Salamander 2

To do: Gradius Origins includes an unreleased Taiwanese localization called Life Force 2 complete with new title graphics. Document that on the page and see if there are further changes in it.

Salamander 2 is, as you may have guessed, the sequel to Salamander. This game is notable for introducing the ability to launch your options at enemies, with more being launched the longer the Options button is held.

Out of any game in the Gradius series, this one has had the longest gap between its Japanese and international releases. It finally released outside of Japan as part of the Gradius Origins collection in 2025, almost 30 years after its debut.

Version Differences#

There are currently two known versions of Salamander 2: set JAA and set AAB.

Title Screen#

Ver. JAA	Ver. AAB

Set AAB replaces the Japanese text underneath the title with a simple horizontal line and changes the ® trademark symbol to a TM one, as well as moving it to the side of the logo.

Extra Lives#

In set JAA, an extra life could be earned first at 200,000 points and then at 500,000 points. Set AAB disables earning extra lives by default.

References#