Vic Viper
The player's modular spacecraft and the central hero of the Gradius series.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the Vic Viper |
|---|---|
A | Fire the main weapon |
B | Launch missiles |
Select | Move the power-up selection cursor |
Start | Pause the game |
Control notes
Select a highlighted power-up with the documented activation input for the game version.
How it plays
How does Gradius play?
The game uses a side-view perspective and automatically scrolls from left to right. The objective is to survive each stage, defeat enemy waves and hazards, and destroy the end-of-stage boss.
Players move the Vic Viper, fire its main weapon, launch missiles, and collect power capsules. The power meter progresses through upgrades such as missiles, double or laser fire, options, and a speed increase. Losing a life removes active upgrades, making recovery and careful power selection central to progression.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Gradius?
Collect capsules safely and consider activating a useful upgrade before chasing a more advanced one. Speed Up is valuable early, but excessive speed can make narrow passages harder to control.
Options greatly increase firepower, while retaining at least one defensive or offensive upgrade after a death can make recovery easier. Learn boss patterns, avoid greed near power capsules, and use the terrain as a guide rather than relying only on rapid movement.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Bacterian
The hostile alien force responsible for the invasion and the game's enemy armies.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Do not activate every power-up immediately; choose upgrades according to the current stage.
- 2
Recover slowly after losing a life, since the Vic Viper returns with limited equipment.
- 3
Memorize boss attack patterns and safe positions.
Community discussion
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