Vulcan Venture (1988)

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.

Storyline

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!