The Ongaku

Konami's Gradius for NES turns 40, today

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Konami's Gradius for NES turns 40, today
Konami's Gradius arrived on the Nintendo Famicom home console forty years ago, today. Music for the horizontal scrolling shoot-em-up is by Miki Higashino.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Konami has published soundtracks from Gradius I~III by Konami Kukeiha Club through streaming platforms. Konami Digital Entertainment's collaboration with Project Zircon celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Konami code, with the website showcasing original illustration "Konami Mania no Nami-chan" by manga artist Hattori Shōta.

Gradius for NES is part of the Nintendo Switch Online library, along with a special "SP" variation that starts Vic Viper off further into the game, stocked up with weapons upgrades. Arcade Archives GRADIUS is available for PS4 and Nintendo Switch consoles, published by Hamster Corporation.


From the Arcade Archives GRADIUS product page:
"GRADIUS" is a shooting game released by KONAMI in 1985. Players control the Super Dimension fighter 'Vic Viper' and fight 'Bacterian' with the aid of devastating power-ups. This shooting game is the first of a masterpiece series from KONAMI that had a major impact on later shooters.
Konami Kukeiha Club - Apple Music / YouTube Music