• Gradius II is a 1988 horizontal shooter by Konami for the TWIN 16 board. It evolved the series by introducing selectable weapon loadouts for strategic depth.
• Set two years after the first war, the Vic Viper is launched to defend Planet Gradius from a new Bacterian special force called "GOFER".
• The "Power Meter Select" offers four weapon types and two shield options. It retains the "back-to-checkpoint" revival system from the original game.
• The invincible "Option Hunter" appears after keeping four Options for too long. It steals them to prevent high-level players from dominating too easily.
• The overseas arcade version is titled "VULCAN VENTURE". Unlike the Japanese release, it includes a continue feature to aid players' progress.
• It won the 2nd Gamest Grand Prix for its exceptional graphics, music, and balanced difficulty. Its soundtrack by Konami Kukeiha Club is highly acclaimed.
• Early arcade versions had a bug that caused a game over at 100 lives. Some bosses also had unintended but intentional "safe spots" left by the staff.
• The Famicom port is a highly praised rearrangement. It achieved four options and voice samples using only internal hardware without extra sound chips.
• In the Famicom version, the ending track "FAREWELL" is longer than the arcade version. It is considered one of the best musical tracks in Famicom history.
• It is seen as a masterpiece of Konami's golden age. It refined the Gradius formula to near perfection and remains highly influential in the genre.
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