Gradius V

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Sep 14, 2004
Gradius V Image
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

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  • Summary: Konami's popular shooting franchise, Gradius, returns in the first installment specially designed for a next-generation platform. With the new Option Controls feature and masterful level design, Gradius V creates a new strategic dimension in shooting as gamers take control of the Vic ViperKonami's popular shooting franchise, Gradius, returns in the first installment specially designed for a next-generation platform. With the new Option Controls feature and masterful level design, Gradius V creates a new strategic dimension in shooting as gamers take control of the Vic Viper and blast through seven stages of classic arcade-style action on a non-stop, intense thrill ride to destroy the Bacterian core. Spectacular 3D graphics – the best looking Gradius Ever. New Option Controls feature adds depth and gameplay. 7 expansive levels of exciting shooting action. Classic Gradius action with new features and inspired level design. [Konami]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. GamePro
    100
    Incredibly difficult and insanely enjoyable, Gradius V is one of those magical games that you can pick up and play instantly, but spend weeks mastering. [Nov 2004, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. RewiredMind
    90
    Quite simply put; this is the finest horizontal shooter on the PlayStation 2. In fact, it’s the finest horizontal shooter on any of the next-generation systems to emerge in some time - a game that can sit proudly in the upper echelons of gaming excellence.
  3. Worth Playing
    89
    Unless you’re a shooting god, it’ll be a while before you beat this… and even then, once you do, you’ll unlock lots of new ways to play it all over again.
  4. PSX Nation
    80
    Hard as hell, scored like an epic sci-fi movie soundtrack, tighter control than Billy Joel’s car and more gorgeous than a dozen Victoria’s Secret models put together; Gradius V is a real man’s shooter (sorry ladies).
  5. Weekly Famitsu
    80
    8 / 7 / 8 / 9 - 32 gold [Vol 815; 30 July 2004]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. IGN
    77
    There is little to make such a game appealing to those who don't find the idea of billions of options for instantaneous death exciting.
  7. Siliconera
    65
    Even though its more visually polished than some of the other shooters out there, the lack of innovation and the small number of seven stages makes Gradius V a must for fans of the series only. [JPN Import]

See all 46 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Leoka
    May 21, 2018
    10
    Uno de los 5 mejores Shmups de todos los tiempos, lastima que el genero esta finiquitado y casi ya no salen juegos de esta factoría para lasUno de los 5 mejores Shmups de todos los tiempos, lastima que el genero esta finiquitado y casi ya no salen juegos de esta factoría para las nuevas consolas… Expand
  2. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 12, 2023
    10
    The best old school scrolling shoot 'em up bar none. One of those games that you can't imagine ever being bettered.
  4. JoseN.
    Apr 8, 2005
    10
    Perfect!! The Best Gradius of the history!!
  5. Ali1983
    Mar 5, 2023
    10
    best shot em up ever played... graphic 10
    sounds 10
    gameplay 10
    value 9.... no final boss
  6. Fighter17
    Dec 25, 2004
    9
    I really like this game a lot. Very hard game to beat, but the Gradius name states that this game is going to be hard at the first place. I I really like this game a lot. Very hard game to beat, but the Gradius name states that this game is going to be hard at the first place. I wish more unlockables were added to this game for more play time. … Expand
  7. LuciusMcGibbon
    Aug 18, 2019
    9
    A beautifully polished feast for the eyes, with fantastic level design, and is completely faithful to the spirit of the Gradius series.

    I    A beautifully polished feast for the eyes, with fantastic level design, and is completely faithful to the spirit of the Gradius series.

    I would give it a 10 if not for the controller-smashingly high difficulty level. Even by Gradius standards, it's stupidly hard. Sometimes the screen can fill up with deadly crap on the level of a "bullet hell" game, but even those have projectile patterns you can theoretically avoid. This game just throws random clouds of death at you. Mercifully, the hit detection is on the forgiving side, and you respawn right where you die, otherwise this work of art would barely be playable past level 2.    … Expand
  8. llamayarmybar
    Jul 21, 2011
    8
    This isn't Gradius.. this isn't Gradius at all. However, what it is- is in fact a much better, much improved, and much better looking GradiusThis isn't Gradius.. this isn't Gradius at all. However, what it is- is in fact a much better, much improved, and much better looking Gradius than any other installment in the series. Even though at times Treasures influence is incredibly obvious, seeing as they had everything to do with making this title, you'll still see some glimpses of original Gradius concepts from older games and maybe even old bosses or enemies. Its been re tweaked for awesome throughout, has a pretty cinematic quality to it and it even quite challenging in a relentless sort of way. However, the power-up system overhaul has left the room for error less-so than in the older games, seeing as you can do quite well with a fully powered ship in each stage. That doesn't mean you won't get you're ass murdered by level layouts or strategically placed enemy patterns of fire or otherwise. You may in fact enjoy this game or hate it for being nearly completely different the the other games.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best PS2 Game of 2004
72
#72 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004