Gradius Origins (Switch) Review: A Definitive Collection for Shmup Enthusiasts

Introduction: A Celebration of Konami’s Shmup Legacy

We at Gaming News are thrilled to delve into Gradius Origins for the Nintendo Switch, a compilation that serves as a potent reminder of Konami’s dominance in the golden age of shoot ’em ups (shmups). This collection, masterfully crafted by the porting experts at M2, doesn’t just present these iconic titles; it meticulously preserves and celebrates them. Gradius Origins joins the ranks of other essential compilations like the Contra Anniversary Collection and the Castlevania Anniversary Collection, solidifying its place as a must-have for fans and newcomers alike. This review will explore the collection’s contents, presentation, and technical achievements, offering a comprehensive perspective on why Gradius Origins is a must-own title for any fan of the genre.

The Games: A Deep Dive into the Gradius Universe

The heart of Gradius Origins lies in its selection of classic shmup titles. M2’s dedication to authenticity is evident in the faithful recreations of each game, providing a nostalgic journey through the evolution of the Gradius series. The inclusion of both original arcade versions and home console ports allows players to experience the games in their original glory, with minor alterations that improve the overall experience.

The Core Lineup: Gradius, Gradius II, and Beyond

• Gradius (Arcade): The game that started it all. Gradius established the core gameplay loop of weapon customization, power-ups, and challenging level design. Its distinctive visual style and iconic soundtrack set the standard for the genre. This collection provides the arcade perfect reproduction of the original title, along with its various iterations in other home systems.
• Gradius II (Arcade): An evolution of the first game, Gradius II refined the gameplay mechanics and introduced new weapon options. This entry is considered by many to be the best in the series, featuring a higher level of challenge and a more polished experience.
• Gradius III (SNES): The version included in Gradius Origins is the SNES port, showcasing how these games evolved for home consoles. Featuring familiar gameplay, but updated graphics and various refinements.
• Gradius IV (PS2): This 2004 title, while a departure for some, continued the Gradius tradition with updated 3D graphics and refined gameplay. This title offers a deeper look into the later games of the series.

Spin-offs and Variations: Salamander/Life Force and their Significance

• Salamander (Arcade) / Life Force (NES): These titles, known by different names in different regions, are technically the same game, but they boast unique nuances. Salamander is known for its unique branching stages and a more challenging experience. Life Force, on the other hand, offers a different pacing, with its own gameplay style and different graphics.

These games provided a significant shift in gameplay for Gradius that were later on replicated in the series.

Presentation and Features: M2’s Expertise Shines

M2’s involvement guarantees a high standard of porting excellence. Their deep understanding of retro gaming is apparent in the attention to detail, from the accurate recreation of the original arcade cabinets to the inclusion of various quality of life improvements.

Input Lag: A Critical Factor for Shmups

Gradius Origins excels where many other Switch ports falter: input lag. M2 has meticulously optimized the games to minimize any delay between input and on-screen action. This is particularly important in the fast-paced world of shmups, where split-second timing is crucial for survival. The level of responsiveness feels incredibly close to the original arcade hardware.

Customization Options: Tailoring the Experience

The collection offers a wealth of customization options, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences. Options include:

• Screen Settings: Adjusting the aspect ratio, scan lines, and screen borders to replicate the feel of classic arcade monitors or to optimize the visuals for modern displays.
• Difficulty Settings: Providing options to tweak the game’s difficulty, allowing players to adjust the challenge to their skill level.
• Button Mapping: Allowing players to remap controls to suit their playstyle.
• Save States and Rewind: Convenient features that significantly improve the gameplay experience, especially for those who are new to the genre.

The Extra Mile: Careful Emulation and Attention to Detail

M2’s commitment to authenticity extends to every aspect of the games’ presentation. This includes the accurate reproduction of the original arcade soundtracks and sound effects, ensuring an immersive and nostalgic experience. Details such as the CRT filter options and the ability to switch between the original and adjusted aspect ratios are also nice touches.

Why Gradius Origins is Essential for Shmup Fans

Gradius Origins is more than just a collection of old games; it’s a meticulously crafted love letter to the shmup genre. The quality of the ports, the inclusion of iconic titles, and the thoughtful features make this collection a must-have for anyone interested in classic gaming.

The Appeal of Classic Gameplay

The Gradius series, with its distinctive gameplay loop, remains engaging and rewarding even today. The feeling of gradually powering up your ship and blasting through waves of enemies is inherently satisfying. The collection’s inclusion of multiple titles also allows players to experience the evolution of the series.

The Perfect Entry Point:

For newcomers, Gradius Origins is the perfect entry point to the shmup genre. The collection’s inclusion of various games, each with its own unique style and features, offers a diverse range of experiences, and the games are challenging but approachable.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic on Nintendo Switch

Gradius Origins on the Nintendo Switch is a triumph. The combination of meticulously crafted ports, a fantastic selection of games, and thoughtful features makes this a definitive collection. The care and attention to detail that M2 has put into this collection are evident in every aspect of the game, resulting in an experience that is both nostalgic and engaging. Gradius Origins isn’t just a good game, it’s a celebration of a genre and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic gaming. This is an almost-perfect package for shmup fans, and it’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking to experience the best of what this genre has to offer. We highly recommend adding this to your Switch library.