Gradius (NES)

The NES version of Gradius introduced the famous "Konami code": Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A. The world would never be the same.

PRG CRC Test#

Hold A + B, then power on the game to access this test. "KONAMI ONE" will be displayed if the PRG CRC matches the internal value, otherwise "KONAMI TEN" will be displayed.

The same method is used with the CHR data integrity status to show "GRADIUS ONE" or "GRADIUS TEN". The European version fails the CHR check, despite using the same CHR ROM as the USA version.

Similar tests appear in other Konami Famicom and NES games such as Ganbare Goemon!, The Goonies II, and King Kong 2.

Build Date#

At the beginning of the PRG ROM is this string:

RC810 1,0 860219

NC810 1,0 860917

Regional Differences#

Title Screen#

Japan	USA	Europe

The Japanese version's title screen displays the high score and uses the old Konami logo that was in use from 1981-1986. The European title screen introduces a graphical error on the right-hand side of the Gradius logo: a diagonal tile was mistakenly used instead of a curved one.

Ending#

In the Japanese version, you get different congratulatory messages (along with the text "Let's go next zone" at the bottom) depending how many times you finish the game (up to six times). The first letters of each message make a hidden "Konami" word. This was removed in the international versions in favor of only just the "Congratulations!" text.

Version Differences#

Archimendes Hen#

Konami released a special promotional version of Gradius to tie in with an instant ramen noodle brand called Archimendes. It's basically the same game, but the powerup capsules are replaced with ramen boxes. The ending message is also different. Instead of the 6 congratulatory messages in the original release, you only get one:

Vs. Gradius#

The game was released for the Nintendo VS. System in the arcades, but only in North America. The only difference is a different copyright on the title screen, and to continue you only have to insert credits, the continue code is no longer necessary.

Vs. Gradius was later released through Hamster's Arcade Archives series, and later included as a secret game in Gradius Origins, unlocked through inputting the Konami Code when selecting a version of Gradius on the game selection menu.

Nintendo Switch Online#

In November 2018, a savestate special version of Gradius called Gradius SP was released for the Nintendo Switch Online service. The game can be started at stage 5 with the strongest equipment.

Cheats#

Konami code#

The famous Konami code! When the game is paused, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A to receive one speed up, missiles, two options, and a barrier. This code can only be used once but can be used again each time the Big Core boss at the end of the stage is destroyed before its core turns red.

Continue code#

During a game over, press Down, Up, B, A, B, A, B, A, B, A before the screen changes. If done correctly, the game will continue on the previous stage instead of returning to the title screen.