PS1 compilation of the first two Konami Gradius games. The classic horizontal shmups with memorable options and fearsome difficulty are well preserved. An excellent collection to rediscover or discover the foundations of the series and the horizontal shmup genre.
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Category
Shooter2 players7+
Description
Konami compilation bundling the first three Gradius games in arranged PlayStation versions. Created by Konami, released in 1996 in Japan. Three side-scrolling shoot them ups, evolving Options system, levels with bosses inspired by the Bacterian universe, arranged mode with enhanced graphics and faithful soundtrack. Japan-only edition.
Gradius Deluxe Pack review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
3/5
Music
★★★★★
"Memorable"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Punishing"
Bringing together the first two Gradius games, this compilation recalls why the series forged its reputation for harshness: losing your ship often strips you of every upgrade, condemning you to crawl back bare. Managing power-ups and anticipating traps outweigh reflexes alone. Rigorous and classic, it delights those nostalgic for old-school horizontal scrolling.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
A Japanese compilation bringing the first two Gradius games together in faithful ports, aimed at fans of Konami's power-up shoot 'em up. This Japanese release, never published in the West, appeals to those wanting the arcade classics in a careful console package. Its interest lies in this heritage grouping rather than extreme scarcity, in a niche loyal to scoring.
Better with friends
A compilation of legendary side-scrolling shooters where two players take turns clearing levels riddled with traps and fearsome bosses. The fun comes from score one-upmanship and the tips traded between attempts, each wanting to get further than the other. Demanding yet heady, it turns any session into a shared challenge where you comment on every death and every feat.
Is Gradius Deluxe Pack still worth playing in 2026?
Gradius Deluxe Pack is the PS1 compilation of the first two Konami Gradiuses. Classic horizontal shmups with memorable modular options and formidable difficulty are well preserved, in a careful PS1 presentation. An excellent collection to rediscover the saga's origins on console. A genuinely excellent detour today.
