Gradius (series)

Gradius is one of Konami's first series and a side-shooter series. Its main hero is a ship called Vic Viper. Castlevania has made several references to the Gradius series.

The Maoi Head was originally an alien space construct in Gradius. In the original Castlevania game, a Maoi Head appears as collectible prize. The Maoi Head would return in later games, such as Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, where it can be found if a game save for Castlevania: Lament of Innocence is worth either a lot of money or refills your entire health meter. It can help Simon Belmont in Wai Wai World, play Mahjongg against him in Hai No Majutsushi, and fight him in Dream Mix TV: World Fighters. It can also race Dracula in Konami Krazy Racers.

The ship of the Gradius series, Vic Viper, appears as a reward item in Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin. Vic Viper can race against Dracula in Konami Krazy Racers. It can fight through Dracula's castle and battle against a giant Medusa in Gradius parody Sexy Parodius. It can fight side-by-side with Kid Dracula in Gokujou Parodius and Jikkyō Oshaberi Parodius: Forever With Me. It can fight alongside Simon Belmont in Wai Wai World, Wai Wai World 2: SOS! Parsley Castle, and Wai Wai Sokoban.

One of Vic Vipers signature items is a set of shields that appear in front of it which get smaller each time it is hit. This shield appeared in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and is created with a special ability of the Shield Rod.

Other ships and characters can fly through Dracula's castle and fight Medusa in Sexy Parodius, including Lord British, Option, Multiple, and the Black Viper.