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{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
|title = Gradius V
|title = Gradius V
|image = [[File:Gradius V cover.jpg]]
|image = Gradius V cover.jpg
|caption = Video game box art by [[Hidetaka Tenjin]].
|caption = North American cover art by [[Hidetaka Tenjin]]
|developer = [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]]<br>[[G.rev]]
|developer = [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]]
|publisher = [[Konami]]
|publisher = [[Konami]]
|designer = [[Hiroshi Iuchi]]<br/>Atsutomo Nakagawa
|director = [[Hiroshi Iuchi]]<br/>Atsutomo Nakagawa
|designer = Hiroshi Iuchi<br/>Atsutomo Nakagawa
|producer = Yasushi Takano
|producer = Yasushi Takano
|artist = Hidetaka Tenjin
|artist = Hidetaka Tenjin
|composer = [[Hitoshi Sakimoto]]
|composer = [[Hitoshi Sakimoto]]
|series = ''[[Gradius]]''
|series = ''[[Gradius]]''
|platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation Network]]
|platforms = [[PlayStation 2]]
|released = '''PlayStation 2'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=July 22, 2004|NA=September 14, 2004|EU=October 8, 2004}}'''PlayStation Network'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=April 15, 2015|NA=April 17, 2015|EU=April 22, 2015}}
|released = {{vgrelease|JP|July 22, 2004|NA|September 14, 2004|EU|October 8, 2004}}
|genre = [[Scrolling shooter]]
|genre = [[Scrolling shooter]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative multiplayer]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Cooperative video game|cooperative multiplayer]]
}}
}}


'''''Gradius V''''' is a Japanese-developed [[shoot 'em up]] [[video game]] published by [[Konami]] for the [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]] [[PlayStation 2]] [[video game console]] in 2004. ''Gradius V'' was largely developed under contract by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]], who had previously worked on ''[[Radiant Silvergun]]'' and ''[[Ikaruga]]''. It was re-released for PlayStation Network on April 15, 2015 in Japan and
{{nihongo|'''''Gradius V'''''|グラディウスV|Guradiusu V}} is a Japanese-developed [[shoot 'em up]] [[video game]] published by [[Konami]] for the [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]] [[PlayStation 2]] [[video game console]] in 2004. ''Gradius V'' was largely developed under contract by [[Treasure (company)|Treasure]], who had previously worked on ''[[Radiant Silvergun]]'' and ''[[Ikaruga]]''. The game is set predominantly in [[outer space]] where players control a fictional [[spacecraft]] called [[Vic Viper]] through a continuously scrolling background depicting the territories of Bacterian&mdash;an evil empire which serves as the player's enemy.<ref name="Manual45">Gradius V instruction manual, pp. 4–5.</ref> ''Gradius V'' received overall positive reviews. Critics praised the level design, graphical design and "classic" revival, but criticized the game's difficulty.
later in North-America and Europe in the same month.

The game is set predominantly in [[outer space]] where players control a fictional [[spacecraft]] called [[Vic Viper]] through a continuously scrolling background depicting the territories of Bacterian&mdash;an evil empire which serves as the player's enemy.<ref name="Manual45">Gradius V instruction manual, pp. 4–5.</ref> ''Gradius V'' received overall positive reviews. Critics praised the level design, graphical design and "classic" revival, but criticized the game's extreme difficulty.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
The game takes place as a [[2D computer graphics|2D]] [[scrolling shooter]] with the Vic Viper contending with formations of enemies, both stationary and moving, that fire bullets.<ref name="Lewis">{{cite web |last=Lewis |first=Ed |title=Gradius V |publisher=[[IGN]] |date=2004-09-14 |accessdate=2009-09-07 |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/547/547707p1.html}}</ref> Players go through levels consisting of open space and others consisting of maneuvering through close quarters which alter between horizontal and vertical scrolling.<ref name="Lewis"/><ref name="1UP">{{cite web |author=1UP Staff |title=Gradius V (PS2) |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |date=2004-09-14 |accessdate=2009-09-08 |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134612&did=1}}</ref> Should players come into contact with anything on the screen, the Vic Viper explodes, and they lose a life.<ref name="Lewis"/> In ''Gradius V'', the hit box (the pixels which must be touched by an object to destroy the ship) has been reduced in size to allow players to get through small areas more easily.<ref name="Turner">{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Benjamin |title=Gradius V |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |date=2004-09-14 |accessdate=2009-09-08 |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/gradius-v/547712p1.html}}</ref> ''Gradius V'' marks the first time in the series in which players can reappear immediately and resume the game from where they lose a life ever since Salamander series. Alternatively, players may also restart at a previously cleared checkpoint depending on the game's settings.<ref name="Lewis"/> If all lives are lost players have the option to [[continue (video games)|continue]] and restart the game from where they left off. Players receive extra lives after scoring a certain number of points as indicated in the game's settings,<ref>Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 8.</ref> and players may receive extra continues depending on how much total playing time has been accumulated.<ref name="Manual6"/>
The game takes place as a [[2D computer graphics|2D]] [[scrolling shooter]] with the Vic Viper contending with formations of enemies, both stationary and moving, that fire bullets.<ref name="Lewis">{{cite web |last=Lewis |first=Ed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/15/gradius-v |title=Gradius V |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=September 14, 2004 |access-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317192339/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/15/gradius-v |url-status=live }}</ref> Players go through levels consisting of open space and others consisting of maneuvering through close quarters which alter between horizontal and vertical scrolling.<ref name="Lewis"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=David |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134612&did=1 |title=Gradius V (PS2) |website=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=September 14, 2004 |access-date=September 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041107002434/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134612&did=1 |archive-date=November 7, 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Should players come into contact with anything on the screen, the Vic Viper explodes, and they lose a life.<ref name="Lewis"/> In ''Gradius V'', the hit box (the pixels which must be touched by an object to destroy the ship) has been reduced in size to allow players to get through small areas more easily.<ref name="Turner">{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Benjamin |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/gradius-v/547712p1.html |title=GameSpy: Gradius V |website=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |date=September 14, 2004 |access-date=September 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307183927/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/gradius-v/547712p1.html |archive-date=March 7, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Gradius V'' marks the first time in the series in which players can reappear immediately and resume the game from where they lose a life ever since Salamander series. Alternatively, players may also restart at a previously cleared checkpoint depending on the game's settings.<ref name="Lewis"/> If all lives are lost players have the option to [[Continue (video games)|continue]] and restart the game from where they left off. Players receive extra lives after scoring a certain number of points as indicated in the game's settings,<ref>Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 8.</ref> and players may receive extra continues depending on how much total playing time has been accumulated.<ref name="Manual6"/>


The game can be played with [[single-player|one player]] or with two players simultaneously.<ref name="Scalzo">{{cite web |last=Scalzo |first=John |title=Gradius V |publisher=Gaming Target |date=2004-12-02 |accessdate=2009-09-07 |url=http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=3809}}</ref> After players start the game, they will enter a "Select Weapon Array" screen, where they may select the types of [[power-up]]s they will use through the course of the game.<ref name="Manual6">Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 6.</ref> There is also an unlockable feature called "Weapon Edit" in which players can access if certain conditions are met. In this mode, they can customize the Vic Viper with various combinations of weapons found in the "Select Weapon Array" screen, from earlier ''Gradius'' games, or new weaponry.<ref name="Manual11">Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 11.</ref> Players are able to start the game from the beginning or at any stage that was previously cleared. Players can also play a "Score Attack" mode, where they play the game from the beginning under specific parameters. At the end of "Score Attack" mode, players receive a password which allows them to post their highest achieved score on the Internet.<ref>Gradius V instruction manual, pp. 6–7.</ref> [[File:Gradius V screen01.jpg|thumb|left|The player is confronted by several enemies and uses the multiple control mechanic to direct the ship's weapons.]]Finally, players have the option to view the highest local scores, save or load game data using a PlayStation 2 memory card, or to adjust the game's settings, including stereo or monoural sound, difficulty, number of lives available, the number of points required to earn extra lives, the ability to restart from a [[checkpoint (video gaming)|checkpoint]] or immediately after being destroyed, or button configuration.<ref>Gradius V instruction manual, pp. 7–9.</ref>
The game can be played with [[Single-player|one player]] or with two players simultaneously.<ref name="Scalzo">{{cite web |last=Scalzo |first=John |url=http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=3809 |title=Gradius V |website=Gaming Target |date=December 2, 2004 |access-date=September 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002005821/http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=3809 |archive-date=October 2, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> After players start the game, they will enter a "Select Weapon Array" screen, where they may select the types of [[power-up]]s they will use through the course of the game.<ref name="Manual6">Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 6.</ref> There is also an unlockable feature called "Weapon Edit" in which players can access if certain conditions are met. In this mode, they can customize the Vic Viper with various combinations of weapons found in the "Select Weapon Array" screen, from earlier ''Gradius'' games, or new weaponry.<ref name="Manual11">Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 11.</ref> Players are able to start the game from the beginning or at any stage that was previously cleared. Players can also play a "Score Attack" mode, where they play the game from the beginning under specific parameters. At the end of "Score Attack" mode, players receive a password which allows them to post their highest achieved score on the Internet.<ref>Gradius V instruction manual, pp. 6–7.</ref> [[File:Gradius V screen01.jpg|thumb|left|The player is confronted by several enemies and uses the multiple control mechanic to direct the ship's weapons.]]Finally, players have the option to view the highest local scores, save or load game data using a PlayStation 2 memory card, or to adjust the game's settings, including stereo or monoural sound, difficulty, number of lives available, the number of points required to earn extra lives, the ability to restart from a [[Checkpoint (video gaming)|checkpoint]] or immediately after being destroyed, or button configuration.<ref>Gradius V instruction manual, pp. 7–9.</ref>


Throughout the game, players can accumulate various [[power-up]] capsules after destroying certain enemies or enemy formations. Collecting a power-up capsule moves a yellow cursor on the power meter at the bottom of the screen. Pressing the "Power-Up" button will award the player the power-up that is highlighted on the power meter. The types of power-ups that can be obtained throughout the course of the game are selected at the "Select Weapon Array" and "Weapon Edit" menus before starting.<ref name="Manual11"/> The cursor cycles through the following power-ups in order: "Speed Up", "Missile", "Double", "Laser", "Multiple", and "Shield".<ref name="Lewis"/> With the "Speed Up" power-up, players are able to increase speeds of their ships; with the "Missile" power-up, players can launch air-to-surface missiles to destroy ground targets; and with the "Double" power-up, players can fire an additional gun that fires in another direction other than forward. The "Laser" power-up allows players to fire enemy-piercing lasers, the "Force Field" power-up gives players three additional hits before being destroyed, and "Multiple" power-up gives players clones (also called "Options") that shadow their movements and mimic their firing.<ref name="Manual12">Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 12.</ref> A new feature in ''Gradius V'' gives players the ability to control their "Multiples" with the push of a button, depending on which weaponry was selected before starting the game. By pressing a button, players can freeze their Multiples in place, cause them to rotate around the Vic Viper, control the direction of their fire, or spread them out above and below the ship. It was modified from the similar system used in ''Gradius NEO'', a mobile phone game released months before this game.<ref name="Turner"/><ref name="Manual12"/>
Throughout the game, players can accumulate various [[power-up]] capsules after destroying certain enemies or enemy formations. Collecting a yellow power-up capsule moves a yellow cursor on the power meter at the bottom of the screen, while collecting a blue capsule will immediately erase all enemies and bullets on the screen. Pressing the "Power-Up" button will award the player the power-up that is highlighted on the power meter. The types of power-ups that can be obtained throughout the course of the game are selected at the "Select Weapon Array" and "Weapon Edit" menus before starting.<ref name="Manual11"/> The cursor cycles through the following power-ups in order: "Speed Up", "Missile", "Double", "Laser", "Multiple", and "Shield".<ref name="Lewis"/> With the "Speed Up" power-up, players are able to increase speeds of their ships; with the "Missile" power-up, players can launch air-to-surface missiles to destroy ground targets; and with the "Double" power-up, players can fire an additional gun that fires in another direction other than forward. The "Laser" power-up allows players to fire enemy-piercing lasers, the "Force Field" power-up gives players three additional hits before being destroyed, and "Multiple" power-up gives players clones (also called "Options") that shadow their movements and mimic their firing.<ref name="Manual12">Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 12.</ref> A new feature in ''Gradius V'' gives players the ability to control their "Multiples" with the push of a button, depending on which weaponry was selected before starting the game. By pressing a button, players can freeze their Multiples in place, cause them to rotate around the Vic Viper, control the direction of their fire, or spread them out above and below the ship. It was modified from the similar system used in ''Gradius NEO'', a mobile phone game released months before this game.<ref name="Turner"/><ref name="Manual12"/>


==Plot==
==Plot==
In the year 8010, the planet Gradius is once again invaded by the alien Bacterians, who assemble a large-scale assault force to destroy its enemies. The Vic Viper T-301 and its unnamed pilot is deployed to rout the Bacterians. During the battle, a large Bacterian spacecraft comes out of a space-time warp and attempts a kamikaze attack on Gradius, but a second Vic Viper follows it and tells the pilot that they need to destroy the spacecraft's twin cores simultaneously. This is performed successfully, and the Vic Viper leaves to continue the offensive in other locations.
{{empty section|date=August 2016}}

Near the end of the game, the Vic Viper encounters a spacecraft in a Bacterian facility and is unable to destroy it. A study of the spacecraft reveals that it is exactly the same one that tried to smash into Gradius. Now realizing that the other Vic Viper's pilot was himself from the future, he activates a space-time portal and travels to the past in order to aid in its destruction alongside his past self. This time, the Bacterian core controlling the spacecraft speaks, revealing itself as a small part of a creature once called Venom (possibly Dr. Venom, a recurring antagonist of the ''Gradius'' series) and that the Bacterians will always return before dying. His mission done, the pilot flies the Vic Viper back to his present era.


==Development==
==Development==
{{Quote box
{{Quote box
| quote = We wanted to work with someone who has knowledge in the area of modern shooting. We also wanted a partner that could understand the Konami spirit. Because we absolutely had to do this production outside, Treasure was the best choice.
| quote = We wanted to work with someone who has knowledge in the area of modern shooting. We also wanted a partner that could understand the Konami spirit. Because we absolutely had to do this production outside, Treasure was the best choice.
| source = &mdash;Osamu Kasai, senior producer
| source = &mdash;Osamu Kasai, senior producer{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
| width = 30%
| width = 30%
| align = right
| align = right
}}
}}
''Gradius V'' was officially announced on January 16, 2003,<ref>{{cite web | title = Konami announces Gradius V | publisher = GameSpot | url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/gradius5/news.html?sid=2908963 | accessdate = 2007-10-28 | author = Varanini, Giancarlo | date = 2003-01-16}}</ref> and is a result of the combined efforts of the now defunct Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and Treasure - a development studio founded by former employees of Konami.<ref>{{cite web | title = Treasure Company Profile | publisher = GameSpy | url = http://www.gamespy.com/company/025/025524.html | accessdate = 2006-11-02 |quote=this Japanese game company is composed mainly of veteran Konami developers who struck out on their own during the 16-bit era}}</ref> ''Gradius V'' marks their first joint project since the departure from Konami in 1992.<ref>{{cite web | title = 13 Years of Treasure: A Retrospective | url = http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=3&cId=3145006 | publisher = 1UP | accessdate = 2007-11-02 | author = Turner, Benjamin | quote = If there was still any doubt, it should have been erased by 2004's Gradius V, which ironically saw Treasure working under contract for its former masters at Konami.}}</ref> In the 2006 [[France|French]] [[documentary film]] ''Japon: Histoire Du Shooting Game'', produced by [[CanalSat]]'s GameOne channel, senior producer Osamu Kasai explained that because of limited resources the development of the game had to be outsourced. Their choice of potential collaborators would be decided by experience with modern shoot 'em ups and design practices similar to those of Konami, Kasai concluded that "Treasure was the best choice" for the project.<ref>{{cite web | title = "Japon : Histoire Du Shooting Game" translation | url = http://shmup.canalblog.com/ | accessdate = 2007-10-20 | date = 2006-10-27}}</ref>
''Gradius V'' was officially announced on January 16, 2003<ref>{{cite web |last=Varanini |first=Giancarlo |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/konami-announces-gradius-v/1100-2908963/ |title=Konami announces Gradius V |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=January 16, 2003 |access-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317235417/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/konami-announces-gradius-v/1100-2908963/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as a joint venture between Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and Treasure - a development studio founded by former employees of Konami.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/company/025/025524.html |title=Treasure |website=GameSpy |publisher=IGN Entertainment |quote=...this Japanese game company is composed mainly of veteran Konami developers who struck out on their own during the 16-bit era. |access-date=November 2, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205110608/http://www.gamespy.com/company/025/025524.html |archive-date=February 5, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2006 [[France|French]] [[documentary film]] ''Japon: Histoire Du Shooting Game'', produced by [[CanalSat]]'s GameOne channel, senior producer Osamu Kasai explained that because of limited resources the development of the game had to be outsourced. A potential collaborator would have to be experienced with modern shoot 'em ups and have a shared design philosophy. Kasai concluded that "Treasure was the best choice" for the project.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://shmup.canalblog.com/ |title="Japon : Histoire Du Shooting Game" translation |website=CanalBlog |date=October 27, 2006 |access-date=October 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013082055/http://shmup.canalblog.com/ |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref>


In an interview with the game's producer Yasushi Takano on the promotional [[DVD]], ''Gradius Breakdown'', Takano said that he felt the traditional ''Gradius'' formula had become stagnant and expressed a desire for a new direction in order for the series to remain relevant,<ref name="Breakdown">{{cite video|date=September 2004 | title = Gradius Breakdown | medium = DVD | location = North America | publisher = Konami}}</ref> he also admitted that some of their early work was not as impressive as it would later become.
In an interview with the game's producer Yasushi Takano on the promotional [[DVD]], ''Gradius Breakdown'', Takano said that he felt the traditional ''Gradius'' formula had become stagnant and expressed a desire for a new direction for the series to remain relevant,<ref name="Breakdown">{{cite video |title=Gradius Breakdown |date=September 2004 |medium=DVD |location=North America |publisher=[[Konami]]}}</ref> he also admitted that some of their early work was not as impressive as it would later become. The game went through several iterations and the game was subsequently delayed and made frequent appearances at [[trade fair]]s including the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] and [[Tokyo Game Show]]. Plans were also made to produce a counterpart for [[video arcade]]s alongside the console version, but it was canceled because of time constraints.<ref name="Breakdown"/>
The game went through several revisions and the game was subsequently delayed and made frequent appearances at [[trade fair]]s including the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] and [[Tokyo Game Show]]. Plans were also made to produce a counterpart for [[video arcade]]s alongside the console version, but it was canceled because of time constraints.<ref name="Breakdown"/>


On April 9, 2004, Konami announced that a DVD called ''OPTIONS'' was being offered to [[pre-order]]ing customers in Japan containing interviews with the developers, art galleries and a number of videos demonstrating the inner workings of the game's levels.<ref>{{cite web | title=Gradius Preorder Bonus | publisher=IGN Entertainment | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/505/505360p1.html | accessdate=2006-07-25| author = Hitmitsu, Suppai | date = 2004-04-09}}</ref> Adding further incentive for customers to purchase the upcoming game, Konami later revealed the availability of ''The History of Vic Viper''&mdash;a book indicating inner design, the background and the roadmap of the Vic Viper ships. The book was included with all versions of the original Japanese pressing of the game.<ref name="bonus">{{cite web | title=Early Gradius V Bonus | publisher=IGN Entertainment | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/519/519246p1.html | accessdate=2006-07-25 | author = Dunham, Jeremy | date = 2004-05-26}}</ref> An additional DVD with expanded content titled ''Gradius V Official DVD The Perfect'' was also released in Japan to be ordered separately or with the game from Konami's online retail store, Konamistyle.<ref name="bonus"/> For the North American release of the game, Konami produced a DVD called ''Gradius Breakdown'' as a pre-order incentive. ''Breakdown'' includes a retrospective of the ''Gradius'' series and a number of recorded playthroughs of the game.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gradius V Breakdown DVD - The Next Level Show and Tell | url = http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/promos/gradius-v-breakdown/ | accessdate = 2007-11-02 | date = 2004-10-22 | publisher = The Next Level | author = Cunningham, James}}</ref>
On April 9, 2004, Konami announced a DVD called ''OPTIONS'' was being offered to [[pre-order]]ing customers in Japan — containing interviews with the developers, art galleries and a number of videos demonstrating the inner workings of the game's levels.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hitmitsu |first=Suppai |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/04/09/gradius-preorder-bonus |title=Gradius Preorder Bonus |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=April 9, 2004 |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318025457/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/04/09/gradius-preorder-bonus |url-status=live }}</ref> Adding further incentive for customers to purchase the upcoming game, Konami later revealed the availability of ''The History of Vic Viper —'' a book indicating inner design, the background and the roadmap of the Vic Viper ships. The book was included with all versions of the original Japanese pressing of the game.<ref name="bonus">{{cite web |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/27/early-gradius-v-bonus |title=Early Gradius V Bonus |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=May 26, 2004 |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318025501/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/27/early-gradius-v-bonus |url-status=live }}</ref> An additional DVD with expanded content titled ''Gradius V Official DVD The Perfect'' was also released in Japan to be ordered separately or with the game from Konami's online retail store, Konamistyle.<ref name="bonus"/> For the North American release of the game, Konami produced a DVD called ''Gradius Breakdown'' as a pre-order incentive. ''Breakdown'' includes a retrospective of the ''Gradius'' series and a number of recorded playthroughs of the game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cunningham |first=James |url=http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/promos/gradius-v-breakdown/ |title=Gradius V Breakdown DVD - The Next Level Show and Tell |website=The Next Level |date=October 22, 2004 |access-date=November 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401221140/http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/promos/gradius-v-breakdown/ |archive-date=April 1, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>


Konami also held an online high score ranking competition in the United States and the winners received a director's cut version of the ''Gradius Breakdown'' DVD that included additional pieces of concept art and videos of the later levels.
Konami also held an online high score ranking competition in the United States and the winners received a director's cut version of the ''Gradius Breakdown'' DVD that included additional pieces of concept art and videos of the later levels.

''Gradius V'' was released for the [[PlayStation 3]] on April 22, 2015, as part of the [[List of PlayStation 2 Classics for PlayStation 3|PS2 Classic]] programme.


===Audio===
===Audio===
The soundtrack was composed by [[Hitoshi Sakimoto]] whose previous video game work includes the soundtrack to the [[tactical role-playing game]] ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics]]'', the shoot'em up ''[[Radiant Silvergun]]'' and the [[action game|action]]/RPG hybrid ''[[Vagrant Story]]''. Sakimoto noted in an interview that "It was a great honor for me to able to work on a title like this, but also very stressful" and names the original ''[[Gradius]]'' as an important source of inspiration on his work.<ref name="sakimoto">{{cite web |last1=Ezaki |first1=Kahori |last2=McCawley |first2=James |url=http://www.cocoebiz.com/sakimoto/interviews/interview04.shtml |title=Hitoshi Sakimoto interview |website=CocoeBiz |date=September 16, 2004 |access-date=June 22, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060531080202/http://www.cocoebiz.com/sakimoto/interviews/interview04.shtml |archive-date=May 31, 2006 |url-status = dead}}</ref> He also revealed that his clients requested a music style that would be reminiscent of the earlier games, and the soundtrack as a result comprises remixes of music used in previous ''Gradius'' titles as well as original tracks.<ref name="sakimoto"/> Synthesized [[Musical instrument|orchestral instrument]]s were used throughout the production of the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web |last=Larsen |first=Phil |url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=5761 |title=Hitoshi Sakimoto Interview |website=PALGN |date=November 6, 2006 |quote=...but regarding Gradius V, I used orchestral instruments to make the whole work consistent. |access-date=November 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220202030/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=5761 |archive-date=December 20, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Infobox album | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
| Name = Gradius V Soundtracks
| Type = [[Soundtrack]]
| Artist = [[Hitoshi Sakimoto]]
| Cover =
| Released = August 18, 2004 (Japan)
| Recorded = 1989
| Genre = [[Video game music]]
| Length = 60:10
| Label = [[King Records (Japan)|King Records]]
| Producer =
| Reviews =
| Last album =
| This album =
| Next album =
}}


The soundtrack was released separately on [[Compact Disc|CD]] as ''Gradius V Soundtracks'' by Konami Media Entertainment in Japan on August 18, 2004, and features 22 tracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chudahs-corner.com/soundtracks/index.php?catalog=KOLA-081 |title=Gradius V Soundtracks |website=Chudah's Corner |access-date=September 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117143000/http://chudahs-corner.com/soundtracks/index.php?catalog=KOLA-081 |archive-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
The soundtrack was composed by Basiscape composer [[Hitoshi Sakimoto]] whose previous video game work includes the soundtrack to the [[tactical role-playing game]] ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics]]'', the shoot'em up ''[[Radiant Silvergun]]'' and the [[action game|action]]/RPG hybrid ''[[Vagrant Story]]''. Sakimoto noted in an interview that "It was a great honor for me to able to work on a title like this, but also very stressful" and names the original ''[[Gradius]]'' as an important source of inspiration on his work.<ref name="sakimoto">{{cite web | title = Hitoshi Sakimoto interview | publisher= CocoeBiz | url = http://www.cocoebiz.com/sakimoto/interviews/interview04.shtml | accessdate = 2006-06-22 | author = Ezaki, Kahori |author2=McCawley, James | date = 2004-09-16}}</ref> He also revealed that his clients requested a music style that would be reminiscent of the earlier games, and the soundtrack as a result comprises remixes of music used in previous ''Gradius'' titles as well as original tracks.<ref name="sakimoto"/> Synthesized [[Musical instrument|orchestral instrument]]s were used throughout the production of the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web | title = Hitoshi Sakimoto Interview - PALGN Interview | url = http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=5761 | publisher = PALGN | accessdate = 2007-11-03 | author = Larsen, Phil | date = 2006-11-06 | quote = but regarding Gradius V, I used orchestral instruments to make the whole work consistent.}}</ref>

The soundtrack was released separately on [[Compact Disc|CD]] as ''Gradius V Soundtracks'' by Konami Media Entertainment in Japan on August 18, 2004, and features 22 tracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chudahs-corner.com/soundtracks/index.php?catalog=KOLA-081 |title=Chudah's Corner - Gradius V Soundtracks |accessdate=6 September 2010}}</ref>
{{Track listing
| collapsed = yes
| headline = ''Gradius V Soundtracks''
| total_length = 59:58
| title1 = Opening
| length1 = 2:09
| title2 = Select -Weapon Array-
| length2 = 1:04
| title3 = Universe -Stage 1-
| length3 = 2:55
| title4 = Stage Boss
| length4 = 3:03
| title5 = Intermezzo -Space Battle & Departure of the stage-
| length5 = 1:48
| title6 = Tetran -Poison of Snake Remix-
| length6 = 1:40
| title7 = Big Core Mk-II -Take Care Remix-
| length7 = 1:55
| title8 = Fortress -Stage 3-
| length8 = 3:17
| title9 = Cell -Stage 4-
| length9 = 4:25
| title10 = Meteor -Stage 5-
| length10 = 3:53
| title11 = Something Green -Stage 6-
| length11 = 3:39
| title12 = Big Core -Aircraft Carrier Intro to Boss Rush-
| length12 = 2:46
| title13 = Big Core Mk-III -Dark Force Remix-
| length13 = 1:29
| title14 = High Speed -Stage 7 Part 1-
| length14 = 3:57
| title15 = Impregnable Fortress -Stage 7 Part 2-
| length15 = 4:57
| title16 = Elephant Gear -Stage 7 Part 3-
| length16 = 2:33
| title17 = Demo
| length17 = 3:43
| title18 = Battleship -Stage 2 & 8-
| length18 = 2:59
| title19 = Last Enemy
| length19 = 2:01
| title20 = Staff Roll
| length20 = 3:49
| title21 = Name Entry
| length21 = 1:44
| title22 = Game Over
| length22 = 0:12
}}


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
|MC = 82/100<ref name="mc">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/gradius-v/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Gradius V for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=April 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306170413/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/gradius-v |archive-date=March 6, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- Aggregators -->
|GR = 82.82%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/589460-gradius-v/index.html |title=Gradius V for PlayStation 2 |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=April 11, 2015}}</ref>
|Edge = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |title=Gradius V |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |issue=140 |date=September 2004 |page=94}}</ref>
|MC = 82/100<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/gradius-v |title=Gradius V for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=April 11, 2015}}</ref>
|EGM = 7.83/10<ref>{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=Gradius V |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=184 |date=November 2004 |page=143}}</ref>
|EuroG = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Kristan |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ir_gradiusv_ps2 |title=Gradius V (Import) |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |date=August 18, 2004 |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426142708/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ir_gradiusv_ps2 |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
|Fam = 32/40<ref name="Fam">{{cite magazine |title=グラディウスV |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |volume=815 |date=July 30, 2004}}</ref>
<!-- Awards No limit -->
|GI = 8.25/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Juba |first=Joe |title=Gradius V |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |issue=138 |date=October 2004 |page=136}}</ref>
|GamePro = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Gradius V |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]] |date=November 2004 |page=104}}</ref>
|GSpot = 8.2/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gradius-v-review/1900-6107370/ |title=Gradius V Review |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=September 14, 2004 |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318025458/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gradius-v-review/1900-6107370/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|GSpy = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="Turner"/>
|GameZone = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Watkins |first=Rob |url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/gradius_v_ps2_review/ |title=Gradius V - PS2 - Review |website=GameZone |date=September 28, 2004 |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230030227/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21477.htm |archive-date=December 30, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|IGN = 7.7/10<ref name="Lewis"/>
|OPM = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Varanini |first=Giancarlo |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134654&did=3 |title=Gradius V |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=85 |date=October 2004 |page=92 |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041106222748/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134654&did=3 |archive-date=November 6, 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|award1Pub = [[GameSpy]]
|award1Pub = [[GameSpy]]
|award1 = Best Shooter<ref>{{cite web | url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2004/ps2/index5.html | title=GameSpy.com - Game of the Year - 2004 | publisher=GameSpy | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041229212816/http://goty.gamespy.com/2004/ps2/index5.html | archive-date= December 29, 2004 | accessdate=April 22, 2015}}</ref>
|award1 = Best Shooter<ref>{{cite web |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2004/ps2/index5.html |title=Game of the Year 2004 (GameSpy's PlayStation 2 Games of the Year: #6) |website=GameSpy |publisher=IGN Entertainment |access-date=April 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041229212816/http://goty.gamespy.com/2004/ps2/index5.html |archive-date= December 29, 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
}}
Overall, ''Gradius V'' received positive reviews from magazines and websites and amassed a [[Metacritic]] rating index of 82, based on 46 reviews.<ref>{{cite web | title= Gradius V for PlayStation 2 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic | publisher = Metacritic | url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/gradius-v | accessdate=2010-09-07}}</ref> Positive response tends to focus on the intricate [[level design]], graphical excellence, and "old school" appeal of the [[shoot 'em up]] genre. Most negative criticism highlights the difficulty of the game, as well as what is deemed an over-reliance on established genre conventions. According to [[G4tv.com]], "While the action is always constant and involving, the lack of variation and the need to be in an exact spot at an exact time is simply not going to strike everyone as fun."<ref>{{cite web | title=Gradius V for PlayStation 2 - Reviews - G4tv.com | date=22 October 2004 | author=D'Aprile, Jason | publisher=G4tv.com | url=http://g4tv.com/games/ps2/18950/gradius-v/review/ | accessdate=2010-09-06}}</ref> {{Clear}}
Overall, ''Gradius V'' received "generally favorable reviews" according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="mc"/> Positive response tends to focus on the intricate [[level design]], graphical excellence, and "old school" appeal of the [[shoot 'em up]] genre. Most negative criticism highlights the difficulty of the game, as well as what is deemed an over-reliance on established genre conventions. According to ''[[X-Play]]'', "While the action is always constant and involving, the lack of variation and the need to be in an exact spot at an exact time is simply not going to strike everyone as fun."<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Aprile |first=Jason |url=http://www.g4techtv.com/xplay/features/50088/Gradius_V_Review.html |title=Gradius V Review |website=[[X-Play]] |publisher=[[G4techTV]] |date=October 22, 2004 |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041031000602/http://www.g4techtv.com/xplay/features/50088/Gradius_V_Review.html |archive-date=October 31, 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave it a score of one eight, one seven, one eight, and one nine for a total of 32 out of 40.<ref name="Fam"/>

{{Clear}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
*Official websites for {{wayback|url=http://www.konami.com/gradius5/|title=North America|date=20031202214414}}, [http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/gra5/ Japan]
*Official websites for {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031202214414/http://www.konami.com/gradius5/ |date=December 2, 2003 |title=North America }}, [http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/gra5/ Japan]
*{{moby game|id=/gradius-v}}


{{Gradius series}}
{{Gradius series}}
{{Treasure video games}}
{{Treasure video games}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2004 video games]]
[[Category:2004 video games]]
[[Category:2004 soundtracks]]
[[Category:2004 soundtrack albums]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Gradius video games]]
[[Category:Gradius video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Cancelled GameCube games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Time travel video games]]
[[Category:Video games about time travel]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]
[[Category:Video games set in outer space]]
[[Category:Treasure (company) games]]
[[Category:Treasure (company) games]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Hitoshi Sakimoto]]
[[Category:G.rev games]]

Revision as of 00:37, 1 November 2023

Gradius V
North American cover art by Hidetaka Tenjin
Developer(s)Treasure
Publisher(s)Konami
Director(s)Hiroshi Iuchi
Atsutomo Nakagawa
Producer(s)Yasushi Takano
Designer(s)Hiroshi Iuchi
Atsutomo Nakagawa
Artist(s)Hidetaka Tenjin
Composer(s)Hitoshi Sakimoto
SeriesGradius
Platform(s)PlayStation 2
Release
  • JP: July 22, 2004
  • NA: September 14, 2004
  • EU: October 8, 2004
Genre(s)Scrolling shooter
Mode(s)Single-player, cooperative multiplayer

Gradius V (グラディウスV, Guradiusu V) is a Japanese-developed shoot 'em up video game published by Konami for the Sony PlayStation 2 video game console in 2004. Gradius V was largely developed under contract by Treasure, who had previously worked on Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga. The game is set predominantly in outer space where players control a fictional spacecraft called Vic Viper through a continuously scrolling background depicting the territories of Bacterian—an evil empire which serves as the player's enemy.[1] Gradius V received overall positive reviews. Critics praised the level design, graphical design and "classic" revival, but criticized the game's difficulty.

Gameplay

The game takes place as a 2D scrolling shooter with the Vic Viper contending with formations of enemies, both stationary and moving, that fire bullets.[2] Players go through levels consisting of open space and others consisting of maneuvering through close quarters which alter between horizontal and vertical scrolling.[2][3] Should players come into contact with anything on the screen, the Vic Viper explodes, and they lose a life.[2] In Gradius V, the hit box (the pixels which must be touched by an object to destroy the ship) has been reduced in size to allow players to get through small areas more easily.[4] Gradius V marks the first time in the series in which players can reappear immediately and resume the game from where they lose a life ever since Salamander series. Alternatively, players may also restart at a previously cleared checkpoint depending on the game's settings.[2] If all lives are lost players have the option to continue and restart the game from where they left off. Players receive extra lives after scoring a certain number of points as indicated in the game's settings,[5] and players may receive extra continues depending on how much total playing time has been accumulated.[6]

The game can be played with one player or with two players simultaneously.[7] After players start the game, they will enter a "Select Weapon Array" screen, where they may select the types of power-ups they will use through the course of the game.[6] There is also an unlockable feature called "Weapon Edit" in which players can access if certain conditions are met. In this mode, they can customize the Vic Viper with various combinations of weapons found in the "Select Weapon Array" screen, from earlier Gradius games, or new weaponry.[8] Players are able to start the game from the beginning or at any stage that was previously cleared. Players can also play a "Score Attack" mode, where they play the game from the beginning under specific parameters. At the end of "Score Attack" mode, players receive a password which allows them to post their highest achieved score on the Internet.[9]

The player is confronted by several enemies and uses the multiple control mechanic to direct the ship's weapons.

Finally, players have the option to view the highest local scores, save or load game data using a PlayStation 2 memory card, or to adjust the game's settings, including stereo or monoural sound, difficulty, number of lives available, the number of points required to earn extra lives, the ability to restart from a checkpoint or immediately after being destroyed, or button configuration.[10]

Throughout the game, players can accumulate various power-up capsules after destroying certain enemies or enemy formations. Collecting a yellow power-up capsule moves a yellow cursor on the power meter at the bottom of the screen, while collecting a blue capsule will immediately erase all enemies and bullets on the screen. Pressing the "Power-Up" button will award the player the power-up that is highlighted on the power meter. The types of power-ups that can be obtained throughout the course of the game are selected at the "Select Weapon Array" and "Weapon Edit" menus before starting.[8] The cursor cycles through the following power-ups in order: "Speed Up", "Missile", "Double", "Laser", "Multiple", and "Shield".[2] With the "Speed Up" power-up, players are able to increase speeds of their ships; with the "Missile" power-up, players can launch air-to-surface missiles to destroy ground targets; and with the "Double" power-up, players can fire an additional gun that fires in another direction other than forward. The "Laser" power-up allows players to fire enemy-piercing lasers, the "Force Field" power-up gives players three additional hits before being destroyed, and "Multiple" power-up gives players clones (also called "Options") that shadow their movements and mimic their firing.[11] A new feature in Gradius V gives players the ability to control their "Multiples" with the push of a button, depending on which weaponry was selected before starting the game. By pressing a button, players can freeze their Multiples in place, cause them to rotate around the Vic Viper, control the direction of their fire, or spread them out above and below the ship. It was modified from the similar system used in Gradius NEO, a mobile phone game released months before this game.[4][11]

Plot

In the year 8010, the planet Gradius is once again invaded by the alien Bacterians, who assemble a large-scale assault force to destroy its enemies. The Vic Viper T-301 and its unnamed pilot is deployed to rout the Bacterians. During the battle, a large Bacterian spacecraft comes out of a space-time warp and attempts a kamikaze attack on Gradius, but a second Vic Viper follows it and tells the pilot that they need to destroy the spacecraft's twin cores simultaneously. This is performed successfully, and the Vic Viper leaves to continue the offensive in other locations.

Near the end of the game, the Vic Viper encounters a spacecraft in a Bacterian facility and is unable to destroy it. A study of the spacecraft reveals that it is exactly the same one that tried to smash into Gradius. Now realizing that the other Vic Viper's pilot was himself from the future, he activates a space-time portal and travels to the past in order to aid in its destruction alongside his past self. This time, the Bacterian core controlling the spacecraft speaks, revealing itself as a small part of a creature once called Venom (possibly Dr. Venom, a recurring antagonist of the Gradius series) and that the Bacterians will always return before dying. His mission done, the pilot flies the Vic Viper back to his present era.

Development

We wanted to work with someone who has knowledge in the area of modern shooting. We also wanted a partner that could understand the Konami spirit. Because we absolutely had to do this production outside, Treasure was the best choice.

—Osamu Kasai, senior producer[citation needed]

Gradius V was officially announced on January 16, 2003[12] as a joint venture between Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and Treasure - a development studio founded by former employees of Konami.[13] In the 2006 French documentary film Japon: Histoire Du Shooting Game, produced by CanalSat's GameOne channel, senior producer Osamu Kasai explained that because of limited resources the development of the game had to be outsourced. A potential collaborator would have to be experienced with modern shoot 'em ups and have a shared design philosophy. Kasai concluded that "Treasure was the best choice" for the project.[14]

In an interview with the game's producer Yasushi Takano on the promotional DVD, Gradius Breakdown, Takano said that he felt the traditional Gradius formula had become stagnant and expressed a desire for a new direction for the series to remain relevant,[15] he also admitted that some of their early work was not as impressive as it would later become. The game went through several iterations and the game was subsequently delayed and made frequent appearances at trade fairs including the Electronic Entertainment Expo and Tokyo Game Show. Plans were also made to produce a counterpart for video arcades alongside the console version, but it was canceled because of time constraints.[15]

On April 9, 2004, Konami announced a DVD called OPTIONS was being offered to pre-ordering customers in Japan — containing interviews with the developers, art galleries and a number of videos demonstrating the inner workings of the game's levels.[16] Adding further incentive for customers to purchase the upcoming game, Konami later revealed the availability of The History of Vic Viper — a book indicating inner design, the background and the roadmap of the Vic Viper ships. The book was included with all versions of the original Japanese pressing of the game.[17] An additional DVD with expanded content titled Gradius V Official DVD The Perfect was also released in Japan to be ordered separately or with the game from Konami's online retail store, Konamistyle.[17] For the North American release of the game, Konami produced a DVD called Gradius Breakdown as a pre-order incentive. Breakdown includes a retrospective of the Gradius series and a number of recorded playthroughs of the game.[18]

Konami also held an online high score ranking competition in the United States and the winners received a director's cut version of the Gradius Breakdown DVD that included additional pieces of concept art and videos of the later levels.

Gradius V was released for the PlayStation 3 on April 22, 2015, as part of the PS2 Classic programme.

Audio

The soundtrack was composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto whose previous video game work includes the soundtrack to the tactical role-playing game Final Fantasy Tactics, the shoot'em up Radiant Silvergun and the action/RPG hybrid Vagrant Story. Sakimoto noted in an interview that "It was a great honor for me to able to work on a title like this, but also very stressful" and names the original Gradius as an important source of inspiration on his work.[19] He also revealed that his clients requested a music style that would be reminiscent of the earlier games, and the soundtrack as a result comprises remixes of music used in previous Gradius titles as well as original tracks.[19] Synthesized orchestral instruments were used throughout the production of the soundtrack.[20]

The soundtrack was released separately on CD as Gradius V Soundtracks by Konami Media Entertainment in Japan on August 18, 2004, and features 22 tracks.[21]

Reception

Overall, Gradius V received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[22] Positive response tends to focus on the intricate level design, graphical excellence, and "old school" appeal of the shoot 'em up genre. Most negative criticism highlights the difficulty of the game, as well as what is deemed an over-reliance on established genre conventions. According to X-Play, "While the action is always constant and involving, the lack of variation and the need to be in an exact spot at an exact time is simply not going to strike everyone as fun."[33] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of one eight, one seven, one eight, and one nine for a total of 32 out of 40.[26]

References

  1. ^ Gradius V instruction manual, pp. 4–5.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Lewis, Ed (September 14, 2004). "Gradius V". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  3. ^ Smith, David (September 14, 2004). "Gradius V (PS2)". 1UP.com. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 7, 2004. Retrieved September 8, 2009.
  4. ^ a b c Turner, Benjamin (September 14, 2004). "GameSpy: Gradius V". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on March 7, 2009. Retrieved September 8, 2009.
  5. ^ Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 8.
  6. ^ a b Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 6.
  7. ^ Scalzo, John (December 2, 2004). "Gradius V". Gaming Target. Archived from the original on October 2, 2008. Retrieved September 7, 2009.
  8. ^ a b Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 11.
  9. ^ Gradius V instruction manual, pp. 6–7.
  10. ^ Gradius V instruction manual, pp. 7–9.
  11. ^ a b Gradius V Instruction Manual, pp. 12.
  12. ^ Varanini, Giancarlo (January 16, 2003). "Konami announces Gradius V". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  13. ^ "Treasure". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 5, 2007. Retrieved November 2, 2006. ...this Japanese game company is composed mainly of veteran Konami developers who struck out on their own during the 16-bit era.
  14. ^ ""Japon : Histoire Du Shooting Game" translation". CanalBlog. October 27, 2006. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved October 20, 2007.
  15. ^ a b Gradius Breakdown (DVD). North America: Konami. September 2004.
  16. ^ Hitmitsu, Suppai (April 9, 2004). "Gradius Preorder Bonus". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Dunham, Jeremy (May 26, 2004). "Early Gradius V Bonus". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  18. ^ Cunningham, James (October 22, 2004). "Gradius V Breakdown DVD - The Next Level Show and Tell". The Next Level. Archived from the original on April 1, 2009. Retrieved November 2, 2007.
  19. ^ a b Ezaki, Kahori; McCawley, James (September 16, 2004). "Hitoshi Sakimoto interview". CocoeBiz. Archived from the original on May 31, 2006. Retrieved June 22, 2006.
  20. ^ Larsen, Phil (November 6, 2006). "Hitoshi Sakimoto Interview". PALGN. Archived from the original on December 20, 2007. Retrieved November 3, 2007. ...but regarding Gradius V, I used orchestral instruments to make the whole work consistent.
  21. ^ "Gradius V Soundtracks". Chudah's Corner. Archived from the original on November 17, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
  22. ^ a b "Gradius V for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 6, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  23. ^ Edge staff (September 2004). "Gradius V". Edge. No. 140. Future plc. p. 94.
  24. ^ EGM staff (November 2004). "Gradius V". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 184. Ziff Davis. p. 143.
  25. ^ Reed, Kristan (August 18, 2004). "Gradius V (Import)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  26. ^ a b "グラディウスV". Famitsu (in Japanese). Vol. 815. Enterbrain. July 30, 2004.
  27. ^ Juba, Joe (October 2004). "Gradius V". Game Informer. No. 138. GameStop. p. 136.
  28. ^ "Gradius V". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. November 2004. p. 104.
  29. ^ Kasavin, Greg (September 14, 2004). "Gradius V Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  30. ^ Watkins, Rob (September 28, 2004). "Gradius V - PS2 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on December 30, 2008. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  31. ^ Varanini, Giancarlo (October 2004). "Gradius V". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. No. 85. Ziff Davis. p. 92. Archived from the original on November 6, 2004. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  32. ^ "Game of the Year 2004 (GameSpy's PlayStation 2 Games of the Year: #6)". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 29, 2004. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  33. ^ D'Aprile, Jason (October 22, 2004). "Gradius V Review". X-Play. G4techTV. Archived from the original on October 31, 2004. Retrieved March 18, 2020.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gradius_V&oldid=1182889763"