The Famicom Gradius sequel, Japan exclusive, pushes the console to its limits. More varied, more ambitious, technically breathtaking. Superior to the first on every level.
Your verdict
Category
Shooter1 player7+
Description
Gradius sequel featuring new weapons and even more impressive bosses. Published by Konami, released in Japan in 1992. Vic Viper with new power-up options, fire snake and crystal bosses and advanced NES visuals. Second Gradius on Famicom, grander than the first.
Gradius II review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
More ambitious still, the sequel enriches its arsenal with flamboyant electronic themes and stronger melodies, from launch to titanic bosses. Konami's music galvanises every wave with heightened intensity and a rare sense of spectacle. This sonic generosity confirms Gradius as a benchmark of the shooter.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
The sequel refines the upgrade system by offering several weapon loadouts, and unfolds more ambitious scenery dotted with memorable bosses. Tailoring your arsenal to your style endlessly renews the urge to start over. Richer and more spectacular, this entry pushes the formula a notch higher while keeping its demand and elegance intact.
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Punishing"
More ambitious than its elder, it raises the stakes further: varied stages, imposing bosses and multiple weapon systems that call for planning your power curve. One badly placed death and it all collapses, since restarting weakened soon turns fatal. Rich and demanding, it refines the Konami formula and satisfies shoot-'em-up veterans after depth.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
A Famicom Japan-exclusive release, never ported as-is outside the archipelago at the time. The cart is technically remarkable for Famicom, with advanced scrolling and sound effects. Boxed CIB with original Konami cardboard sleeve and illustrated manual is a target for Famicom shmup collectors, and the cote has climbed noticeably in recent years on the back of international curiosity for Japanese shmup exclusives.
Memorable bosses
An ambitious port of a celebrated arcade machine, this second voyage enriches the bestiary with standout guardians: moai heads spitting rings, fire dragons and a final corridor chaining rematches. Managing your options stays the key to cracking each core. This generosity and rising intensity make it one of the most accomplished shooters on the system.
Is Gradius II still worth playing in 2026?
Gradius II on Famicom stayed Japan-only and pushes the console to its very limits. More varied, more ambitious, technically dazzling next to the first, Konami's title refines the formula with new power-ups, clearly more inspired levels and spectacular bosses. Superior to its predecessor on nearly every front. Still an absolutely fascinating cart to discover via fan patch today, especially for Gradius fans seeking the most polished version on the machine.
