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Ah, the weapon select screen! The second configuration is my favorite
due to the laser and powerful spread bomb, but when I'm in a ripple laser mood, I pick the
fourth config. You can also choose your shields too! |
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Here it is: the first navigation area.
Each level in Gradius 2 is connected by a stage of outer space, where waves
of enemies can be destroyed for power-ups. These circular droids move in
a line, but zig zag in different directions as they get close. |
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The first level is this field with HUGE balls of fire all around.
These wouldn't be too hard to dodge if it weren't for those
blasted flame dragons that pop out and follow you around. Shoot it in the
head! |
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Since this is one of my favorite
levels in any Gradius game, I figured I owed it another picture. Squeezing
between the flaming planets while being chased by those dragons ain't too
easy, I tell ya. |
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Isn't this bird so cute? It'll breath fire, attack with multi-directional
lightning bolts and teleport around just to annoy you. It's not really
all that much of a pain. |
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If this level wasn't inspired by H.R. Giger, then I don't know what is. Those annoying
web things block the passage, so you'll need to keep the guns on full blast
(also paying attention to guns mounted all over.) |
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Oh great, large arms with eyeballs attached to them. They're too tough to destroy
usually, but they can be pushed out of the way with rapid fire. |
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Ah ha! These spider-like things
that hatch out of little egg pods are valid proof that this level
is one big Aliens rip off! Well, it still looks cool. These pods
sprout scads of these things. |
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This big eye thing will open and close its tentacles, allowing
you to attack the pupil...but not without bombarding you with little
attack pellets. If you've got tons of options and a laser, this'll be easy.
If not...well, the boss will actually give up after a certain amount of time. |
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The first part of the crystal level
isn't too hard. Just dodge the floating islands of crystal and watch out
for guns. Shouldn't give you too much of a headache. |
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ARGH! Practically the ENTIRE screen is filled with these frackin'
crystal things! Destroy one and it shatters into more! Heck, some of them
are indestructable and just try to crush you. I hate this part. |
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After FINALLY manuevering through that immensely irritating crystal
field, you'll fight this large diamond-like spaceship. Per usual protocol,
attack the core when it opens its arm. |
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There really isn't too much in the way
of defining characteristics here...it's one of those stages that looks like the first
level of Gradius, but not quite. Still, watch out because it's rather hectic. |
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Oh yeah, I forgot I mention...the screen will
turn red and all hell breaks loose when volcanos go off.
|
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The first form of this boss just shoot out a few missiles, but
blow off the front and it'll attack with HUGE laser beams. |
