Ugh, you know how sometimes nostalgia hits you like a tidal wave? Like you’re just minding your own business, and then BAM, you’re back in the arcade with coins jingling in your pocket, eyes wide open. That’s kinda what Konami’s been up to lately with their retro game collections. Sure, they’ve stumbled before — anyone remember those less-than-amazing Silent Hill and Metal Gear packs? Yeah, let’s just say some folks weren’t thrilled. But lately, they’re on a roll, especially with the help of M2, the emulation wizards who’ve got this uncanny knack for breathing new life into old games.
Just this week, Gradius Origins hit the scene — and wow, it’s something else, seriously. Credit where it’s due, M2 pulled it off again. The Gradius saga kicked off back in the ’80s, building on Konami’s own Scramble. I vividly remember sitting squished between other arcade fanatics, immersed in side-scrolling action, dodging bullets like an intergalactic dance, fingers twitching. Crazy times.
What’s neat is how Gradius has been kinda on ice since the WiiWare days, when M2 was also involved, funny enough. Now, this Origins pack resurrects six arcade gems: the OG Gradius and its compatriots like Salamander (also known as Life Force, depending on where you hung out), Gradius 2, 3, and more. Six games, yet 17 variations — yeah, read that again. There’s this one version of Gradius 3 that barely saw the light back in the day, only displayed at a trade show. Rarity galore!
And it doesn’t stop there. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who dabbles in retro-vibes occasionally, you get a buffet of gameplay tweaks. Maybe you need a rewind option because, let’s face it, things can get really frantic. Or you just want to gawk at old sketches and early artwork? They’ve got you covered. My personal favorite: sound tests where you can loop those addictive tunes. Who knew I’d ever need to hear boss fight music on repeat?
Plus, M2 caters to those nitty-gritty details. Want those old-school glitches to stay, or fancy a CRT filter for that authentic look? Sure thing. It’s like they’re handing over the keys, saying, “Customize away, pal.”
Oh, and here’s the kicker — Salamander 3, an entirely fresh addition. Think late ’90s style, all sharp sprites mixing with that early 3D look. It’s like slipping into a pair of well-worn shoes, comfortable yet exciting. Feels nostalgic, yet inherently new. Contradiction? Maybe, but it works.
So, if you’ve got even a smidgen of love for this series — Gradius, Salamander, you name it — this collection is your golden ticket. Konami and M2 have created something vibrant out of vintage. Not every game box is ticked, sure, but who’s counting? It’s on Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X — dive in, and let those feels take over.
