Vic Viper
The primary space fighter and the player-one ship, returning from the Gradius series.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Joystick | Move the fighter The joystick supports eight-way movement. |
|---|---|
Button 1 | Fire the main weapon Hold or press the fire button to shoot. |
Control notes
The arcade cabinet's exact button labeling can vary by operator or regional cabinet.
Two-player cabinets assign the second set of controls to Lord British.
How it plays
How does Salamander play?
Salamander is a side- and vertically scrolling shoot 'em up. The objective is to clear six stages, defeat their mid-stage and end-stage threats, and destroy the final enemy base.
The player moves through open space, caves, and mechanical environments while firing at formations, turrets, obstacles, and bosses. Power capsules upgrade the available weapon sequence, while losing a life removes the collected upgrades and returns the fighter to a weaker state. Two players can cooperate simultaneously, with the second player controlling Lord British.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Salamander?
Prioritize survival over rapid power selection. Collect capsules when the route is clear, but avoid exposing the ship just to reach a desired upgrade.
Learn the safe lanes around stage walls and bosses, especially where scrolling direction changes. In two-player games, spread across the screen without blocking one another, and recover power-ups quickly after a death.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Lord British Space Destroyer
The player-two fighter, used by the second pilot in cooperative play.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Memorize capsule locations and collect upgrades during safer stretches.
- 2
Keep moving near bosses; stationary positioning makes aimed attacks harder to avoid.
- 3
After losing a life, rebuild power before entering the next difficult section.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0