Play Nemesis Online

Nemesis, released for the Game Boy in 1990 by Konami, is a monochrome adaptation of the Gradius series. It arrived early in the handheld's life, a time when developers were still figuring out how to translate complex arcade experiences to the small screen. This game was part of that experimental wave, trying to fit a sprawling horizontal shooter into a portable format.

You pilot the Vic Viper starship, navigating left to right across scrolling stages filled with alien craft and environmental obstacles. Your main objective is to survive the onslaught and defeat the boss waiting at the end of each area. A signature mechanic is the power-up bar; destroying certain enemies releases capsules that let you cycle through and select upgrades like speed boosts, missiles, or the protective Options that mirror your movements. The game is notoriously difficult, with limited continues and enemy patterns that demand quick reflexes. Progress feels measured, screen by screen, as you memorize the placement of every turret and asteroid. It is a tense, demanding experience that requires your full attention from start to finish.