The option menu is similar to the configuration menus in the arcade versions, except that the ability to save and load high scores and adjust the screen has been added.

They concluded their review of the Japanese import by mockingly commenting: "Please, let the PS2 be part of your rebirth.... and not something for non-gamers to get their groove on with.

They labeled the game as "just a classics collection being pawned off as a PS2 title", confused as to why such a compilation was even on a modern console with little to no additions made to it.

While several publications praised its quality, many also expressed confusion that Konami decided to release a collection like this for a modern system.

[2] They wrote: "Gradius III and IV is only enjoyable if you equate fun with frustration, but most gamers have long since outgrown that philosophy, as have most games.