Gradius V (2004)

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

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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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.

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This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.