill runs if it appears at the wrong time. Therefore a good solution to '''never''' have to deal with the Option Hunter is playing with 3 Options. This slight firepower isn't that important and 2-3 Speed Ups will still give you plenty of coverage.

<tabber>

Loop 1=

==Stage 1==

TBD

==Stage 1 BOSS: Phoenix==

TBD

==Stage 2==

TBD

==Stage 2 BOSS: Big Eye==

TBD

==Stage 3==

TBD

==Stage 3 BOSS: Crystal Core==

TBD

==Stage 4==

TBD

==Stage 4 BOSS: Death MK. II==

TBD

==Stage 5==

TBD

==Stage 5 MIDBOSS: Jumping Moai==

TBD

==Stage 5 BOSS: Big Moai==

TBD

==Stage 6==

TBD

==Stage 6 BOSS: Big Core MK. II==

TBD

==Stage 7==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Big Core==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Brain Golem==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Tetran==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Gaw==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Intruder==

TBD

==Stage 7 BOSS: Covered Core==

TBD

==Stage 8 MIDBOSS: Demos==

TBD

==Stage 8 MIDBOSS: Crab==

TBD

==Stage 8 BOSS: Gofer==

In classic Gradius tradition, Gofer doesn't do anything. You can destroy the tissue over his head to end the fight quickly or just wait.

|-|

Loop 2=

==Stage 1==

TBD

==Stage 1 BOSS: Phoenix==

TBD

==Stage 2==

TBD

==Stage 2 BOSS: Big Eye==

TBD

==Stage 3==

TBD

==Stage 3 BOSS: Crystal Core==

TBD

==Stage 4==

TBD

==Stage 4 BOSS: Death MK. II==

TBD

==Stage 5==

TBD

==Stage 5 MIDBOSS: Jumping Moai==

TBD

==Stage 5 BOSS: Big Moai==

TBD

==Stage 6==

TBD

==Stage 6 BOSS: Big Core MK. II==

TBD

==Stage 7==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Big Core==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Brain Golem==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Tetran==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Gaw==

TBD

==Stage 7 MIDBOSS: Intruder==

TBD

==Stage 7 BOSS: Covered Core==

TBD

==Stage 8 MIDBOSS: Demos==

TBD

==Stage 8 MIDBOSS: Crab==

TBD

==Stage 8 BOSS: Gofer==

In classic Gradius tradition, Gofer doesn't do anything. You can destroy the tissue over his head to end the fight quickly or just wait.

<big>TBD</big>

</tabber>

← Older revision	Revision as of 02:39, 21 March 2024
(No difference)

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 ==Weapon configurations==
-The most important part for anyone who wants to clear Gradius II is figuring out what weapon setup feels the most comfortable and provides consistent results. A popular choice is '''Type 4''' thanks to its 2-Way Missile that makes it easy to learn stages, but generally speaking all the weapon configurations excel at different things and will work out with enough effort, such as Type 1's piercing laser during the moai stage, Type 2's spread bomb, or maybe you just really like the blue Ripple Laser and decide to stick with Type 3. A general ranking from easiest to hardest is probably like this:
+The most important part for anyone who wants to clear ''Gradius II'' is figuring out what weapon setup feels the most comfortable and provides consistent results. A popular choice is '''Type 4''' thanks to its ''2-Way Missile'' that makes it easy to learn stages, but generally speaking all the weapon configurations excel at different things and will work out with enough effort, such as Type 1's piercing ''Laser'' during the moai stage, Type 2's ''Spread Bomb'', or maybe you just really like the blue ''Ripple Laser'' and decide to stick with Type 3. A general ranking from easiest to hardest is probably like this:
 #'''Type 4'''
@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 ==Stage 3==
-TBD
+The section in the second half with the indestructible crystals rarely ever plays out the exact same way and you will need to react quickly in order to maneuver around them, this is also not helped by the crystals' rather large hitbox. For the crystal rush immediately afterwards if you are using '''Type 3''' or '''Type 4''' you can place your Options in a vertical line and they will destroy most crystals with ease, but eventually you need to move out of the way. Ultimately all the weapon configurations need a very proactive approach. '''Type 2''' definitely excels during this section thanks to the Spread Bomb, just be wary of visibility issues.
 ==Stage 3 BOSS: Crystal Core==
-TBD
+A pretty fixed boss, Crystal Core's arms fire small bullets while the center fires a twin laser. After 4 twin lasers Crystal Core will fire a barrage of them, repeating it after the 8th twin laser. This boss is notorious for having an intentional safespot by the developers. To get into it consistently it's necessary to align yourself horizontally with the core barriers as the boss first appears, otherwise you will die as Crystal Core's AI frequently moves towards the center of the screen. Ultimately though, using this safespot is far from mandatory.
 ==Stage 4==
-TBD
+This stage is a considerable step-up in difficulty compared to the previous ones due to several hard to kill turrets and enemies coming from behind. If a beginner player didn't die in the previous stage they certainly will here. While not mandatory, you may consider using Double if you're playing with '''Type 1''', but both the regular Laser and Ripple Laser can handle this stage.
 ==Stage 4 BOSS: Death MK. II==
-TBD
+Making a return from [[Salamander]] in an upgraded form. Death MK. II has two phases. The first phase can only be damaged by attacking the hatch while it's open, which fires missiles directly forward as this is happening, do not ever try to [[Help:Glossary#Micrododging/Macrododging|micrododge]] these missiles, as they have massive hitboxes. The second phase has a predictable large laser as its only attack, and can be damaged even when it's not firing.
 ==Stage 5==
-TBD
+This stage can be divided in two halfs, the first one with the regular Moais who shoot and the second one with the red Moais who do not. '''Type 1''' and '''Type 2''' shine during the second half thanks to the piercing properties of the Laser destroying the red Moais easily. '''Type 3''' has an easy time with the red Moais hanging on the ground because the Photon Torpedo can go through all their rings without problem, while ironically '''Type 4''' struggles the most in this section due to lack of piercing, but not a huge difference overall. Another priority during the second half alongside the red Moais are the hatches since they spawn a fast group of enemies who will quickly start shooting at you, making it important to memorize where they are and kill them before this happens.
 ==Stage 5 MIDBOSS: Jumping Moai==
-TBD
+A group of four midsize Moais who jump around and fire a ginormous amount of rings. The easiest way for this section is to bait them by going all the way to the right and move left when you see them turning around, this gives you plenty of time and space to shoot down all of them.
 ==Stage 5 BOSS: Big Moai==
-TBD
+Three giant moais who spit floating mini moais that fire the rings you have become used to seeing in this stage. The main priority is the Moai on the right since him dying ends the fight instantly. With '''Type 1''' and '''Type 2''' this fight is exceedingly simple, just align yourself with the right moai's mouth, hang back with your Options above the bottom moai's mouth and keep shooting, the Laser will instantly pierce through the mini moais and quickly end the boss. '''Type 3''' and '''Type 4''' can use a similar approach but it will take longer because the Ripple Laser doesn't have piercing. In the case of '''Type 3''' it's likely the Photon Torpedo kills the bottom Moai along the way.
 ==Stage 6==
@@ Line 227: / Line 249: @@
 </tabber>

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 A new addition to Gradius II is the Option Hunter. This enemy is '''indestructible''' and can steal any Options you have if it comes in contact with one of them. How many Options are lost depends on which one was taken: if it touches the one that is furthest away from your ship you will only lose your 4th Option and keep the rest, while if it touches the closest one to your ship you will '''lose all of them'''. The Option Hunter has a unique alarm sound when it first appears and always aims at '''your ship''' with a horizontal trajectory. This means by fully moving up or down to get your Options out of your way it's possible to easily bait the Option Hunter.
-{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
+[[File: GII_option_hunter_dodge.png|thumb|left|Smart and simple way to make the Option Hunter miss]]
-'''Smart and simple way to make the Option Hunter miss'''
+{{clear}}
-However, this won't always work. Especially in more hectic situations like the Boss Rush and the Base stage where the Option Hunter can absolutely kill runs if it appears at the wrong time. Therefore a good solution to '''never''' have to deal with the Option Hunter is playing with 3 Options. This slight firepower isn't that important and 2-3 Speed Ups will still give you plenty of coverage.
+However, this won't always work. Especially in more hectic situations like the Boss Rush and the Base stage where the Option Hunter can absolutely kill runs if it appears at the wrong time. Therefore a good solution to '''never''' have to deal with the Option Hunter is playing with 3 Options. This slight firepower decrease isn't that important and 2-3 Speed Ups will still give you plenty of coverage.
 <tabber>
@@ Line 36: / Line 34: @@
 ==Stage 1==
-TBD
+The intro section has 8 Power Capsules which is enough to get Missile, one Option and 2 or 3 Speed Ups. The fire dragons' fireballs drop Power Capsule so leave them alive for a bit to equip everything you need.
 ==Stage 1 BOSS: Phoenix==
-TBD
+Phoenix's attacks are blue lasers and spitting fireballs. Because the blue lasers are [[Help:Dodging_strategy#Static_bullet_patterns|static]] you can line up with the boss' chest and they will always miss. You can place your Options below the "HI" text and this is usually enough to speedkill the boss.
 ==Stage 2==
-TBD
+It's important to choose a path during the vines section, try to stay at the middle-bottom and avoid going too close to the top of the screen, because this will leave you with very little room to maneuver and the game's scrolling is reset back to a single screen later on. For the tentacle arms the solution is to just keep shooting and they won't be a threat.
 ==Stage 2 BOSS: Big Eye==
-TBD
+Big Eye fires destructible orbs with both of its arms that stick to the scenery, slightly reducing the arena, while the eye itself periodically throws a large indestructible rock. With '''Type 3''' and '''Type 4''' placing yourself at the top or bottom with your Options in a vertical line then the Ripple Laser will take care of all the orbs, go the opposite way when Big Eye fires the rock. '''Type 1''' and '''Type 2''' need more movement because the regular Laser doesn't have as much coverage. If Big Eye happens to timeout it will move to the left before crashing and dying, when this happens you can either destroy it or go to the left and let the boss suicide. Be careful because Big Eye fires it rock one last time as it's coming towards you.
 ==Stage 3==
@@ Line 221: / Line 225: @@
 In classic Gradius tradition, Gofer doesn't do anything. You can destroy the tissue over his head to end the fight quickly or just wait.
 </tabber>