When comparing Gradius vs Xevious, the Slant community recommends Gradius for most people. In the question“What are the best and the most revolutionary games of all time?” Gradius is ranked 37th while Xevious is ranked 97th. The most important reason people chose Gradius is:
Perhaps it’s the first arcade game having secret stages?
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Secret stages
Perhaps it’s the first arcade game having secret stages?
Pro Power-ups chosen during gameplay
The kind of power-up depends on the amount of power-up capsules collected, and the second button allows you to choose the desired one.
Pro First TV ad in North America
It wasn't the very first vertically scrolling shooter, but to differentiate itself it was the first game that was featured in a TV ad in North America. This really helped increase its public interest, and was revolutionary at the time setting precedent for the game ads we see on TV today
Pro Very detailed landscapes for the time
As your ship is flying over the landscape, the landscapes can eventually change from one scene to another. Some of the landscapes are heavily forested areas, and others are airbase themed. This helps give each of the 16 areas a different and unique feel.