Gradius Origins

Released

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Action, Science Fiction, 2D, Package, Shoot 'em Up, Side-scroll, Singleplayer

A compilation of 18 different versions of seven shoot'em ups from the Gradius series. Gradius Origins allows us to experience the first three installments, as well as Life Force and Salamander subseries. This collection was enriched with various improvements (including saving & rewind), as well as new modes.

8.1

OpenCritic

9.2

Steam

Rate It!

Ratings

 Videos: 1 

Images: 8 

Games included in the package
Improvements

Gradius is a shoot'em up series from the Konami catalog, which started in 1985. Over the years, this series allowing us to take the helm of a space fighter has been pushed into the background, giving way to other brands from the portfolio of the Japanese manufacturer and publisher.

Nonetheless, the company behind it occasionally decides to remind about it. One of the effects of such a state of affairs is Gradius Origins - a compilation containing 18 versions of seven arcade titles under this banner, which have been enriched with additional features.

Games included in the package

The list of games featured in Gradius Origins is opened by Salamander III, which is a new entry in the series. In addition, the compilation includes the following titles:

Gradius - which we can check in 5 versions, including the Japanese ROM version, North American and European (Nemesis);
Salamander - in the Japanese and North American versions;
Life Force - in the Japanese version;
Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou - available in four versions (three Japanese and one North American);
Gradius III: From Legend to Myth - in four versions (three Japanese and one Asian);
Salamander 2 - in the Japanese version.

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Improvements

The package has been enriched with a number of features and improvements, which are hard to find in the originals. They include the ability to save and load the game, as well as the ability to rewind the game (useful when we make a mistake).

In addition, the developers provided us with new modes (easy, invincibility, and training, where we can hone our skills). We can compare our achievements with the results of other players, using online leaderboards.

In addition to this, the compilation includes settings that allow to apply filters to the screen or enable the simulation of errors in the original software. The icing on the cake are galleries that allow us to familiarize ourselves with graphic (such as instructions or behind-the-scenes materials) and audio materials (in the form of soundtracks we can listen to).

Platforms:

PC Windows

Nintendo Switch

PlayStation 5

Xbox Series X/S

Developer: Konami

Publisher: Konami

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Game Series

6GAMES

Gradius Game Series

Features

System Requirements

System Requirements for Gradius Origins Video Game:

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-6400, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GT 730, 3.5 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-8400, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 1050 / 4 GB Radeon RX 560, 3.5 GB HDD, Windows 11 64-bit.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Gradius Origins Video Game.

8.1

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 86% of Critics. There are 40 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Use a Potion: 9 / 10

Gradius Origins might not be the definitive package some fans were hoping for, but what’s here is still a brilliant celebration of Konami’s classic series. Between the timeless Gradius trilogy, the inventive Salamander spin-offs, and the excellent new Salamander III, it offers both nostalgia and novelty in equal measure, and with generous extras and modern accessibility features rounding out the package, this is an easy recommendation for anyone with a love for shmups.

Full Review

Niche Gamer: 9 / 10

Gradius Origins is yet another superb collection of some of Konami’s classics from the 80s and 90s. Including a new game was like a massive, glistening cherry on top that might even steal the show for some fans. The ports all run excellently and even retain some of their old quirks, depending on which version you choose to play. Even when playing on easy, these are still monumentally difficult games.

Full Review

Nintendo Life: 8 / 10 by Tom Massey

M2, famous for its articulate, somewhat surgical approach to porting historical code just right, has done another fine job with Gradius Origins. There's so much polish here it positively gleams, and the overall care, bonus gadgetry and quality of life extras are all impeccably set. Salamander III is the big one, and it delivers, even if it doesn't really push the envelope in terms of originality or visual bombast. It's a shame there are still Gradius absentees in the list, and one day perhaps a truly comprehensive compilation will rear its head. For now, though, it's time to saddle up and destroy the core like never before.

Full Review

92%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (208)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Nostalgia and Accessibility: Players appreciate the ability to play classic arcade games from their childhood at home, with many expressing joy over the nostalgia factor.
High-Quality Emulation: M2's reputation for accurate and polished ports shines through, with users noting the collection's high-quality emulation and attention to detail.
Variety of Versions: The collection includes multiple versions of each game, offering different gameplay experiences and allowing players to explore the evolution of the series.
New Content: The addition of Salamander III has been well-received, with many players enjoying its gameplay and music.
Customizability: The games come with various options for difficulty adjustments, including invincibility modes and training modes, making them more accessible to new players.
Additional Features: Users appreciate features like save states, online leaderboards, and a gallery of artworks and music, enhancing the overall experience.

The main cons of the game

Price Point: Some users feel that the $40 price tag is steep, suggesting that it may only be worth it for die-hard fans or during sales.
Missing Titles: Key games such as Gradius IV, V, and Gaiden are absent from the collection, leading to disappointment among fans who hoped for a more comprehensive package.
Technical Issues: Reports of display issues, such as stuttering on high-refresh-rate monitors and lack of VSync options, have frustrated some players.
High Difficulty Level: The inherent difficulty of Gradius games can be off-putting for casual players, with some reviews warning new players to be prepared for a challenging experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Full Console Ports: Many users expressed a desire for console versions of the games to be included, particularly the NES ports and other home console adaptations.
Additional Modes for Salamander III: Unlike the other games, Salamander III lacks certain features like training modes and widgets that would enhance the gameplay experience.
Improved Controller Support: Some players reported issues with controller mapping and functionality, suggesting that better support for various controller types is needed.
Volume Control Issues: Users noted low volume levels and a lack of individual sound control for music and sound effects, which detracted from the experience.

Summary

Overall, while GRADIUS ORIGINS is celebrated for its quality and nostalgic value, it faces criticism for its pricing, missing titles, and some technical shortcomings. Players remain hopeful for future expansions that could include more titles from the Gradius franchise.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025

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