Big Core MK IV (ビッグコアMk-IV) is the final boss of the 1st boss rush in stage 2 of Gradius V.
Description[]
This one has four cores to destroy and builds upon the basis of its predecessor, Big Core MK III, by having detachable arms that shoot flowing energy beams. It is the fourth boss to be dubbed Big Core.
Attack patterns[]
Big Core MK IV attacks in several patterns. First, the arms will detach and shoot waving energy beams. Along those beams will be giant plasma balls that will shrink if continuously shot. After those pass, smaller energy balls will travel along the beams and shoot lasers up/down or left/right depending on the configuration. During this phase, homing lasers will also be shot at you. After this phase, the arms will reattach then be released, this time shooting the beams up and down. The main pattern is the same.
In Loop 2 or higher, it will fire two steady laser streams like its predecessor. They restrict the player's movement, making aiming at the top and bottom cores difficult.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- The possible reason why Big Core MK IV only made its debut in Gradius V and not Gradius IV is that the latter is meant to be the revival and not a sequel, thus they have no plans to make a direct successor of Big Core MK III in Gradius IV.
| Gradius V | ||
| Ships | Vic Viper T-301 | |
| Stages | Planet Gradius Satellite Orbit • Planet Gradius City Sky A • Planet Gradius Urban Underground Hierarchy • Bacterian Cell Center • Asteroid Front Base • Bacterian Multiplication Plant • Bacterian Fortification Center • Planet Gradius City Sky B | |
| Bosses | Big Core MK-I Rev.2 • Venom (lower) • Death MK III • Tetran • Big Core MK II • Big Core MK IV • Ground Spider • Huge Heart • Blaster Cannon Core • Rolling Core • Circle Core • Big Core MK III • Covered Core MK II • Beacon • Keeper's Core • Elephant Gear • Venom (upper) | |