KONAMI introduces GRADIUS ORIGINS Collection, Pre-orders Now Available Ahead of August Launch

Konami Revives a Classic: GRADIUS ORIGINS Collection

Get ready, retro gaming fans! Konami Digital Entertainment has just dropped some exciting news: the much-anticipated GRADIUS ORIGINS collection is set to launch on August 7. You’ll be able to dive into this nostalgic treasure trove on Playstation 5, XBOX Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. And if you’re eager to secure your copy, digital pre-orders kicked off yesterday, March 27.

A Blast from the Past

For those who may not know, GRADIUS isn’t just any old game; it’s a cornerstone of gaming history. This series introduced players to thrilling side-scrolling spacecraft battles that defined the 1980s. But it’s not just about the gameplay; GRADIUS is also famous for introducing one of gaming’s most beloved cheat codes. Remember the iconic “Konami Code”? It first appeared in the original 1986 Japanese FAMICOM version. By pressing ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A, players could unlock a power-up boost that became a cultural phenomenon. With the GRADIUS ORIGINS collection, you can relive that challenge and pay tribute to the game that helped shape the gaming landscape.

Introducing Salamander III

But wait, there’s more! The collection also includes Salamander III, marking the first new entry in the franchise in over 15 years. Set after the events of the original Salamander (1986), players will once again face the Bacterian troops attacking the planet Latis. You’ll step into the shoes of a fighter pilot from Latis, joining forces with Vic Viper – Type L to battle the invading Salamanders among the stars. Talk about a thrilling storyline!

Classic Aesthetics Meet Modern Features

True to the spirit of the 1990s, Salamander III boasts stunning 2D sprites and backgrounds as you navigate through six exciting stages. And let’s not forget the power-ups from the Salamander series that make gameplay even more exhilarating. The GRADIUS ORIGINS collection features a total of seven games, complete with 18 different regional versions. Plus, it’s not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; modern gamers will appreciate quality-of-life improvements like competitive online leaderboards, rewind abilities, quick save/load functions, and reduced hit detection.

So, whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the series or a newcomer looking to experience classic gaming, the GRADIUS ORIGINS collection promises to deliver an engaging mix of nostalgia and innovation. Ready to take flight? For more details, check out www.konami.com/games/gradius/.

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