Vulcan Venture (also known as Gradius II: Gofer no Yabo) is a side-scrolling shoot ’em up developed by Konami and released in arcades in 1988. Players control the Vic Viper spacecraft as it battles the Bacterion Empire, now led by Gofer. The game builds on the original Gradius by retaining the power-up bar system while introducing selectable weapon configurations and expanded abilities such as different missiles, double, and laser options. It also incorporates elements from Salamander (Life Force) and introduces a stage focused entirely on consecutive boss encounters. Two years ago, the planet Gradius suddenly fell under attack from the advancing Bacterian forces. Struggling against these invaders, the Gradius Army opted to deploy the super-dimensional fighter Vic Viper as their last resort. Diving right into the core of the enemy forces, Vic Viper waged an epic life-or-death battle, ultimately destroying the Bacterian fortress Xaerous and saving Gradius. Now, once again, Bacterian has set its sights on destroying the planet Gradius. The attack is led this time by the elite special-forces unit Gofer. The Gradius Army wasted no time in sending out the order. Vic Viper, prepare for takeoff!
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Character
Plot-driven, grave, earnest and resolved.
- character-ledplot-driven
- gravecomic
- earnestironic
- resolvedopen-ended
- intimateepic
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About the game
- Platforms
- Arcade, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Legacy Mobile Device
- Developer
- Konami
- Publisher
- Konami
- Released
- March 1, 1988
- Modes
- Single player, Multiplayer
- Perspective
- Side view
- Engine
- Konami Twin 16
IGDB rating 7.0/10 from 6 ratings.
Screenshots
Pairings
Companions we picked from the closest works, and how to take them.
Similar in taste
Closest on the same fourteen dimensions, from everything scored on Tastebuds Other media included when they land close.
Gradius 198588% alikeBoth plot-driven, grave, earnest.
Super R-Type 199187% alikeBoth plot-driven, grave, earnest.
Gradius IV: Revival 199985% alikeBoth plot-driven, grave, earnest.
Darius Gaiden 199484% alikeBoth plot-driven, grave, earnest.
Salamander 198684% alikeBoth plot-driven, grave, earnest.
Thunder Force III 199084% alikeBoth plot-driven, grave, earnest.
Uridium 198683% alikeBoth plot-driven, earnest, resolved.
Raiden 199082% alikeBoth plot-driven, grave, earnest.
UFO 197065% alikeTelevision · Both grave, earnest, plot-driven.
Destroy All Monsters 196864% alikeFilm · Both plot-driven, grave, epic; this one is more effortless.
Often played with
Similar games per IGDB. Opening one adds it to Tastebuds
