Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Aug 11, 2025
    100
    Everything is here, and as with the other franchises Konami tackled before, Gradius Origins is the ultimate fan package. This is how you remaster and present old games. This is the way, no question about it.
  2. Aug 4, 2025
    95
    Gradius Origins is a masterclass in retro game preservation, delivering a definitive collection of Konami's classic shooters. With M2's unmatched attention to detail, rare content, and the surprise inclusion of Salamander III, this package is essential for both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre.
  3. Sep 8, 2025
    90
    All up, Gradius Origins is another incredible collection from M2 and Konami. While it might not have every single game or version you might want, for what it does have it has just about everything. There are some extremely coveted scarcities, and even a few fun hidden goodies. At the core of it all is a series of games that shook its genre harder than just about any other, and by playing them, you’ll likely understand why. It’s a must-have for fans of shooters and gaming history alike.
  4. Aug 8, 2025
    90
    Salamander III alone is almost worth the full price. The rest is one of the best collections of a classic series that still holds up and is now more accessible than ever. A must-play for shmup fans and a great entry point for newcomers. That said, here's hoping for a similar treatment for the console titles, with extras like Gaiden, Solar Assault... and don’t forget Parodius.
  5. Aug 11, 2025
    80
    M2, famous for its articulate, somewhat surgical approach to porting historical code just right, has done another fine job with Gradius Origins. There’s so much polish here it positively gleams, and the overall care, bonus gadgetry and quality of life extras are all impeccably set. Salamander III is the big one, and it delivers, even if it doesn’t really push the envelope in terms of originality or visual bombast. It’s a shame there are still Gradius absentees in the list, and one day perhaps a truly comprehensive compilation will rear its head. For now, though, it’s time to saddle up and destroy the core like never before.