《宇宙巡航艦 起源精選輯 特裝版》是Konami為紀念旗下經典橫向捲軸彈幕射擊遊戲《Gradius》系列四十週年所推出的豪華合集，於2025年8月7日在 PlayStation 5、Nintendo Switch、Xbox Series X/S 及 PC等多平台同步發售。匯集《Gradius》系列七款街機經典遊戲，還首次將新作《Salamander III》正式收錄於合集當中，總計包含18個版本的遊戲作品，是迄今為止該系列最全面、最具歷史價值的彙編。

系列始於1985年，作為橫向捲軸射擊遊戲的先驅，《Gradius》以其獨特的武器升級系統和緊湊的關卡設計迅速奠定了經典地位。這次的《起源精選輯》涵蓋自初代《Gradius》起的多個重要作品，包括《Gradius II: 高弗的野望(Gofer no Yabou)》、《Gradius III: Densetsu kara Shinwa e》多版本、《Salamander》（Life Force）、及續作《Salamander II》，更加入獨家首次家用平台亮相的《Gradius III AM 展示版本》，以及全新製作的《Salamander III》，使玩家能夠一口氣體驗整個系列的重要發展軌跡。

核心玩法依然維持玩家操控主角飛船Vic Viper，在高速橫向捲軸的場景中穿梭，躲避密集彈幕和障礙，同時射擊各式敵機與頭目。系列著名的武器升級系統允許玩家透過收集能量膠囊來逐步強化飛船火力，選擇激光、導彈、盾牌或特殊攻擊等多樣化武器，使得戰術變化豐富且深具策略性。新作及部分版本亦引入更細膩的畫面細節和音效設計，強化視聽體驗。

在重製與移植方面，由著名移植團隊M2操刀的《起源精選輯》可說是一次精心製作的典範。不僅在畫面上維持高度還原度，讓畫質與動畫細節貼近原版街機感受，同時加入多項現代化功能以提升可玩性。這些功能包括內建快速存讀（Quick Save/Load）、倒帶功能（Rewind）、簡易模式（Easy Mode）、無敵模式（Invincible Mode）與訓練模式（Training Mode），可以重複練習、調整重生點、迴圈次數與武器持續狀態，極大提升操作流暢度與學習曲線的彈性。此外還附帶畫廊功能，可欣賞原版音樂、開發文檔、藝廊圖像與遊戲設定等豐富內容

此外，收藏版中還附贈大量額外內容，如遊戲原聲音樂合集、豐富的開發者訪談與歷史資料，甚至包含未曾公開的概念藝術與設計草圖，對於系列鐵粉及遊戲史愛好者來說具有極高的收藏價值。

市場方面，在公佈消息後即獲得彈幕射擊遊戲社群及經典遊戲玩家的熱烈迴響。媒體評測普遍讚賞合集的完整性，認為它成功兼顧原作精神與現代遊戲便利性。評論指出， Reddit社群普遍表示：儘管收錄作品未致覆蓋系列末期如第四代、第五代或 Gaiden，但能完整取得七款街機遊戲並額外加入全新《Salamander III》，對粉絲來說已非常珍貴；而由M2製作的品質與功能性遠勝普通ROM集，具有極高性價比與收藏價值。

大部分評論肯定此重製版本對於初學者來說友善，可透過倒帶、練習模式與簡易設定降低挫敗感；老玩家則會欣賞它忠實重現原作細節、保留遊戲慢節奏與硬核難度特色的誠意。社群亦期待如果這款《Origins》銷售佳績，可望推出第二輯、把《Gradius IV》、《V》、《Gaiden》與其他家用版本加入未來系列合集。新加入的便利模式讓更多玩家能體驗這款被視為“射擊遊戲教科書”的經典系列，而高難度模式則維持核心玩家長久以來的挑戰樂趣。不過，也有少部分意見指出，系列固有的操作難度仍對新手玩家形成一定門檻，需要耐心練習與摸索。

綜合來說，《宇宙巡航艦 起源精選輯 特裝版》不僅是對Gradius這一經典系列的致敬，更是將經典與現代完美融合的呈現。無論是追憶童年經典的老玩家，還是初次接觸彈幕射擊遊戲的新手，都能在這部作品中找到屬於自己的樂趣。其豐富的內容與多樣的遊玩模式，確立這款合集作為彈幕射擊遊戲歷史中不可或缺的里程碑地位，並為未來系列作品的發展奠定堅實基礎。

“Gradius Origins Selection – Special Edition” is a deluxe compilation released by Konami to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its legendary side-scrolling bullet-hell shooter series, Gradius. The collection is set for simultaneous release on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on August 7, 2025. It brings together seven arcade classics from the Gradius franchise and, for the first time, officially includes the newly developed Salamander III, totaling 18 different game versions. This makes it the most comprehensive and historically valuable Gradius collection ever assembled.

The Gradius series began in 1985, establishing itself as a pioneer of side-scrolling shooters with its distinctive weapon upgrade system and tightly designed levels. The Origins Selection includes several key titles from the franchise, starting with the original Gradius, along with Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou, multiple versions of Gradius III: From Legend to Myth, Salamander (Life Force), its sequel Salamander II, the exclusive Gradius III AM Show Version, and the all-new Salamander III, marking its first appearance on home consoles. This allows players to experience the full trajectory of the franchise’s evolution in one place.

The core gameplay remains faithful to the series’ roots: players pilot the iconic Vic Viper, navigating through high-speed, side-scrolling stages while dodging dense waves of enemy fire and environmental hazards, and blasting through hordes of enemies and imposing bosses. The hallmark weapon bar system lets players collect power-up capsules to enhance their ship with lasers, missiles, shields, or special attacks. This upgrade system allows for deep strategic variation, providing both complexity and replayability. The newer titles and updated versions also feature enhanced visuals and refined sound design, greatly improving the audiovisual experience.

In terms of remastering and emulation, the Origins Selection was crafted by renowned development team M2, known for its meticulous attention to detail and high-fidelity ports. They’ve preserved the original arcade feel while introducing numerous modern quality-of-life features to boost accessibility and enjoyment. These include Quick Save/Load, Rewind, Easy Mode, Invincible Mode, and a robust Training Mode, where players can practice specific stages, customize respawn points, adjust weapon persistence, and loop segments—providing flexibility and a smoother learning curve for players of all skill levels.

Additionally, the collection includes a Gallery Mode filled with original soundtracks, developer notes, concept art, and archival materials, offering fans an in-depth look into the series’ creation and legacy. The Special Edition physical release further expands this with an array of collectibles: a full soundtrack CD set, exclusive developer interviews, historical documents, and previously unreleased concept sketches, making it a treasure trove for longtime fans and video game historians alike.

From a market perspective, the announcement of this compilation was met with enthusiastic reception from the shoot-em-up community and retro gaming fans. Critics and media outlets have largely praised the collection’s comprehensiveness and its ability to balance classic gameplay with modern conveniences. On Reddit, many users expressed satisfaction despite the omission of later titles like Gradius IV, V, or Gaiden, stating that having all seven arcade entries plus a brand-new installment is a significant value. Furthermore, M2’s production quality and technical polish have been noted to vastly outperform typical ROM compilations, offering exceptional value both in terms of playability and collectibility.

Reviewers noted that the new features, such as rewind and practice modes, make the games more approachable for newcomers, easing the frustration often associated with high-difficulty shooters. Meanwhile, veteran players will appreciate the faithful preservation of gameplay pacing and the hardcore challenge that defines the series. There is also widespread anticipation within the community that if Gradius Origins performs well commercially, a second volume may follow, possibly including Gradius IV, V, Gaiden, and home console versions not present in this release.

The new accessibility options are seen as essential in introducing new generations to a franchise once referred to as the “textbook of shoot-em-ups.” At the same time, high-difficulty modes ensure long-time fans still get the challenging gameplay they crave. That said, some critics have pointed out that the inherent difficulty of the series may still pose a significant barrier to entry for new players, requiring patience and repeated practice to overcome.

In conclusion, Gradius Origins Selection – Special Edition is more than just a tribute to one of the most iconic shoot-em-up franchises in gaming history—it is a masterfully curated fusion of nostalgia and modern design. Whether you’re a veteran revisiting a childhood classic or a newcomer exploring the genre for the first time, this collection offers something meaningful for everyone. Its rich content and versatile play modes firmly establish it as a milestone in bullet-hell shooter history, and it lays a strong foundation for future entries in the series.