Play Gradius (U) Online

Gradius (U) is one of those NES shooters that feels simple at first—just a ship, some enemies, and a power-up system. But then you hit the first boss and realize how tight the controls are, how precise your movements need to be.

The power-ups are satisfying—lasers, missiles, shields—but losing them when you die is brutal. One mistake can send you back to basics, struggling to rebuild your ship mid-level. The difficulty spikes hard, especially in later stages where enemy patterns get relentless.

What sticks with me is the way the screen scrolls, forcing you forward into danger. No hiding, no stalling. Just you, a tiny hitbox, and waves of enemies that don’t let up. Gradius (U) doesn’t hold your hand, and that’s what makes it memorable.