August 4th 2025.
GameCentral recently had the opportunity to speak with Ryosaku Ueno, the producer of Gradius Origins at Konami, and discuss the beloved 2D shooter genre. While email interviews are not their preferred method, the chance to chat with someone who is passionate about 2D shooters was too good to pass up. Ueno shared his thoughts on the future of the genre, as well as how to attract both nostalgic veterans and new players.
When asked about the current audience for 2D shooters, Ueno expressed confidence that there is still a significant number of players who enjoy the simplicity and fun of the genre. With the addition of support functions and the ability to adjust the difficulty level, Ueno believes that even young players who have never experienced 2D shooters before can easily pick it up and have a good time.
GameCentral also asked about the elements that make a good 2D shooter, such as weapons, level design, and bosses. Ueno compared it to classical music, where different trends and styles have emerged over the years, but a true masterpiece stands the test of time. He believes that Gradius is one of those masterpieces, with its innovative power-up system, challenging gameplay, and memorable soundtrack. Without a doubt, Gradius has had a significant influence on the genre as a whole.
However, when it comes to the difference between Gradius and its spin-off series Salamander, Ueno stated that there are two schools of thought: one sees them as separate series, while the other views them as part of the same series. Ueno himself falls into the latter category, as he believes that both series share the same core elements, but offer different expressions. He also mentioned that it was difficult to release a standalone collection for Salamander, so they decided to include it with the Gradius collection.
In conclusion, Ueno shared his love for both Gradius and Salamander, with the former being more delicate and the latter bolder. It was clear from the interview that Ueno and his team at Konami are dedicated to keeping the spirit of 2D shooters alive, while also welcoming new players to the genre. And with the recent release of Gradius Origins, it's safe to say that 2D shooters are still as fun and relevant as they were in 1998.
GameCentral recently had the opportunity to speak with producer Ryosaku Ueno about the newly released retro compilation, Gradius Origins. As huge fans of 2D shooters, we were eager to gain some insight from Ueno about the making of Salamander 3 and the future of this classic genre.
Usually, we prefer to conduct face-to-face interviews, but we couldn't pass up the chance to ask Ueno some questions about the beloved Gradius franchise. Our review of the compilation, which includes the all-new Salamander 3, can be found here. In short, we absolutely loved it, especially the new sequel that looks like it's straight out of the 90s. However, we understand that this nostalgic appeal may not be enough to attract today's gamers.
With this in mind, we asked Ueno about the future of 2D shooters in the modern gaming industry and how franchises like Gradius and Salamander can continue to appeal to veteran players while also attracting a new generation of gamers.
One of our main concerns was whether there is still a significant audience for 2D shooters. Ueno responded that although the number may not be large, he has noticed an increase in interest over the years. He believes that the simple gameplay of these games makes it easy for younger players to understand and enjoy them. Additionally, the team has added various support functions to make it even more accessible to beginners. Ueno is excited to see the reaction of players to these changes.
We also asked about the elements that make a good 2D shooter, such as weapons, level design, and bosses. Ueno compared it to classical music, stating that trends may come and go, but what makes a masterpiece is something that stands the test of time. He believes that Gradius is a timeless classic that has influenced the genre as a whole, particularly with its innovative system of allowing players to choose their own power-ups. He also noted the excellent soundtrack and challenging gameplay as key elements that contribute to the game's success.
Our conversation then turned to the focus on Salamander in the Origins compilation. Ueno explained that there are two schools of thought when it comes to Gradius and Salamander: some see them as separate series, while others view them as part of the same franchise. However, in 1990, the two series began to be treated as one. Ueno sees them as two different expressions of the same core line, and he hopes that fans of one series will also enjoy the other.
Finally, we asked why Salamander was given such a prominent role in Origins. Ueno revealed that both he and Mr. Hori from M2 (the company responsible for the compilation) have a special fondness for Salamander. While Gradius was easier to compile into a collection, Salamander proved to be more challenging. This led to the decision to release them together. Ueno personally loves both series equally, but he sees Gradius as "delicate" and Salamander as "bold."
In conclusion, Ueno believes that there is still a place for 2D shooters in the modern gaming industry. With the right balance of nostalgia and accessibility, he is hopeful that franchises like Gradius and Salamander can continue to capture the hearts of both veteran and new players. As for the future, Ueno and his team will continue to push the boundaries and keep the spirit of these classic games alive.
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