Volcano - Crystal

Volcano - Crystal
Environment	Volcano
Music	Heavy Blow
Game	Gradius II
◄ Previous stage	Giger
◄ Previous stage	Giger
Next stage ►	Moai
Next stage ►	Moai

Volcano - Crystal is the third stage in the NES port of Gradius II.

Overview

This level is throwback of the first level of Gradius, as its background layout is almost the same, including mountains, forests and even some of the same enemies. Volcanoes are the most common obstacles found in this level. While the level itself is very similar to the arcade version, there's no boss to fight at the end.

For this level, I might even consider getting a Double. The next part of the level is daunting. Before getting too far into it, you'll be greeted by heavy gunfire. You'll want to stay low to get rid of the ground enemies, and also because you'll have to fly under a rock formation. Then under and over again, avoiding and shooting down enemies until you reach the volcano. Keep shooting until you notice a break.

Try to get as close to the tip as you can when you're shooting and you'll get by easily. Next, kill those bouncing enemies or prepare to avoid their shots, which go in every direction. You'll now have to squeeze between two volcanoes. Same tactic as before, shoot like crazy, and fly through them.

Try to get yourself the second laser upgrade, and as many options as possible. Basically, shoot the purple crystal rocks until you can get through. Not much more that I could help you with. If you shoot enough you can cause a lot of slowdown, which is good since your ship isn't affected by it. Eventually, you'll get up to some big blue rectangular rocks, which just bounce up and down. When you get past them, you're almost at the end. Beat the (purple) Crystal Core and remember: Watch your back!