The Special power-up, shown as a exclamation sign (!) on the Power Meter, is a unique power-up from Gradius III. It appears right after the Shields on the Power Meter, activating a special effect depending on what the player choose in the Weapon Edit. This power-up was ditched in all subsequent games.
Types[]
- Mega Crash/Crush: The standard effect if the player didn't choose one in Weapon Edit. It has the same effect as the blue capsules, destroying all enemies on screen.
- Normal: Removes all equipped weapons from the Vic Viper, reducing enemy rank.
- Speed Down: Reduces the Vic Viper's speed by one level.
- Remain Option: Exchanges one Option for a life up.
- Full Barrier: Restores the Vic Viper's shield.