Gradius III [Model SHVC-G3]

Gradius III for Super Famicom was released on December 21, 1990 in Japan at a retail price of 7,800 JPY.

Customization Innovation: This port is notable for introducing the Edit Mode, a landmark feature for the Gradius series. It allows players to curate their own power-up meter from an extensive library of missiles, doubles, lasers, option types, and shields. Exclusive options, such as the "Hawk Wind" missile or the Mega Crush special, debuted here, offering a degree of strategic freedom absent in the arcade version.

The Port Paradox: The Super Famicom conversion features extensive edits necessitated by the hardware constraints of 1990. Notable changes include:
- Level Architecture: Massive re-design of the third stage (removal of the maze and earthquake effects) and the truncation of the organic "Cell" stage.
- Boss Modifications: Iconic encounters were simplified or altered; the Moai boss now features two heads instead of six, and bosses like "Shadow Gear" saw significant design overhauls.
- Content Swaps: The infamous arcade Crystal stage was removed entirely, replaced by a unique "High Speed Zone" featuring an exclusive boss, "Beacon."

Performance Optimization: The port is often remembered for its struggle with hardware-intensive scenes. While it lacks the sheer sprite density and screen-shaking intensity of the arcade board, it successfully delivers a highly challenging ten-level campaign that remains a staple of the console's early shooter library.

Export release:
[US] Gradius III [Model SHVC-G3]