Gradius II: The Return of the Hero (Game Boy Color) Playthrough
2Konami introduced a colorized game collection for the Game Boy Color (GBC) handheld in the year 2000. This compilation includes a colorized rendition of "Nemesis II" as it was title in Europe, but for this collection it's called "Gradius II: The Return of the Hero".
Notably, this installment in the series distinguishes itself from its predecessors with a unique narrative. It commences with the player being pursued by a formidable spaceship, eventually leading to capture by the enemy forces, resulting in the loss of all weaponry. This intriguing plot element sets it apart within the space cruiser series, offering a distinct gameplay experience.
Furthermore, the game has an entirely original musical score, departing from the soundtracks of its predecessors. While it maintains a similar level structure with five stages, these stages are a bit longer, adding to the gameplay's challenge. The overall difficulty level has also been raised, providing a more demanding and engaging experience for players.