Like a 2D game, in a good way!
This thing looks amazing, and though it's all in 3D, it controls every bit as sharply and precisely as a 2D game, something I could not say e.g. of R-Type Delta.

The game kicks my ass over and over again, but when I die, it's my own fault. There's never a time when I think "unfair, that shot should not have hit." The difficulty is such that after a few hours of play I can barely get through second level on Normal.

One thing you might fail to notice at first is that you can re-collect some of your options (the yellow glowy balls) after a death. They float around for a little while. This is a huge deal because without the firepower you'd be screwed after first death.

As good a game as you'll ever play!
Amazing visuals, sound, and gameplay! The best!

No title
Among the avalanche of Cave games (which i learn to like ;) and vertical shmups (my favourite game of all Raiden Fighters Jet), there is a nostalgia while playing Gradius V.
I recollect ThunderCrossII and other horizontal titles, which have totally different and unique gameplay and way of exerting pressure on a player than vertical games. On top of it, GradiusV while still being Gradius has the best graphics i ever saw in shmup. Looks better than Dodonpachi3 , Raiden 3 and propably any title you gonna think about. For that price its absolutely a no brainer.

Option!
This game has the most beautiful lasers you ever wanna get killed by. Here is one game series that has ALWAYS been true to it's roots. Even with a full 3D conversion, it still manages to capture the very essence fo the horizontal shooter genre. This is more than i can say for a lot of games that were originally 2D that went 3D and failed because they strayed away from what made the game fun to play in the first place. Awesome game, Awesome graphics, and some Awesome additions to a tried-and-true formula that has never let me down. If you're a Gradius fan, this game is definately worth your money. If you arent, buy this game and become one. The legend of the Vic Viper will never die!! Viva La Gradius!

Shoot the Core!
One thing about Gradius, you only really get one life. Oh sure, you'll be back after that first bullet, sans options tho'. Try beating even the first boss on no options, it takes about a year.
"Why won't you die?", well it will eventually, in spectacular style.

But you must put up with such things. Or cheat and use the full-power-up hack.

You can also see how it's meant to be done, on the DVD. It'll all look so easy, and is such a treat to see and hear. Please more shooter replays, I want libraries of them.

The book has plenty of info. as does the DVD inlay card, none of which I am able to read. Inlay has gameplay tips, the best kind of guides to availible options arrays and some enemy data, which is also on the DVD a bit. Book is watercolours / line drawings of the Vic Viper.