Gradius III and IV
A PS2 compilation of two classic Gradius arcade ports.
A PlayStation 2 compilation, Gradius III and IV packages arcade-perfect ports of two shoot-'em-ups: Gradius III from 1989 and Gradius IV from 1999. It launched alongside the PS2 in PAL territories, hit Japan on April 13, 2000, and arrived in North America and Europe that November.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Konami
- Series
- Gradius
- Platforms
- PlayStation 2
- Released
- April 13, 2000 (JP)
- November 13, 2000 (NA)
- November 24, 2000 (EU)
- Genre
- Shoot 'em up
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The overall gameplay matches the arcade versions, with the addition of a stage select and an option menu. The option menu resembles the arcade configuration menus but adds the ability to save and load high scores and adjust the screen. For Gradius III, the lag can be changed because the PS2 processor is faster than the arcade processor. For Gradius IV, options for sound (stereo/mono) and screen size (PCB/full-size) are included.
Reception
The compilation received mixed reviews according to Metacritic. Some critics found the games still fun, while others considered them dated and lacking updated features. GameFan listed Gradius III as the worse of the two, citing mundane level design, a mediocre soundtrack, and high difficulty; they mockingly commented about the PS2's rebirth. Game Informer stated neither game was bad but called them technologically unimpressive, labeling the collection as a classics collection pawned off as a PS2 title with few additions. GameSpot said both games were of decent quality but had begun to show their age, and the high difficulty was disliked. The presentation drew polarizing reactions: several publications praised its quality, while many expressed confusion that Konami released such a collection for a modern system. GamePro wrote that the package was a nice collection of old games and noted that classic gaming had not been forgotten amid PS2 hype. Jeuxvideo.com recommended it primarily to Gradius fans, calling its launch-title release a sweet transition. Both Game Informer and Famitsu said the pack was solid but showed confusion over its release on a modern 3D system without graphical or sound enhancements. IGN called it retro gaming done properly but noted its niche appeal. AllGame was particularly negative, harshly criticizing the package for its difficult and technologically inferior games, writing that it is only enjoyable if one equates fun with frustration.
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