Salamander

Salamander is Konami's spin-off from the Gradius line of shoot 'em ups, and the Famicom version is the one most players remember. Instead of Gradius's selectable power gauge, power-ups appear instantly and upgrade your ship on the spot, which makes the action faster and far less forgiving than its parent series.

Stages alternate between horizontal and vertical scrolling, and the bio-mechanical stages and bosses — including the Gradius staple Big Core and a stomach-churning organic final area — give the game its own identity. Two players can fly together, sharing both the screen and the punishment.

• ▸Instant power-up system distinct from the Gradius gauge
• ▸Alternating horizontal and vertical scrolling stages
• ▸Organic bio-stage and boss designs unique to the Salamander line
• ▸Two-player simultaneous co-op on the Famicom version