An evil force has taken over a distant star system and only you can stop it. You will soar through waves of enemy attacks, battling with photon missiles, laser beams, and other weapons (14 in all). All the elements that made the previous Gradius games popular are back, with all-new levels and a dramatically enlarged scale of your foes (bosses can now fill the entire screen). For novice players, there is a new beginner mode and three levels of difficulty so that everyone will be able to enjoy the game.