Konami has announced Otomedius Excellent for the 360. The game is a sequel to the Japanese-exclusive arcade and 360 title. It features Gradius-style, shoot-em-up gameplay, an improved upgrade system, exclusive DLC and local/online multiplayer for four players. There are nine playable characters and a gallery mode. It’ll be released later this year.

“As the sequel to the 2008 Japanese hit Otomedius Gorgeous, Otomedius Excellent boasts a significant visual and gameplay update since its predecessor,” said Shinji Hirano, President of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “Accompanied by brilliant graphics and an excellent soundtrack, Otomedius Excellent will engage fans with the Gradius franchise on a whole new level.”