Gradius: The Interstellar Assault is the second portable game in the Gradius series, originally released in Japan for the Game Boy in 1992. It was released in 1991 in Japan as Nemesis II: Return of the Hero. It is also a sequel to the Gameboy game, Nemesis. Both games can be considered a spinoff of the main series, but unlike Salamander and Gradius Gaiden, they don't appear to be part of the official Gradius canon seen in Gradius Galaxies.
Gameplay
Nemesis II retains the traditional horizontal scrolling gameplay from the Gradius series. Once again the player takes control of the Vic Viper and flies through five different stages destroying Bacterian's army. However, unlike most of the games in the series, the game lacks many reoccuring themes that have become a staple of the series. Some of the more popular elements missing from this game are: A moai stage or any moai enemies, classic Gradius stages, classic Gradius music, and the traditional giant entity that is unprotected and serves as a final boss. There are, however, a handful of classic elements that are present such as Core bosses and even a portion where the Vic Viper must manuever around a countless array of tiny spaceships like those featured in the original Gradius.
Weapons
The game retains the traditional power-up bar from the original Gradius games. As usual the player can speed-up multiple times, use missiles, shoot double firepower or lasers, use several Options at a time and use the classic shield (although it is referred to as a forcefield). However, before each game is started or continued, the player is given a "Weapon Select" screen. Here the player can choose between one of three settings for the missiles, double firepower, and lasers:
- Missiles Options - Normal, 2 Way, or Tail. The 2-way missile is of the Salamander variety, not of the Gradius variety. That is to say, rather than falling out from your ship from the top and bottom, these missiles will travel along the lower and upper surface of the level as well.
- Double Firepower Options - Normal, Twin Cannon, or Tail Gun
- Laser Options - Normal, Twin, or Ripple
Stages
Stage 1: Chase and Ruins
Stage 2: Escape the Coreship
Stage 3: Through the Asteroid Field
Stage 4: Fly Along the Planet
Stage 5: Invade the Enemy Base
Bosses
Note: These names are unofficial.
Stage 1: Infected Statue
Stage 2: Core Reactor
Stage 3: Crater Core
Stage 4: Keeper's Core EX
Stage 5: Guardian Core, Escape Ship