Limited Run Games and Konami Digital Entertainment have confirmed that the Gradius Origins collection will come to physical formats on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Gradius Origins stands as a comprehensive compilation, gathering the foundational arcade experiences of the Gradius series. This collection includes Gradius, Gradius II, Gradius III, Salamander, Salamander 2, and Life Force, each presented with multiple version variations to offer a thorough historical record. A notable inclusion is the AM Show version of Gradius III , making its debut on console platforms through this release.
What’s missing?
Despite squeezing in so many titles, the collection is strangely missing two key entries in the series.
These include Gradius Gaiden, Gradius IV, and Gradius V. Also absent are Gradius Advance and Gradius Rebirth.
Of course, they could appear thanks to an OTA update later on, but for now, these games are missing from the collection.
Also in Gradius Origins…
Beyond the established catalog, the collection extends its offering with Salamander III, a newly developed title intended to resonate with the design and aesthetic principles of the Gradius games of the 1990s. This new entry promises original stages and power-up mechanics familiar to followers of the Salamander sub-series.
If you’re unfamiliar with the series, think of it this way: where Taito had the Darius games, Konami had Gradius and Salamander.
The Gradius Origins release incorporates several features designed for modern platforms. These include quick save and load functionalities, a rewind option, and an Invincible Mode to enhance accessibility. A dedicated Training Mode will allow players to fine-tune their skills through adjustable parameters such as restart points and power-up availability.
An integrated gallery will provide access to music, visual assets, and supplementary materials from each included title.
Limited Run Games physical editions
Limited Run Games will produce Gradius Origins in Standard, Classic, and Collector’s Editions across the supported platforms. Pre-orders are scheduled to commence on Friday, March 28, and will remain open until May 11, 2025.
Each edition offers a distinct set of physical items, including selectable cover art, soundtrack CDs, art prints, and additional collectibles, providing options for collectors seeking to own a tangible piece of this influential series’ history.
Key Features of the Physical Editions:
- Standard Edition: Includes the game disc, cover, booklet, and case, with a choice of three cover art options.
- Classic Edition: Features a KONAMI-style silver sleeve with metallic ink, a curated 1-Disc Soundtrack CD, a double-sided poster, and the full set of cover art variants.
- Collector’s Edition: Includes a light-up shadowbox, seven art prints, a development document and art book, a USB-powered light-up marquee with swappable art panels, a 4-Disc Complete Soundtrack CD, and the full set of cover art variants.
The announcement of Gradius Origins receiving a physical release through Limited Run Games will be welcome news for those who value the tangible ownership of classic video games.
Pre-orders will be available via the Limited Run Games website starting March 28, 2025.
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