Gradius for NES

When gameplay begins, the Vic Viper is relatively slow and has only a weak gun. This level of capability is GeneRally insufficient for engaging enemies, but the Vic Viper can gain greater capabilities by collecting and using power-up items.While most arcade games utilize distinct power up-items that each correspond to a specific effect on the player character, Gradius has a single power-up item. The effect of this power-up item is to advance the currently selected item in a power-up menu that appears at the bottom of the screen. When the desired power-up is highlighted, the player can obtain it by pressing The Power-up button, returning the menu to its initial state in which no power-up is highlighted.