Underplayed Gems

Gradius V (2004)

Gradius V cover
Developer
Treasure
Publisher
Konami
Platforms
PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2
Genres
Shooter
Rating
3.7 of 5, 10 player ratings

How it feels

A tight, unforgiving side-scrolling shooter where split-second decisions and careful power management keep you perpetually on edge.

challengingprecisetensemethodicalretrofast-pacedtacticalpunishing

About

Gradius V is the fifth entry in Konami’s Gradius series, originally released for PlayStation 2. It introduces new mechanics while retaining core side-scrolling shooter gameplay. One notable addition is the ability to control the firing direction of "Options" (the yellow support pods) using the analog stick. While adjusting direction, the player’s ship remains stationary, adding tactical risk and challenge. The rest follows standard Gradius mechanics: avoid collisions and enemy fire while collecting power-up capsules to upgrade weapons. Gradius V was later released on PlayStation 3 as a PS2 Classic but has since been delisted and is no longer available for purchase.

Trailer

Screenshots

Gradius V screenshot 1Gradius V screenshot 2Gradius V screenshot 3Gradius V screenshot 4Gradius V screenshot 5Gradius V screenshot 6

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