I
had known that there were Gradius versions for the MSX for quite
some time, but thought to myself, "They'll just be a cheezy
translation of the regular versions we know and love." But
to my surprise and wonderment, I was happy to find that not only
were there new level designs, but also new features to that great
Gradius core gameplay that works so well in all the series. If you
can look past the dated graphics, the whole Nemesis\Life Force\Parodius
games for the MSX are tops! I was glad to find new Gradius treasures
after thinking I had seen all that Konami had to offer.
Nemesis
2 adds to it a storyline, not that it needs anything like that to
enhance the game. The gameplay is classic Gradius formula-you should
know the weapon system by now, and it even tells you what level
weapon you have: missile level 1 or 2, etc. And, after defeating
each end level boss, you can actually fly into the carcass, play
a short level, and steal some kind of new weapon, which increases
your bottom weapon bar! I love the new little features Konami tacked
on the MSX versions.
Levels
are perfectly designed and also challenging.....the music is classic
Konami Gradius......the only drawback are the graphics. But here
is the main point: the games are FUN! Forget the pixelosity, these
will keep you entertained for quite a while.