Volcano

For other uses, see Volcano (disambiguation).

Volcano
Japanese name	火山 Kazan
Alternate name(s)	Cryovolcano
Appearances	Gradius Gradius II Gradius III Gradius IV Gradius ReBirth Nemesis (GB) Salamander Salamander (MSX) Life Force Otomedius
Theme	"Aircraft Carrier"

The Volcano (火山, Kazan) is a recurring sub-boss in the Gradius series.

Description

The Volcano is one of the many traditions of Gradius, and as such is one of the most recurring sub-bosses in the series, originally appearing as the Stage 1 sub-boss in Gradius.

Whilst they mainly appear mid-level, often they will appear directly before the boss, and has at one point actually been a stage "boss", such as in Gradius II where two of them directly facing each other, is the last thing encountered in Stage 3, and can even be destroyed, in a manner of speaking.

As part of the tradition, when faced as a sub boss it is usually accompanied by the theme music: "Aircraft Carrier".

Attack patterns

The Volcanoes erupt, as one would expect, and send a somewhat ridiculous number of rocks hurtling into the sky in a random direction. Depending on the volcanoes' position, the rocks will then fall to the ground or ceiling.

Strategy

There are two main working strategies that can be put to use: Either stay at the top left of the screen, releasing the odd missile or shot when a stray long range rock comes your way, or stay directly positioned at the top of the volcano and destroy the rocks as they come out. The latter is usually only viable when you have multiple options and a laser.

Gallery

Volcano (Salamander (MSX))

See also

• Hunger Gomeinko

Trivia

• They have also their own parody in Parodius Da!, known as Hunger Gomeinko, they shoot cucumbers instead of the usual rocks.
• The Volcanoes had made other cameos in some Konami games outside of the Gradius series, such has in TwinBee 3 where they are represented into the forms of enemies such as Ponpon or in the fight against Poko Poko. Additionally, a similar hazard enemy can also be found in Yume Penguin Monogatari and one as well in GetsuFumaDen.