Not straying away from an already perfected art, Konami has found a way to bring the great game play of old, yet give it a polished look so that today’s generation of gamers won’t be disappointed. Granted, anyone you see who picks up Gradius V off the shelf, will not be picking it up as a newbie to the series. The way Konami added 3D stylish visuals to nostalgic game play makes a gamer from my generation smile from ear to ear.

The visuals are definitely very pretty, even for an old school formula. The core side-scroller look is still in tact. However, the awe-inspiring backdrops are not only dramatic, originally detailed, but also add to the sense of urgency at the frantic pace the game whizzes by at. Wonderful lighting and explosions compliment the new 3D elements. Each level is richly detailed, and have various and outrageous destinations that you battle through. Gradius V is the best-looking Gradius in the series, and maybe even the best-looking 2D/3D shooter of its kind.

Audio, while not in Dolby Digital, uses a very interesting mix of stereo audio that has cannons, explosions, lasers, etc., going from one ear to the next. Gradius V also tries to implement story elements into the game, but honestly, I think it is just an excuse to give the gamer a breather between heated stages. Voice acting has been added for cinematic purposes, which comes off neither wonderful nor awful. The score is a techno pop mix that fits the game’s spacey atmosphere very well. Overall, the audio fits the game, but there is nothing really revolutionary when audio is concerned.

Game play has thankfully not been touched from the original series. You go through a variety of levels trying to shoot everything that is bad in front of you, or dodge things you cannot shoot. All the while, the screen is pushing you from left to right. Some enemies offer power upgrades that you can utilize to progress in the game. At the bottom of the screen is a list of 6 upgrades to choose from; Speed up, Missile, Double, Laser, Freeze, 2 Way Missile, Eagle Wind, 2 Way Back, and Tail Gun. These options, however, may change depending on the weapon array you choose. Not all of these are available, what you get results from what fighting style you choose. The kicker to the game is the tough as nails A.I. If you are new to shooters, you will get an early wake up call on how hard games really were in the 80's. If you are a veteran, there is enough challenge offered here to either deplete your funds from broken controllers, or have you running home and crying to mommy. Granted there is a difficulty setting and the option to increase the number of men you have at your disposal, but the game is so relentless that even on very easy, new shooter fans will have a tough time completing this one quickly. Even with only seven levels, which are huge, it will take even the best shooter fan quite a few tries to complete this one to the end. Gradius also offers a two player simultaneous options, which is a first for the series.

For the 30-something gamer out there, who misses the games of days gone by, you will be pleased with the job Konami has done with Gradius V. It is old school, sure, but when has that really been a bad thing?