First portable Konami Gradius, named Nemesis in the West. Vic Viper, classic capsule power-ups, horizontal levels flowing well for Game Boy. Shorter than arcade Gradius but the formula is instantly recognizable. A very good portable shooter, chain it with the Nemesis II and Interstellar Assault sequels.
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Category
Shooter1 player7+
Description
Game Boy port of Gradius with the Vic Viper spacecraft repelling the Bacterion empire's forces across space. Published by Konami, released in 1990 in Europe and North America. Series' signature capsule power-up system, varied horizontal scrolling levels, and imposing bosses.
Konami's first outing on Game Boy and the seed of the handheld Gradius strand, distributed broadly across the large North American market. An accessible hit rather than a scarce piece: loose carts are plentiful, so desirability concentrates on a clean complete copy, a US cardboard box that has not warped, and above all on graded sealed stock. Value here tracks condition rather than print size, with the appeal resting on its standing as the first Konami shooter on the system.
Is Nemesis still worth playing in 2026?
The first portable Gradius, released as Nemesis in the West, lays the foundations by squeezing arcade ideas into a surprisingly dignified Game Boy package. Vic Viper, the classic capsule system for speed, missile, double, laser and options, and a clean, readable horizontal scroll. Shorter and rougher than the later Interstellar Assault, it still earns its place for historical weight and the simple satisfaction of completing a run in a few minutes. For retro shoot fans and anyone curious about the early Game Boy library, it remains a worthwhile detour.
