In Konami's fifth entry in the Gradius series, Gradius V adds changes to gameplay while keeping to original form. Of the most significant changes is the ability to direct the yellow pods (ambiguously but classically titled "option") direction of fire, using the PlayStation 2's analog joystick. While doing this, however, your ship cannot move. This adds a greater challenge for the game, and allows the designers to be more evil in their placement of enemy ships.

Outside of that, the rest is standard fare for a Gradius game: don't you dare touch the walls or any enemy projectiles, but pick up upgrade pods to increase your arsenal