Gradius is a video game series created by Japanese game designer Machiguchi Hiroyasu and published by Konami. The series debuted in arcades with Gradius in March 1985, renamed Nemesis for international versions. Games in the series have been released for several platforms, including arcade hardware, home video game consoles, handheld systems and mobile phones. The Gradius franchise consists of 16 games, including spin-offs, home conversions and compilations, as well as other forms of media such as toys, manga, soundtrack albums and literature. The series has been seen by critics as important and influential for the shoot'em up genre, inspiring games such as R-Type, Thunder Force and Darius, as well as setting the template for horizontal-scrolling shooters as a whole. It is Konami's most successful shooter series and one of the company's core franchises. Gameplay in the series remains relatively consistent throughout each installment: players assume the role of a starship called the Vic Viper in its efforts to vanquish the Bacterian army before they destroy the planet Gradius. Being a horizontal-scrolling shooter, the player must destroy enemies and avoid both them and their projectiles. Some enemies leave behind power capsules when destroyed, which can be used to select one of seven different weapons on the player's "power meter", and collecting more of them will give access to stronger, more durable weapons. Common elements throughout the series include enemy "Moai" statues, additional playable ships, and boss rush segments. Video games Spin-offs Compilations and collections The Gradius games have spawned a number of sequels. Being a prominent series in the shoot 'em up genre, the titles have become classics and thus have been repackaged and rebundled in several versions. These releases contain extra features and bonuses such as enhanced artwork, expanded soundtracks, and story materials. Gokujō Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack 1994 — PlayStation, Sega Saturn Compilation of the arcade releases of Parodius Da! and Fantastic Parodius. Never released in North America. Gradius Deluxe Pack 1996 — PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Windows Compilation of Gradius and Gradius II. Includes an introductory sequence created using Computer-generated imagery. Never released in North America or Europe. Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus 1997 — PlayStation, Sega Saturn Compilation of the arcade releases of Salamander, Life Force and Salamander 2. Includes an introductory CGI sequence. Never released in North America or Europe. Konami GB Collection 1997,2000 — Game Boy, Game Boy Color ?. Never released in North America. Gradius III