Gradius gives the Vic Viper a modest starting shot and asks you to build the spacecraft you want while surviving an invasion. Collecting capsules advances a highlighted power meter; activating it purchases the currently selected upgrade and begins the process again.
Speed, missiles, a laser, defensive protection, and following Options all compete for the same resource. The NES version's landscapes include volcanic rock, fortified passages, and stone heads that make terrain part of the firing puzzle. A lost life can strip away a carefully assembled setup, so protecting control matters as much as maximizing power. The strongest runs come from choosing upgrades that fit the next section rather than collecting them without a plan.
