Salamander Classic Co-op
Nintendo Entertainment System · Shoot 'em Up
Gradius
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1986 (originally 1985) |
| Genre | Shoot 'em Up |
| Developer | Konami |
| Publisher | Konami |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Series | Gradius |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 6 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, Gradius is a shoot 'em up developed by Konami. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1985.
It came out in the NES's second year on the market. Other notable NES releases from 1986 include Arkanoid, Metroid and Dragon Quest.
It is part of the Gradius series; on the NES you can also try Salamander and Gradius II: Gofer's Ambition. The series also appears on other systems with Salamander 2 (PS1) and Gradius Gaiden (PS1). Konami also made Metal Gear, Castlevania and Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse for the NES.
Gradius supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you have a friend to play against
Maybe skip it if…
- you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets
What playing Gradius is like
Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.
Tip for newcomers: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.
Gradius cheats & codes
37 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Both Players Start With 1 Life | AENELZLA |
|---|---|
| Both Players Start With 6 Lives | IENELZLA |
| Both Players Start With 9 Lives | AENELZLE |
| Keep Power Capsules | KOXOLYSP |
| Increase Force Field Protection | NNOEKPIE |
| Automatic Fire Is On For Normal Gun | NLLXZP |
Gradius walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Gradius.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Gradius FAQ
When did Gradius come out on the NES?
Gradius was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986; the original game dates back to 1985.
Who made Gradius?
It was developed by Konami.
Is Gradius multiplayer?
Yes. Gradius supports up to 2 players.
How long does Gradius take to play?
As a shoot 'em up, Gradius typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Gradius on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.