Nemesis 2 (MSX)

This article is about the MSX computer game, see Gradius II for the official arcade sequel.

Gradius 2
Gradius 2 title screen
Developer(s)	Konami
Publisher(s)	Konami
Platform(s)	MSX
Release	JPN August 22, 1987
Genre(s)	Horizontal Scrolling shooter
Mode(s)	Single player, multiplayer (alternate)

Gradius 2, (Nemesis 2 if the game cartridge was inserted into a non Japanese/Korean MSX computer), is a video game released for the MSX computer in 1987 by Konami. The game is part of the long-running Gradius series, but is unrelated to the arcade game Gradius II Gofer no Yabō (which used the Roman numeral 'II'). The game can be considered a spin-off, like the Salamander games. This version was ported to the Sharp X68000 computer under the name Nemesis '90 Kai, with some graphical and aural enhancements.

In a departure from other games, instead of controlling Vic Viper, the available ship is called Metalion. Unlike other titles, this game has a heavier focus on story, which is told by cut-scenes. The gameplay is mostly unchanged from the rest of the series, though there are some powerups that temporally gives the ship some enhancements. Also, when the bosses are being defeated, if the Metalion flies where they are, a mini-level can be accessed in order to obtain new permanent upgrades, if the mini levels are successfully cleared.

Story

The Director General of Space Science Agency Dr. Venom was exiled to Planet Sard for a failed coup d`etat. In the year 6665, he escapes and invades Planet Nemesis and the seven planets it controls with the help of the Bacterian. The Nemesis Highest Council sends James Burton, ex-pilot of the Vic Viper, to pilot Metalion and attack Dr. Venom and the Bacterian invaders. The game takes place during the year 6666.

Gameplay

New weapons:

To get them, the player had to enter into the main bosses ship just after the big explosion when the combat ends. Then a slow alarm sound appears, indicating there's still time. Once the player gets inside the bosses, a short stage has to be completed (the same for every boss). When the nucleus of the boss is destroyed, then the new weapons may be granted:

If the big boss was killed in less than 15 seconds, 2 weapons are granted.

If the big boss was killed in less than 30 seconds, 1 weapon is granted.

If the big boss was killed in more than 30 seconds, no weapon is granted.

Weapons List:

• Up laser and down laser – These never appeared in any subsequent Gradius game.
• Napalm Missile – Missiles with extra damage effect.
• Reflex Ring – Strange Energy ball that moves in front of the main ship, but with limited damage, as it doesn't get very far.
• Extend Laser – Thicker front laser
• Back Beam – Rear normal shot as well as normal front shot (Disables "up-laser", "down-laser" and/or "double").
• Fire Blaster – Short range fire beam. An upgrade to Reflex Ring.

Temporal Power-up's:

• Rolling Options: The options start rolling around the ship for some time.
• Vector Laser: Vertical powerful laser that expands its width as it moves forward
• Time Slow: Everything except the player becomes slower for some time.
• Drill: The main ship becomes a drill for some time, and can move freely through particle barred zones without having to clear them.

Stages and bosses

There are a total of fourteen normal levels and two bonus levels; this game is much longer than other Gradius titles, which usually have around eight levels. However, stages 10-13 are just boss fights. The levels are the same in both.

Stage	Description	Boss(es)
1. Giant Statue Planet	Giant rotating guns block the player's progress.	Riot Warship?
2. Jungle Planet	Mysterious plants sense the players and release mechanical spores.	Misuhuitsutsu warship?
3. Ancient Planet	A winding maze filled with deadly traps awaits the players.	Misuhuitsutsu warship? (same boss as stage 2)
4. Floating Continent	A stage set on a floating mass of land with enemy guided lasers.	Big Core X10?
		May heme warship?
5. Fire Planet	A stage set on a planet that spews massive hot flames at the players.	May heme warship?
6. Living Planet	A massive living planet regenerating at high speed and constantly changing.	Biological organism?
7. Fortress Planet	A heavily armored planet, plated with special metal.	Abadon? warship
8. - 13.	Repeats of boss fights of stages one through six, in reverse order.	Same as stages on through six
14. Venom? warship	(description)	Undefended core

Nemesis '90 Kai

This Sharp X68000 port is essentially an enhanced remake of Gradius 2 with graphical quality on par with Gradius III.

Nemesis '90 Kai
Nemesis '90 Kai title screen Nemesis '90 Kai title screen
Developer(s)	Konami/ SPS
Publisher(s)	Konami
Platform(s)	Sharp X68000
Release	1993
Genre(s)	Scrolling shooter
Mode(s)	Single player only

Ports

Aside from being remade as Nemesis '90 Kai as mentioned above, Gradius 2 was also ported to the Sony PSP in 2007 as part of the Salamander Portable collection.

References

• Gradius Portable Official Guide. Konami. 2006. ISBN 4-86155-111-0.

External links

• Extensive Japanese page on Nemesis '90 Kai
• Extensive Japanese page on Gradius 2
• Nemesis '90 Kai at OPCFG
• Japanese page of Gradius 2 covering the introduction
• Nemesis 2 at MobyGames