Gradius Gaiden is considered by many the finest Gradius ever made. PS1 exclusive, it features four distinct ships with varied arsenals, balanced difficulty and memorable stages. The absolute reference horizontal shmup on PS1 and a genre treasure.
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Category
Shooter2 players7+
Description
Original spin-off of the Gradius series, designed for PlayStation with seven brand-new stages and new powers. Created by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and Konami, released in 1997 in Japan with a revision. Edit Mode for customizing powers, four playable ships, original bosses, detailed 2D graphics and orchestral soundtrack. Japan-only edition.
Gradius Gaiden review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
3/5
Music
★★★★★
"Memorable"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Punishing"
The series' technical high point on the console, this entry unfolds sumptuous scenery and sequences that demand perfect placement of your ship and its options. The infamous death spiral always looms, where each mistake weakens you further. Demanding yet formidably elegant, it rewards planning and remains a favorite among horizontal-shooter fans.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
Often named the most accomplished of the classic Gradius games, this Japan-only entry pairs inspired level design with polished late-2D-era production. Never localized, it remains a prime target for shoot 'em up fans wanting the original form of this series peak. Its relative scarcity and reputation support a value above more widespread shmups.
Better with friends
A side-scrolling shooter of exemplary polish where two pilots pass the pad to tame sumptuous backdrops and colossal bosses. The competition plays out in score and distance reached, in friendly rivalry that pushes everyone to outdo themselves. Demanding yet fair, it rewards memorizing the levels and turns each attempt into a show narrated by two voices.
Is Gradius Gaiden still worth playing in 2026?
Gradius Gaiden is considered by many the best Gradius ever made. PS1-exclusive (Japan-only long before the PSP reissue), it offers four distinct ships with varied arsenals, balanced difficulty and memorable stages that play with the series' grammar. Konami signs a horizontal shooter of rare finesse. An absolute classic today.
