| Graphics: |   4 |
| SFX: |  3.5 |
| Music: | 4 |
| Gameplay: | 3.5 |
| Challenge: | 5 |
| Replay: | 4 |
| Overall: | 4 |
| Genre: | Shmup |
| Reading ability: | US Release |
| Developer: | Konami |
Background:
Look, if you haven't even heard of the Gradius series, then I'm not sure that I want to be your friend. Gradius is one of the longest-running series of shooters around, and one of the best (not to mention one of the most popular). Gradius games have graced so many consoles that I won't even bother listing them. Owners of Super Famicom/Super Nintendo systems were blessed with Gradius III. Despite its flaws (discussed later in this review), this is a solid horizontal shooter for the SFC/SNES.
For anime fans, you may be interested to know that Konami released a three-part OVA series of Salamander/Gradius. The Salamander DVD can be had very cheaply on eBay. It may or may not be legit, but it's the only way you're probabaly going to get this series subtitled in English. Despite occasional timing flaws, the translation subtitles are of good quality. It's an entertaining series, and even my wife (who does not enjoy playing video games) enjoyed it. What's also great is that it is typical 80s anime, which is always my favorite (before hair became too spikey in the 90s). Imagine squadrons of Vic Vipers fighting to save the planet Gradius from destruction! Lord British also flies his token space fighter. The second episode is actually a prequel to the first episode. Just remember to watch the second OVA first, then the first and third if you want to watch the series in order.
The Game:
Who doesn't know Gradius? I almost feel embarassed to explain the gameplay. A side-scrolling shooter, powerups are collected after shooting yellow enemies or a chain of enemies. The powerups are on a point system, so you can save up these powerups to obtain speed ups, missles, more powerful firepower, options, and shields. Before you begin your game, you can choose your powerup configuration from some preset choices or customize your own. For example, you can choose between the laser, ripple, or double laser.
This is the best version of Gradius III period. Sure, you can get the arcade version of Gradius III on the Playstation 2 with the Gradius III & IV, but this port for to the Nintendo console is no-nonsense and is actually playable. The arcade version is extremely frustraing to play, and it has these terrible 3D levels that really detract from the game. While this 16 bit cartridge is challenging, it isn't unforgiving and brutal like the arcade version. I cannot even bother to play the PS2 port. The SNES port is the better version to play.
Levels in Gradius games are always unique, and Gradius III provides memorable levels. And as you can guess with all Gradius games, of course there is an obligatory level with Moai, the myserious stone head statues from Easter Island.
Secrets:
During gameplay, pause the game and enter the updated version of the classic Konami code: Up Up, Down Down, L R L R B A. When you unpause, your fighter will have full armament. Just be sure that you use the L and R buttons instead of Left and Right on the directional pad, because this is the self-destruct code!
And yes, there is a bonus level! On the second level, you will get to a point where bad guys encased in bubbles are launching from two holes, one on top of the screen and one below. Once the enemies have all been launched from the bottom hole, steer your fighter inside for the bonus level! Here you can rack up lots of points every time you catch a powerup, and there are lots of them in the bonus level! Just beware of the walls that grow fast! The three screenshots below illustrate where the entrance is and what the secret level is like.
The Good:
Gradius III is a solid shooting experience for the Super Famicom with a customizable powerup system, memorable levels and solid gameplay.
The Bad:
As great of a game as this may be, Gradius III for the Super Famicom is plagued with lots of slowdown. Which is unfortunate, because this is the game's major drawback. As Konami's developers became more familiar with the Super Famicom's hardware, Konami shooters released later on in the console's lifespan did not suffer from such slowdown.
Overall:
Unless you really just don't like Gradus, I can't imagine not having Gradius III in your SNES/SFC library. This is not my favorite shooter for the Super Famicom (Area 88 and Macross are my two most favorite), but it is a great game nonetheless. If the slowdown on this version of Gradius III bothers you too much, you can get this game on the Playstation 2 for a smoother experience. However, I'd take the slowdown over the arcade port anyday. As I said earlier, the port on the PS2 is just so difficult that it cannot hold my attention. The SNES/SFC port is much more satisfying.
Back to the Anime Super Famicom Game Reviews Index
Back to the Anime Super Famicom Main Page
