Overview
Destroy the alien from within. Life Force (known as Salamander in Japan) sent players through a living creature’s body—organic corridors, volcanic innards, bone structures. The game alternated between horizontal and vertical scrolling stages, supported two-player simultaneous action, and refined Gradius’s power-up system into something more accessible.
Fast facts
- Developer: Konami.
- Also known as: Salamander (Japan).
- Players: Two simultaneous.
- Style: Horizontal and vertical scrolling.
Stage alternation
| Stage | Direction |
|---|
| 1 | Horizontal |
| 2 | Vertical |
| 3 | Horizontal |
| Pattern | Alternating throughout |
Organic environments
| Area | Theme |
|---|
| Cell stage | Living tissue |
| Volcano | Fire and lava |
| Stone | Ancient structures |
| Skeleton | Bone corridors |
| Brain | Final area |
Power-up system
| NES version | Arcade version |
|---|
| Gradius bar | Direct pickups |
| Select power-ups | Immediate effect |
| Strategic choice | Simpler acquisition |
Weapons
| Weapon | Type |
|---|
| Laser | Concentrated beam |
| Ripple | Expanding circles |
| Options | Following helpers |
| Shield | Protection |
Two-player dynamics
| Player | Ship |
|---|
| Player 1 | Vic Viper |
| Player 2 | Lord British |
| Cooperation | Shared screen |
| Strategy | Cover each other |
Konami Code compatibility
| Platform | Effect |
|---|
| NES | 30 lives |
| Arcade | Various effects |
| Tradition | Konami shooter standard |
Gradius connection
| Shared | Different |
|---|
| Vic Viper | Stage variety |
| Power-up bar (NES) | Vertical stages |
| Options | Two-player |
See also