Vic Viper
The blue fighter associated with the Gradius series and one of the two playable ships.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Joystick | Move the ship in eight directions. |
|---|---|
1P Button 1 | Fire the main weapon. |
1P Button 2 | Use the secondary weapon or bomb. |
Control notes
Arcade cabinet button assignments can vary by machine; the listed labels use the standard player-button naming.
How it plays
How does Salamander 2 play?
The game uses a side-view perspective and moves the player through linear stages filled with enemies, obstacles, and bosses. The objective is to survive each stage, destroy its boss, and reach the ending sequence.
Players steer their ship in eight directions, fire continuously, and use the available secondary weapon when appropriate. Power capsules improve the current weapon setup, while death removes progress and leaves the ship vulnerable until more power-ups are collected. The arcade version supports solo and two-player cooperative play.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Salamander 2?
Stay near the center of the screen when possible so that incoming formations can be answered in either direction. Avoid collecting every power-up immediately; choose upgrades that match the stage and preserve a useful weapon balance.
In two-player games, spread out enough to cover separate lanes without blocking one another. Learn boss attack cycles, keep firing while repositioning, and recover power quickly after a death because an under-equipped ship is much harder to control safely.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Lord British
The red fighter and second playable ship in the Salamander series.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Learn enemy entrances and boss patterns; memorization is central to consistent progress.
- 2
Do not take unnecessary risks for a power capsule when the current weapon setup is already effective.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0