Gradius is a horizontally scrolling shooter developed and published by Konami for the NES, ported from the 1985 arcade original (known abroad as Nemesis). Players pilot the Vic Viper, collecting power-up capsules to fill a selection meter and activate upgrades like Speed, Missiles, Double, Laser, Option pods, and Shield. It is the series’ first game and the origin of the Konami Code.
How To Play Gradius
Control
Action
D-Pad
Move the Vic Viper in all directions
A Button
Fire main weapon
B Button
Activate the highlighted power-up on the meter
Start
Pause
About Gradius
Release date
Famicom (JP): April 25, 1986 · NES (NA): December 1986 · NES (EU): November 30, 1988 (arcade original: 1985)
Developer
Konami
Publisher
Konami
Platform
NES / Famicom; originally Arcade, plus MSX, PC Engine, and others
Sheldon has spent over a decade immersed in retro gaming, from NES classics to arcade gems. He's deeply passionate about preserving gaming history and helping others rediscover these timeless titles. When he's not gaming, Shaun writes about the evolution of video games and their cultural impact.
