Game Groups > Gradius series

Gradius is a series of futuristic scrolling shoot-'em-ups which take place in outer space. One of the hallmarks of this series is the power meter. The power meter is typically a bar that highlights selectable options (weapons, shields, etc.) as power-ups are collected. The more power-ups collected, the more powers that are selectable. Players can hold off selecting a power until the one they want becomes available. If a power is selected again for a second or third time, it becomes even more effective. This meter allows the player to customize their spaceships powers to a degree.

While not a part of the official Gradius canon, the arcade game Scramble is considered a precursor for this series.