Option

Options are the single most important weapon available in Gradius.

File:Optionart.png

They have all of the weapons as the fighter and can usually max out at 4, resulting in quadruple the additional firepower. In addition, they are invincible so enemies cannot attack them save for one, the Option Hunter. Many Options have additional special properties that only add to their effectiveness. Of special note is Salamander 2, where Options can be sacrificed for a powerful homing attack. These are all of the Option types in any Gradius related game.

Option

The option (called Multiple in the american and european version) follows the movements of the fighter exactly. They are in every Gradius game. Acutally Options in the first Gradius. Called 'Shadow Option' in Nemesis 3.

Icon from Gradius II Arcade.

Icon from Gradius III SNES.

Icon from Gradius III Arcade.

Icon from Nemesis 3.

Icon from Nemesis 3.

Icon from Gradius Galaxies.

Icon from Gradius Galaxies.

Icon from Gradius Galaxies.

Op01.png

Icon from Otomedius Excellent

Multiple

Function similarly to Option, but depending on the game have a different effect: in Salamander and LifeForce they remain near the ship, Otomedius, Otomedius Gorgeous and Otomedius Excellent these have a slight delay in your movements, Gradius Galaxies is behave the same way as an Option.

Icon from Gradius Galaxies

Op04.png

Icon from Otomedius Excellent

Rolling Option

Makes the Options orbit the fighter. Like the Formation Options, they lose some fluidity in movement. They have more concentrated fire but do not cover as wide an area. However, they extend a little in front and behind which can set up good attack positions. In the NES version of Gradius II, regular Options can become Rotating Options for a short time by spending additional energy in the Option slot after getting four of them.

Icon from Gradius III SNES.

Icon from Nemesis 3.

Formation Option

Creates a formation of Options, two above and two below the fighter. While they lose the ability to have concentrated fire and fluidity, they allow move area coverage. They come from the Thunder Cross games..

Icon from Nemesis 3

Icon from Gradius III SNES

Snake Option

Follows your movements but has a tail-like attribute to them. They will swing in the opposite direction when the fighter stops moving. They are hard to use, but effective control can lead to impressive attack positions.

Icon from Gradius III Arcade

Icon from Gradius III SNES

Funshin

This option gathers to your main fighter's position when you stop the movement, making it less useful than normal option.

Option Seed

This is a smaller Option that orbits the fighter and automatically shoots small shots. Getting another Option Seed created a new Option.

Freeze Option

They act like standard Options until the function is active, then they hold their positions relative to the ship. If used effectively, they can be used in impressive attack positions and destroy major targets with ease.

Direction Option

They act like standard Options but they can be aimed to shoot in any direction with the price of the fighter being unable to move. Used effectively, they can be very destructive.

Center Option

This can perhaps be seen as a combination of Formation and Rotation Options. The Options are static like Formation, but are Up, Down, Left, and Right of the fighter. The laser can be aimed in any direction and pulses are shot. (Gradius NEO)

Forward Option

Options are locked tightly in front of ship like a shield, the options fire one massive laser beam(Gradius NEO)

In-Line Option

Options are locked widely above and below ship, similar to the Formation Option. (Gradius NEO)

Wide Option

Options are locked widely behind the ship.

Lock Option

Similar to Freeze Option, but you can have up to only three options.

Armed Guard Option

These act like standard Options, but have a protective armor that blocks bullets. These add additional defense to the fighter but dissipate with more hits, weakness is determined by color. (GR3)