Template:Infobox Boss
Big Core MK III as seen in SNES version of Gradius III
Background
Big Core MK III is the third boss to be dubbed Big Core and it debuted in Gradius III. It is drastically different than either of the two previous ones. As you may have guessed, this one has three cores to destroy. The SNES version of Gradius III calls this QB2B.
Attack Patterns
Big Core MK III attacks by opening up and shooting lasers out of it's wings. Then a reflective laser shoots and bounces off of the giant lasers. If the front cores are destroyed, then the reflecting lasers are exchanged for mini lasers. When closed, it fires five lasers, unless the front two cores are destroyed, then it fires four lasers. When you get above or below it, it fires four lasers behind itself, and eventually it will move towards the left side of the screen and attack you with them.
Gradius V adds some new tactics. First, it will attempt to ram you similar to Big Core MK II. Now you have a chance to destroy the back core directly. There are new attacks here as well. It will shoot straight lasers and homing lasers out of the wings while shooting bullets.
Big Core MK III in Gradius IV is actually a slightly modified version called Big Core MK III Kai(改). It has ability to change the angle of its wing, making its laser attacks more confusing. Since the Big Core MK III in Gradius V wasn't the 'Kai' version, it didn't have this ability.
Gokujō Parodius! Version
Decoration Core in Gokujō Parodius!
The MK III makes its debut appearence as the Decoration Core (AKA "Lips") in Gokujō Parodius!. This incarnation of the MK III attacks with a combination of frosting streams and standard lasers. It also has a vicious ramming attack it likes to pull off quite often. The only way to destroy it is to kill the miniature creatures hiding inside its mouth (which have no additional protection, but are very durable.)