Together Retro: Gradius III / Parodius

[noiseredux]

There's also a save state feature of sorts in the PSP collection which I have been using to help learn levels. Does the PS2 offer that?

strangely, HG101 says the PS2 port has the save states but the PSP version doesn't (?)

[Opa Opa]

AAAAAAAAARRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A string of curses usually follows...

Time to try an easier mode.

[Breetai]

There's also a save state feature of sorts in the PSP collection which I have been using to help learn levels. Does the PS2 offer that?

strangely, HG101 says the PS2 port has the save states but the PSP version doesn't (?)

The PS2 port has save states???

[NebachadnezzaR]

Good news, got my PS2 version to work (hope it holds up, I think my laser is dying). Now I see what I was doing wrong, I didn't understand the concept of the power-up system and didn't upgrade at all. Just tried again for a bit and with a couple of speed power-ups the game gets much more playable. Still, it's pretty damn hard, and just losing one life is almost equal to having to restart. I don't know, if I had the time to sit around and practice a lot it would be different, but I just don't have the time right now. Probably just gonna try a couple more times and maybe get some cheats to at least see more of it.

@Breetai, the version I have is simply title Parodius, but from what I've gathered it's the european version of a compilation of Gokujo Parodius and Parodius Da. I think that's the right one.

[Rurouni_Fencer]

Anybody have a copy of Gradius or Parodius for the SNES/Famicom that they'd be willing to trade? I really want to avoid emulation to replay this game!

[Breetai]

@Breetai, the version I have is simply title Parodius, but from what I've gathered it's the european version of a compilation of Gokujo Parodius and Parodius Da. I think that's the right one.

No such compilation exists. As far as I know, the only Parodius released in Europe was Parodius Da!. It was just called Parodius.


Edit: As for Gradius III (PS2- Very easy mode)
Stage 7 (fire stage) was hell. I lost count how many deaths I had. All those exploding fireballs, especially in the corridor, kept killing me. The slowdown, as annoying as it is, actually helped. Then, oddly, I made it through stage 8 (plant stage) without dying. The stage is similar to the SNES version, and the boss was actually easier. Now I'm on stage nine and have already died twice.

Edit 2: Got through to the final boss rush, but got pegged by a stray missile at... maybe the 4th or 5th boss. I need a break.

[NebachadnezzaR]

@Breetai, the version I have is simply title Parodius, but from what I've gathered it's the european version of a compilation of Gokujo Parodius and Parodius Da. I think that's the right one.

No such compilation exists. As far as I know, the only Parodius released in Europe was Parodius Da!. It was just called Parodius.

Are you sure? Check this out:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/saturn/577338-g ... eluxe-pack
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantastic_ ... eo_game%29

I don't have my Saturn plugged in right now so I can't check, but even the back cover of the game says "two great arcade shooters". It doesn't specify which ones, but it's definitely not just Parodius Da.

As for Gradius III, after several more tries I eventually made it as far as the next to last section of the 2nd level, but that doesn't really help because if I start the game again mid-stage I can't survive long enough to get my ship all powered up again. The power up system is definitely very original and gives us a whole new level of freedom and customization, but overall the game is just too insanely difficult for me to enjoy.

[Opa Opa]

How far are you guys getting in Gradius? I can get to around the middle of stage 3 so far.
I think I'm on normal difficulty.

[noiseredux]

How far are you guys getting in Gradius? I can get to around the middle of stage 3 so far.
I think I'm on normal difficulty.

I get to right around the beginning of stage 1.

[dsheinem]

How far are you guys getting in Gradius? I can get to around the middle of stage 3 so far.
I think I'm on normal difficulty.

I get to right around the beginning of stage 1.

Haven't even made it to the boss yet? What seems to be tripping you up?

I tend to use the default load out (boring, I know) and get my powerups in this order:

speed
speed
option
missile
option
laser or third option or (if you get enough powerups) force field

I can usually get all of that before facing the boss, which makes that battle much smoother. Maybe you'd get further if you could change your loadout or powerup options?