

The Dark Forces led by the god of destruction, Bacterian, prepare to launch a massive onslaught against the planet Gradius. Ok, so it’s basically every early Zelda game, but does that matter.In the darkest reaches of infinite space, pure evil lies in wait.
#Gradius 2 mame upgrade#
Ok, so it’s hardly Skyrim, but the gameplay is still awesome, especially considering that this was cutting edge back when the MSX was in its heyday.Ĭonverse with fairies, chat to wise women (the ones your mother would like to meet), and receive help from mystical witches.Ĭollect gold from enemies you slay in battle (a bit like Link’s rupees), and upgrade your energy and health after every boss.
#Gradius 2 mame series#
Gamers take the green haired Kelsis through a series of side-scrolling levels as they take down Golvellius’ evil minions.
#Gradius 2 mame password#
Not only does it involve a fantastic quest to rescue a princess from the evil Golvellius, but it also uses a password entry system to bring up your last level as a selling point! Yes, the Zelda-esque adventure with the Lemmings colour scheme takes the top spot in this retro compendium. Golvellius is the best MSX game of all time! Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter (1988) So it’s a little simple visually, but does that really matter? I guess you could always imagine there’s more going on or stick an overlay over your screen… 3.

Use auto-aim to hit enemies with ease, leaving you to move through the levels and take in the blank scenery… Players take our robot-hero through 2D futuristic-looking levels. Oh, and Thexder can transform into a plane too… I probably should have mentioned that earlier! It’s pretty impossible not to hit your mark in this game which makes it a joy to play if you’re just trying to wind down and shoot the heck out of bad guys. There seemed to be a big demand for mech warriors in the 80s maybe developers thought we’d all be driving autonomous flying cars by now? It was one of the only PC98 games that didn’t have naked elven maidens in it and proved a hit on the MSX and the NES too. This game has a bit of a Metroidvania feel to it in terms of gameplay. Thexder is up next, providing robot run-n-gun gameplay on the mighty MSX. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it! 5. There’s plenty of gruesome (albeit pixelated monsters) and magic throughout as you search for the crowns that will unveil the greatest weapon of the age – the Dragon Slayer. Play as different members of the Drasle family, including their tame monster, as you take down the fiendish Wyrm. It’s not the world’s most in-depth RPG in terms of turn-based battling and tactical gameplay, but it’s still a damn good one and one that helped spawn other famous series that we play religiously today. It might not look like it, but this side-scrolling RPG is superb. The seal has perished, and he’s about to wage war on the world. Yes, players take charge of a brave family on a mission to destroy a dangerous dragon that has broken its bonds. I’m also getting a hint of evil dragon, possibly with an undertone of a courageous family? Legacy of the Wizard takes the 6th spot in our list of the best MSX games!įrom that front cover, I’m sensing an epic quest for justice with a load of mysterious dungeons to explore.

Oh yeah this is one spaceship that’s seriously tanked up for combat! 6. The napalm missiles are my personal favourites, closely followed by the back beam!

There are little walking robots to bomb and lots of flying enemies to take down along the way, with levels taking on that Death Star run vibe.Ĭomplete mini stages after every boss battle to stock up with new weapons. The game has an Asteroids meets Star Wars feel to it. Still, with the world being called Gradius, this version makes more sense to me. Gradius 2 is actually called Nemesis 2 outside of Japan. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is simple – take down Venom and save your homeworld. He’s already been exiled for causing a coup against the planet Gradius’ government and is now trying to take over again, this time with an army at his back. He might have a cool villain name, but Dr Venom is a nasty piece of work. Dr Venom is wreaking havoc in our next best MSX games entry, Gradius 2.
