A shooting classic reborn! Japan's renowned model developer PLUM will release a 1/144 scale assembly model of the protagonist fighter, "VIC VIPER" (ビックバイパー), from KONAMI's classic 2D shooting game "Gradius II" in April 2023!
"Gradius" (グラディウス) is one of KONAMI's early signature 2D shooting games, first appearing in arcades in 1985. The series launched numerous highly acclaimed titles and also spawned spin-off works such as "Salamander" and "LIFE FORCE". "Gradius II" was first released in arcades in March 1988, with the subtitle "Gofer's Ambition" (GOFERの野望). This marked the first time the series featured a subtitle. The story continues two years after the previous installment, with the same enemy launching another assault, and players pilot the enhanced VIC VIPER fighter into battle.
▼ "Gradius II" game poster:
The VIC VIPER is a uniquely designed, trans-dimensional fighter. Its most distinctive feature is that its nose cone is not a typical pointed shape, but rather split into two halves. In the game, it serves as the primary military fighter used to resist invading planets. Its initial equipment is basic and weak, but after collecting enough power capsules, its equipment can be upgraded, transforming it into an ultimate fighter with formidable firepower. This PLUM model is based on the data found in the art book "THE OFFICIAL ART OF GRADIUSⅡ -GOFERの野望-", which was included with the X68000 version of "Gradius II" released in 1992, bringing it to life as a physical product. Faithfully recreated with new molds, the wing sections can be folded to replicate its landing and docking posture.
▼ Cover of "THE OFFICIAL ART OF GRADIUSⅡ -GOFERの野望-":
PLUM VIC VIPER ver. Gradius II
Reference Price: 5,500 JPY (tax included)
Scheduled Release Date: April 2023
Size: Approximately 150mm in total length
via： PLUM