Cover of Gradius

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Games like Gradius

1985 Classic

A classic side-scrolling shooter where collected power-ups advance a selector bar and you choose when to activate the upgrade you want. This power meter system combined with punishing arcade difficulty helped define the genre.

What defines Gradius:

  • Sci-fi setting
  • Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
  • Challenging difficulty
  • Action-packed real-time combat

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Gradius Origins

99 %

2025 PCPlayStationXboxNintendo Switch 39.99 €

  • Sci-fi setting
  • Challenging difficulty
  • Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)

A collection of all seven arcade Gradius games in 18 versions, including the Gradius III AM Show Version making its home console debut. Classic side-scrolling shoot-'em-ups with the power-up bar, precise dodging and steep difficulty.

Zero Wing

Sci-fi setting

A classic side-scrolling shoot 'em up that became a cult name thanks to the infamous Mega Drive translation and the "All your base are belong to us" meme. Its signature twist is grabbing enemies with a tractor beam and using them as shields.

Raptor: Call of the Shadows

Action-packed real-time combat

A classic 1994 vertical scrolling arcade shooter where you fly the Raptor as a mercenary, earning cash to buy and upgrade weapons between missions. Fast action, swarms of enemies and a driving soundtrack define the experience.

Zanac

Action-packed real-time combat

A classic 1986 vertical space shooter in which you pilot a fighter against a hostile artificial intelligence. Eight special weapons and fast arcade action define the experience.

Gyruss

Sci-fi setting

A classic Konami arcade shooter where you rotate your ship around the edge of the screen, blasting waves of enemies that swoop in from the center. Known for its tube-shooter design and its memorable Bach-based soundtrack.

In the Hunt

Challenging difficulty

A classic Irem side-scrolling arcade shooter where you pilot a submarine through hostile waters. Detailed pixel art, explosive action and punishing difficulty define the experience.

Raiden

Sci-fi setting

A classic vertical arcade shooter where you dodge enemy fire across eight missions, blast targets and collect power-ups. Built around score chasing and replays, with a steep challenge.

Tempest 2000

Sci-fi setting

A fast arcade tube shooter where you glide a claw-shaped ship around the rim of neon geometric levels, blasting waves of enemies. Pounding techno music and particle effects turn this update of the classic into an intense reflex test.

Darius Gaiden

Sci-fi setting

A classic side-scrolling shoot'em up where you pilot the Silver Hawk against giant mechanical fish bosses, with branching stage routes. Upgradable weapons and the new black hole bomb drive intense arcade action.

DoDonPachi

Challenging difficulty

A landmark Cave arcade bullet-hell shooter where you thread through dense bullet patterns, build huge scores with a chain system, and unlock a hidden, tougher true ending through masterful play.

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