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