is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up

video game Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interaction with a user interface or input device such as a joystick, controller, keyboard, or motion sensing device to generate visual feedback. This fee ...

released for the

MSX MSX is a standardized home computer architecture, announced by Microsoft and ASCII Corporation on June 16, 1983. It was initially conceived by Microsoft as a product for the Eastern sector, and jointly marketed by Kazuhiko Nishi, then vice-p ...

computer in 1987 by

Konami , is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company, video game and entertainment company headquartered in Chūō, Tokyo, Chūō, Tokyo, it also produces and distributes trading cards, anime, tokusatsu, pachinko machin ...

. The game is a sequel to ''Nemesis'', the MSX version of '' Gradius'', but is unrelated to the

arcade game An arcade game or coin-op game is a coin-operated entertainment machine typically installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are presented as primarily games of skill and include arcade v ...

'' Gradius II'' (which used the Roman numeral 'II'). This version was ported to the X68000 computer under the name , with some graphical and aural enhancements. In a departure from other games, instead of controlling

Vic Viper Vic (; es, Vic or Pancracio Celdrán (2004). Diccionario de topónimos españoles y sus gentilicios (5ª edición). Madrid: Espasa Calpe. p. 843. ISBN 978-84-670-3054-9. «Vic o Vich (viquense, vigitano, vigatán, ausense, ausetano, ausonense) ...

, the available ship is called Metalion. Unlike other titles, this game has a heavier focus on story, which is told by cut-scenes. The gameplay is mostly unchanged from the rest of the series, though there are some powerups that temporally gives the ship some enhancements. Also, when the bosses are being defeated, if the Metalion flies where they are, a mini-level can be accessed in order to obtain new permanent upgrades, if the mini levels are successfully cleared.

Plot

The Director General of Space Science Agency Dr. Venom was exiled to Planet Sard for a failed

coup d'état A coup d'état (; French for 'stroke of state'), also known as a coup or overthrow, is a seizure and removal of a government and its powers. Typically, it is an illegal seizure of power by a political faction, politician, cult, rebel group, m ...

. In the year 6665, he escapes and invades Planet Nemesis and the seven planets it controls with the help of Bacterion. The Nemesis High Council sends James Burton, ex-pilot of the

, to pilot Metalion and attack Dr. Venom and the Bacterion invaders. The game takes place during the year 6666.

Nemesis '90 Kai

This X68000 port is essentially an

enhanced remake A video game remake is a video game closely adapted from an earlier title, usually for the purpose of modernizing a game with updated graphics for newer hardware and gameplay for contemporary audiences. Typically, a remake of such game software sh ...

of ''Nemesis 2'' with graphical quality on par with '' Gradius III''.
It includes two new stages exclusive to this version of the game, and four new bosses (two of which replace the rematches fought in the MSX version.) Some people still prefer the original for its charm and color scheme.

Ports

Aside from being remade as ''Nemesis '90 Kai'', ''Nemesis 2'' was also ported to mobile phones in 2006 and Sony PSP in 2007 as part of the Salamander Portable collection. Gradius 2 was re-released for Wii's Virtual Console in 2009, for Project EGG in 2015, and for Wii U Virtual Console in 2016 in Japan.

References

External links

Extensive Japanese page on Nemesis '90 KaiJapanese page of Nemesis 2 covering the introduction
* {{DEFAULTSORT:Nemesis 2 (Msx) 1987 video games D4 Enterprise games Gradius video games Mobile games MSX games Sharp X68000 games Virtual Console games Windows games Multiplayer and single-player video games Video games developed in Japan Video games scored by Kinuyo Yamashita