Play Nemesis II Online

Summary

Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, known in Europe as Nemesis II: The Return of the Hero and simply as Nemesis II in Japan, brings the classic horizontal scrolling shoot‑em‑up to the Game Boy with a surprisingly deep feel. You pilot the iconic Vic Viper across five stages, blasting through Bacterion’s relentless forces while the screen constantly fills with enemy fire. The game keeps the series’ signature power‑up bar, letting you stack speed boosts, missiles, double firepower, lasers and a forcefield shield, but adds a pre‑game "Weapon Select" screen where you can lock in one of three configurations for missiles, double firepower and lasers. This early customization gives each run a distinct tactical flavor, something rare for handheld shooters of its era. Since its 1991 debut the title has resurfaced in the Konami GB Collection (renamed Gradius II on the Japanese Vol. 3 and Gradius II: The Return of the Hero on the European Vol. 4), appeared on Super Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, and even landed on Nintendo Switch’s Classics service in May 2025. Critics were quick to notice its intensity: GamesMaster awarded a 90% score, calling it the ultimate shoot‑em‑up, while France’s Joypad gave it 92%, noting the nonstop action and screen‑filling monsters that leave you no room to breathe.