For the Parodius characters, see Option and Multiple.

The Option, or Multiple, is arguably the single most important weapon available in the Gradius series and its spinoffs. In their active form, Options usually assume the appearance of pulsing orange energy spheres.

They have all of the weapons as the fighter and can usually max out at 4, resulting in quadruple the additional firepower. In addition, they are invincible so enemies cannot destroy them except for the Option Hunter and Option Eater. Many Options have additional special properties that only add to their effectiveness. Of special note is Salamander 2, where Options can be sacrificed for a powerful homing attack. These are all of the Option types in any Gradius related game.

Option

The option (called "Multiple" in the American and European version and "Shadow Option" in Nemesis 3) follows the movements of the fighter exactly. They are in every Gradius game.

Multiple

Function similarly to Option, but depending on the game have a different effect: in Salamander and Life Force they remain near the ship, in Otomedius, Otomedius Gorgeous and Otomedius Excellent these have a slight delay in your movements, in Gradius Galaxies they behave the same way as an Option.

Rolling Option

Makes the Options orbit the fighter. Like the Formation Options, they lose some fluidity in movement. They have more concentrated fire but do not cover as wide an area. However, they extend a little in front and behind which can set up good attack positions. In the NES version of Gradius II, regular Options can become Rotating Options for a short time by spending additional energy in the Option slot after getting four of them

Trivia

The function of the Rolling Option is similar to the functions of CLAWs in Thunder Force III and CRAWs in Thunder Force V, despite having two CLAWs and having three CRAWs.

Formation Option

Creates a formation of Options, two above and two below the fighter. While they lose the ability to have concentrated fire and fluidity, they allow move area coverage. They come from the Thunder Cross games.

Snake Option

Follows your movements but has a tail-like attribute to them. They will swing in the opposite direction when the fighter stops moving. They are hard to use, but effective control can lead to impressive attack positions. In Salamander III, the normal options can assume its snake formation via "Multiple Change".

Funshin/Image Option

This option gathers to your main fighter's position when you stop the movement, making it less useful than normal option. The name Funshin (ふんしん^?) is a secondary reading of Bunshin (分身^?, lit. clone), hence the English translation is "Image Option".

Option Seed

This is a smaller Option that orbits the fighter and automatically shoots small shots. Getting another Option Seed creates a new Option.

Freeze Option

They act like standard Options until the function is active, then they hold their positions relative to the ship. If used effectively, they can be used in impressive attack positions and destroy major targets with ease.

Direction Option

They act like standard Options but they can be aimed to shoot in any direction with the price of the fighter being unable to move. Used effectively, they can be very destructive.

Spacing Option

These options are similar to the Formation Option, in that they remain in predetermined positions, but the Option Button can be used to increase/decrease the area between the Options. Good for adjusting between wide and concentrated attacks.

Rotate Option

Appears in Gradius NEO and Gradius V. They are like a cross between Option and Rolling Option, as pressing the option button these orbit around the ship.

Center Option

Appears in Gradius NEO. This can perhaps be seen as a combination of Formation and Rotation Options. The Options are static like Formation, but are Up, Down, Left, and Right of the fighter. The laser can be aimed in any direction and pulses are shot.

Forward Option

Appears in Gradius NEO. Options are locked tightly in front of ship like a shield, the options fire one massive laser beam.

Wind Option

Appears in Gradius NEO. Aesthetically are equal to Wide Option, but unlike these, the Wind Option, they can not change the direction of your shot.

In-Line Option

Appears in Gradius NEO. Options are locked widely above and below ship, similar to the Formation Option.

Advance Option

Appears in Gradius NEO. Options move forward then return slowly.

Wide Option/Riding Core

Hybridized between Wind and Direction Options, they are locked widely behind the ship and can change the angle of your shot. Its appearance from Otomedius, and the other version in Otomedius Excellent called Riding Core, can not pass through solid objects, as parts of the stage.

Search Option/Bee-Unit

The Search Option seeks to destroy its target, or until you exit the shooting range. In Otomedius Excellent, there is another version called Bee-Unit, aesthetically only change to resemble TwinBee, WinBee and GwinBee.

Lock Option/Flint

Similar to Freeze Option, but you can have up to only three options. The "Flint" is an aesthetic replacement in Otomedius Excellent, though they function like Freeze Options.

Trigon

A special option-like drone that appears in Trigon. Like in the base game, the directional movement of the Stavros determines the direction of fire.

Variable Option

A variant of Option with a striking resemblance to the Shield in Gradius.

Armed Guard Option

These act like standard Options, but have a protective armor that blocks bullets. These add additional defense to the fighter but dissipate with more hits, weakness is determined by color.

Official data

Gradius instruction manual page 7

Doppel-ganger capability option. This spins off a ghost-like twin of the Warp Rattler, the Sidewinder. The Sidewinder has all the original firepower of the Warp Rattler and follows you in formation during your attacks. You may create a maximum of two Sidewinders. The Sidewinder duplicates the Warp Rattler's original firepower and has "MISSILE, "DOUBLE", and "LASER" attack capabilities.

Videos