Huh really surprised the PS2 is not being represented in the list up top. I don't claim to know what all got released, but with stuff like Gradius 3+4, Gradius 5, and REZ being options for the system it needs to be said there are some goodies worth looking into. I also remember enjoying Silpheed a decade ago when I had a PS2 last time.
Is that site even up to date anymore? I had the suspicion it kind of just been floating for a few years now as a general out of date resource since the copywrite they put it to it says 2010 on the bottom of the page.
Is that site even up to date anymore? I had the suspicion it kind of just been floating for a few years now as a general out of date resource since the copywrite they put it to it says 2010 on the bottom of the page.
Originally posted by: marvelus10
Here is a great list of Shumps with some great reviews.
I took a look at it. It does look like the last time it was updated was a while ago, as there is nothing for the 360, PS3 or 3DS.
Hopefull I can find some time in the future to put this all into a spreadsheet. I can then add the publisher, "genre" and maybe a small description if you guys think its worth it.
This weekend I am going to binge on playing shooters (after I get to level 50 in titanfall by the end of the month), so hopefully I can add some discussion about the shooters that I do have.
My old post assumed we were just doing NES at the time.
Super Famicom your list is lacking all 3 versions of Parodius, Twinbee and Pop'n Twinbee, Cotton 100%, Spriggan Powered, and well at least you have Macross which is fantastic (speaking of which macross on famicom is cool too.)
The SNES in the US I don't see Darius Twin listed, Raiden Trad, Thunderforce III, Axelay or Aerofighters(Sonic Wings SFC dramatically cheaper price.) I also give a second to the nod on UN Squadron.
Spriggan Powered and Cotton 100% for the SFC are both awesome and great suggestions!
After trying out both on an emulator awhile back I really enjoyed them and I, too, dislike shooters in general.
i used to have a healthy selection of at least two dozen Super Famicom games back in the 90s into the early 00s all lost to the great dying sell off of my stuff. I had anything I've suggested so far and if I could remember more that qualify as a shooter I would bring it up. They're fantastic games.
And as I said earlier '3 versions of Parodius' though one is listed for Super Famicom. I'll murder the spelling but there's Parodius Da, Gokuyou Parodius (Parodius 2), and then Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius (Parodius 3) which are must haves.
I really wish I had some of my SFC titles, maybe it's something to dig back into if I get a convertor as I don't want to chop up my SNES like my original I did.
I went through my collection, and these were all the shooters I came up with, minus the ones included on arcade compilations (there are just way too many of those to list, although if you really want to know what can be found, just let me know). I also included rail shooters (Space Harrier, etc) and overhead run-n-guns (Commando and the like).
NES:
Gradius
Life Force
Jackal
Stinger
Gyruss
Gun.Smoke
Section Z
Legendary Wings
Spy Hunter
Super Spy Hunter
Captain Skyhawk
Zanac
The Guardian Legend
Twin Eagle
Famicom:
Gradius
Gradius II
Salamander
Parodius Da!
TwinBee
TwinBee 3: Poko Poko Dai Maou
Crisis Force
Senjou no Ookami
1942
1943: The Battle of Valhalla
Galaxian
Galaga
Xevious
Super Xevious: GAMP no Nazo
Sky Kid
Dragon Spirit: Aratanaru Densetsu
Choujikuu Yousai Macross
Star Force
Star Soldier
Hector '87
Shinjinrui: The New Type
Space Invaders
Sky Destroyer
Gyrodine
Chuka Taisen
Tetrastar: The Fighter
Insector X
Exed Exes
Uchuu Keibitai SDF
Air Fortress
Stargate
Millipede
Image Fight
Guardic Gaiden
Sqoon
Super Star Force: Jikuureki no Himitsu
Cosmic Epsilon
Great Tank
Guevara
Space Harrier
Fantasy Zone
Fantasy Zone 2: Opa-Opa no Namida
After Burner
Attack Animal Gakuen
Tiger-Heli
Formation Z
Exerion
Argus
Choplifter
Thexder
King's Knight
Cobra Command
Heavy Barrel
Magmax
Seicross
Terra Cresta
Kidou Senshi Z-Gundam: Hot Scramble
Gun*Nac
Max Warrior: Wakusei Kaigenrei
Geimos
Airwolf
SNES:
Gradius III
Axelay
U.N Squadron
Super R-Type
R-Type III: The Third Lightning
Super E.D.F.: Earth Defense Force
Super Famicom:
Parodius Da!
Gokujou Parodius
Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius
Pop'n Twinbee
Area 88
Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie
Acrobat Mission
Sonic Wings
Sega Master System:
Space Harrier
After Burner
Thunder Blade
Zaxxon 3-D
R-Type
Time Soldiers
Action Fighter
The Ninja
Choplifter
Astro Warrior
Sega Genesis:
Space Harrier II
Super Thunder Blade
After Burner II
Bio-Hazard Battle
Truxton
Thunderforce II
Thunderforce III
Thunderforce IV
Forgotten Worlds
Phelios
Burning Force
Whip Rush
Arrow Flash
Sol-Deace
Gaiares
MUSHA
Air Buster
Insector X
PC Engine:
Gradius (HuCard)
Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou (CDROM)
Salamander (HuCard)
Gate of Thunder (CDROM)
PS1:
Thunderforce V Perfect System
Strikers 1945
In The Hunt
R-Types
R-Type Delta
Xevious 3D/G+
Omega Boost
PS1 imports:
Gradius Gaiden
Gradius Deluxe Pack
Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus
Sexy Parodius
Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack
Detana!! TwinBee Yahoo Deluxe Pack
Night Striker
The Space Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love.
i love tatsunoko and banpresto games so im kinda fond of Time Bokan Series: Bokan Desuyo for ps1, its not the best but its a fun game, one of my favorites of all time is gunbird 2
Don't forget the PC Engine/CD, arguably the greatest shmup console around. Quite a massive list that would take some space to post, lol.
If you had the time, I would love to hear your opinion on the games. I am thinking of picking up a turbo duo soon.
Break your wallet (probably over $200) but really fun:
Coryoon - A cute 'em up which has an addicting element of wanting to collect every fruit possible while shooting .
$50 - $100 range but worth it if you can find one at the lower end:
Serei Senshi Spriggan - M.U.S.H.A for the PC Engine is the easiest way to describe it, awesome and must own
Spriggan Mark 2 - Horizontal M.U.S.H.A and awesome as well but if I had to chose ^
Winds of Thunder - Lords of Thunder for the Sega CD
Nexzr (like $140 now or get Summer Carnival 93' which is the game plus attack modes for competition, under $100) - Definitely one of the better Vertical shmups
Soldier Blade - Vertical greatness and another must own
Cotton - Horizontal cute 'em up sort of , witch riding a broom like Magical Chase or Death Smiles
Dead Moon - Horizontal with a bunch of parallax goodnes going on
PC Denjin - Air Zonk for the Turbo, horizontal cute em' up with Bonk as your ship. Crazy weapon upgrades
$10 - $50 and some of the best I have to say:
Gun Hed - Blazing Lazers on the Turbo and my #1 absolute must have on this list. Shmup perfection to me.
Star Parodier - Love this game, vertical cute 'em up and you can choose between three different ships. One actually being a mini PC Engine
Super Darius - It's Darius, go with the CD version for better music
Gate of Thunder - Probably #2 on this list for must own, horizontal perfection
Macross 2036 - Maybe not the best but for a Robotech fan, you can't lose with a transforming fighter and good cut scenes
Salamander - Life Force on the NES except better, what else do I say.
Gradius and R-Type (s) - See above
Kyuukyoku Tiger - Tiger Heli, also a fine port
Raiden - Geez, another grest version of a game you probably played a million times but in case you haven't, this is the one to get
Heavy Unit - Side scrolling, transforming mech fighter. A lot of fun, not in the top ten but for under $15, it's a no lose situation.
Saint Dragon - You are a Dragon, you shoot and get power ups and can use your body and tail to block incoming bullets and kill enemies. Was an arcade game but in that verion you had a human rider who could dismount...forgot the name though
Side Arms - Just like the arcade but with a second, "Before Christ" mode added (yep, weird). BC you can only change weapons upon pick up and have a charge laser now.
Galaga '88 - Great Galaga action but now you travel through vertical shooting sections and have boss battles.
Twinbee - Standard Twinbee, or NES Stinger on any other system. Vertical cute 'em up with interesting bell power up system.
Forgotten Words - Fine version but much better if you get the whole package with the Avenue Six Pad ( will bring you over $50 for the whole box but playable without).
Zero Wing - Horizontal shooter but you have a tractor beam and you can bring in the enemy ships to use as shield. Almost forgot this one and it's one that I play the most regularly !
Gokuraku Chuka Taise - Cloud Master on Sega Master System, just a much better version. Always had a soft spot for this game.
Honorable mention for just having something weird in your collection:
Toilet Kids - Vertical cute 'em up ? Where you face off against enemies who poo on you whilst flying through different worlds of poo. Not very good but definitely a conversation piece.
I missed a ton but this is my personal list and maybe I've even given you too many to choose from but these I feel are the best. When you eliminate all the conversions from the list I think you are left with a solid base of original PC Engine shmup greatness...and they are in no particular order.
I want to come back and Edit here and add another cheap game that I am totally addicted to called Volfied. Maybe not a shooter in the traditional sense but you are a ship and you can get powered up and shoot things. The best description I can give you is the old arcade game Qix...with guns.
I'm a big shmup fan as well even though I'm not very good at them. Einhänder is probably my favorite of all time. I've been trying to work my way through Gradius 3 on the PS2 3 + 4 compilation, but... wow. I can get through the 1st level without much trouble, and the second level after a long struggle, but after that it's already crazy hard. I don't know if it's worth trying to beat it or not.
One of my favorites that hasn't been covered yet is Sine Mora on the PS3. I believe it is available on the 360 as well. The graphics are beautiful and the gameplay adds a new element to the genre. Taking hits results in losing time. Also, there is a slow motion mode you can use in certain situations. What really makes this one so interesting though is the indepth, perverse story mode complete with Hungarian-speaking anthropomorphic animals.
I'm a big shmup fan as well even though I'm not very good at them. Einhänder is probably my favorite of all time. I've been trying to work my way through Gradius 3 on the PS2 3 + 4 compilation, but... wow. I can get through the 1st level without much trouble, and the second level after a long struggle, but after that it's already crazy hard. I don't know if it's worth trying to beat it or not.
Gradius III (arcade) is one of the hardest games ever made, and that's not something I say lightly. I spent a total of around 2 years playing it, and a full 6 months of pretty dedicated playing to finally finish it.
Just to put that in context, I only needed a few days of limited playing in order to beat the SNES version on the hardest difficulty. The arcade version is literally 1000 times harder than the SNES version, I'm not even kidding.
If you want you can check out some of the videos I made during the process of tackling this beast:
I'm a big shmup fan as well even though I'm not very good at them. Einhänder is probably my favorite of all time. I've been trying to work my way through Gradius 3 on the PS2 3 + 4 compilation, but... wow. I can get through the 1st level without much trouble, and the second level after a long struggle, but after that it's already crazy hard. I don't know if it's worth trying to beat it or not.
Gradius III (arcade) is one of the hardest games ever made, and that's not something I say lightly. I spent a total of around 2 years playing it, and a full 6 months of pretty dedicated playing to finally finish it.
Just to put that in context, I only needed a few days of limited playing in order to beat the SNES version on the hardest difficulty. The arcade version is literally 1000 times harder than the SNES version, I'm not even kidding.
If you want you can check out some of the videos I made during the process of tackling this beast:
Wow, that's really impressive. I think this solidifies my feeling that it may not be worth trying to be this game right now.
One positive effect is that it's sort of been a "trial by fire" because I don't think I've ever been able to beat a shmup before, but playing that one and getting decent at the first 2 levels has given me the skill and confidence to breeze through the first few levels of Gradius 1. I haven't beaten it yet, but just 4-5 back-to-back plays and I've already gotten about halfway through, so I'm hopeful.
I'm a big shmup fan as well even though I'm not very good at them. Einhänder is probably my favorite of all time. I've been trying to work my way through Gradius 3 on the PS2 3 + 4 compilation, but... wow. I can get through the 1st level without much trouble, and the second level after a long struggle, but after that it's already crazy hard. I don't know if it's worth trying to beat it or not.
Gradius III (arcade) is one of the hardest games ever made, and that's not something I say lightly. I spent a total of around 2 years playing it, and a full 6 months of pretty dedicated playing to finally finish it.
Just to put that in context, I only needed a few days of limited playing in order to beat the SNES version on the hardest difficulty. The arcade version is literally 1000 times harder than the SNES version, I'm not even kidding.
If you want you can check out some of the videos I made during the process of tackling this beast:
Wow, that's really impressive. I think this solidifies my feeling that it may not be worth trying to be this game right now.
One positive effect is that it's sort of been a "trial by fire" because I don't think I've ever been able to beat a shmup before, but playing that one and getting decent at the first 2 levels has given me the skill and confidence to breeze through the first few levels of Gradius 1. I haven't beaten it yet, but just 4-5 back-to-back plays and I've already gotten about halfway through, so I'm hopeful.
Yeah, you should definately try to beat Gradius I and II before you attempt the 3rd one. I'd recommened either the Gradius Deluxe pack for PS1 or the PC-Engine versions. Both were Japan only releases so if you play them on the original hardware it requires so extra effort.
Gradius is an awesome series though, and I think Gradius V is about as perfect of a SHMUP as it can get. It's absolutely amazing all around, and even has a simultanous 2 player mode. You should absoultely play that one if you like the Gradius series.
I'll have Gradius 5 in the mail tomorrow and I'll have 3+4 back in my hands again next week. Since I have G2 as a retrousb cart it will be the first time I've ever had full numbered series.
Still getting great posts here, I just added everything to the first post. Hopefully people can come to this thread to find ideas on new shooters they can try. I will clean up the list this weekend.
I just played through Deathsmiles (xbox 360) and it was a bizarre game. The whole macabre over-sexualized thing was a bit weird, and the story made zero sense which is par for the course.
The music was really great though, even though it had an off-putting haunting melody to it.
It was really short too- only took me 45 mins to clear it on the easiest level, but there is still a lot to do.
side note* I got a 5 point cheevo for pausing the game. That was a first.
Recca - holy crap. you wouldn't believe this is an NES game from playing it. It's... well, just amazing
Gradius - If you know the series, it's the basic game
Life Force - Similar to Gradius
Legendary Wings - Amazing game. Does both top down and side scrolling, lots of power ups, and interesting plot (kill the devil(s)!)
Gun-Nac - Just another amazing NES shump.
Scat - very under-appreciated game. One of the, if not the best side scrolling shump on the NES
Gamecube:
Ikuraga - I just bought this game this week. Interesting game play. Alternate between forces (which allow you to block some bullets coming at you as well as damage different enemies depending on your current force). Can be incredibly frustrating at times, but great concept.
PS2:
Gradius V - Also bought recently. Honestly, one of my new favorites. Follows the same format as the series, but superb graphics, interesting bosses, and a whole new level of shooter.
Genesis:
MUSHA - This game is expensive for a reason. It's freaking awesome
Can't really think of any off of the top of my head that I like and aren't listed yet.
Brother i noticed no hellfire under genesis, this is my favorite! Very unique how you rotate your gun and very challenging
Also i dont know about you guys but in general snes shumps are not nearly as good as genesis outside of a small few like un squadron, space megaforce and twinbee
I love the snes as a whole but games like r type are total snoozers, sega definetely has the best shumps in my opinion
The Genesis is the king of shooters. I noticed Vapor Trail and Grind Stormer aren't on your Genesis list and for Dreamcast, Gigawing and Gigawing 2 aren't listed but are incredible games.
Comments
Also, why hasn't anyone mention that impressive Eliminate Down game as well?
It's an amazing shmup with dark tone, interesting music and carries sci-fie visuals!
NES - Fantasy Zone
SNES - Super Turrican, Super Turrican 2, Graduis III
http://www.shmups.com/xenocidefiles.html
Originally posted by: Tanooki
Is that site even up to date anymore? I had the suspicion it kind of just been floating for a few years now as a general out of date resource since the copywrite they put it to it says 2010 on the bottom of the page.
Originally posted by: marvelus10
Here is a great list of Shumps with some great reviews.
http://www.shmups.com/xenocidefil...
I took a look at it. It does look like the last time it was updated was a while ago, as there is nothing for the 360, PS3 or 3DS.
Hopefull I can find some time in the future to put this all into a spreadsheet. I can then add the publisher, "genre" and maybe a small description if you guys think its worth it.
This weekend I am going to binge on playing shooters (after I get to level 50 in titanfall by the end of the month), so hopefully I can add some discussion about the shooters that I do have.
edit:First post updated
Originally posted by: Faltain1
Originally posted by: Tanooki
My old post assumed we were just doing NES at the time.
Super Famicom your list is lacking all 3 versions of Parodius, Twinbee and Pop'n Twinbee, Cotton 100%, Spriggan Powered, and well at least you have Macross which is fantastic (speaking of which macross on famicom is cool too.)
The SNES in the US I don't see Darius Twin listed, Raiden Trad, Thunderforce III, Axelay or Aerofighters(Sonic Wings SFC dramatically cheaper price.) I also give a second to the nod on UN Squadron.
Spriggan Powered and Cotton 100% for the SFC are both awesome and great suggestions!
After trying out both on an emulator awhile back I really enjoyed them and I, too, dislike shooters in general.
i used to have a healthy selection of at least two dozen Super Famicom games back in the 90s into the early 00s all lost to the great dying sell off of my stuff. I had anything I've suggested so far and if I could remember more that qualify as a shooter I would bring it up. They're fantastic games.
And as I said earlier '3 versions of Parodius' though one is listed for Super Famicom. I'll murder the spelling but there's Parodius Da, Gokuyou Parodius (Parodius 2), and then Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius (Parodius 3) which are must haves.
See here for details on the trio: http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/parodius/parodius.htm
I really wish I had some of my SFC titles, maybe it's something to dig back into if I get a convertor as I don't want to chop up my SNES like my original I did.
NES:
Gradius
Life Force
Jackal
Stinger
Gyruss
Gun.Smoke
Section Z
Legendary Wings
Spy Hunter
Super Spy Hunter
Captain Skyhawk
Zanac
The Guardian Legend
Twin Eagle
Famicom:
Gradius
Gradius II
Salamander
Parodius Da!
TwinBee
TwinBee 3: Poko Poko Dai Maou
Crisis Force
Senjou no Ookami
1942
1943: The Battle of Valhalla
Galaxian
Galaga
Xevious
Super Xevious: GAMP no Nazo
Sky Kid
Dragon Spirit: Aratanaru Densetsu
Choujikuu Yousai Macross
Star Force
Star Soldier
Hector '87
Shinjinrui: The New Type
Space Invaders
Sky Destroyer
Gyrodine
Chuka Taisen
Tetrastar: The Fighter
Insector X
Exed Exes
Uchuu Keibitai SDF
Air Fortress
Stargate
Millipede
Image Fight
Guardic Gaiden
Sqoon
Super Star Force: Jikuureki no Himitsu
Cosmic Epsilon
Great Tank
Guevara
Space Harrier
Fantasy Zone
Fantasy Zone 2: Opa-Opa no Namida
After Burner
Attack Animal Gakuen
Tiger-Heli
Formation Z
Exerion
Argus
Choplifter
Thexder
King's Knight
Cobra Command
Heavy Barrel
Magmax
Seicross
Terra Cresta
Kidou Senshi Z-Gundam: Hot Scramble
Gun*Nac
Max Warrior: Wakusei Kaigenrei
Geimos
Airwolf
SNES:
Gradius III
Axelay
U.N Squadron
Super R-Type
R-Type III: The Third Lightning
Super E.D.F.: Earth Defense Force
Super Famicom:
Parodius Da!
Gokujou Parodius
Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius
Pop'n Twinbee
Area 88
Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie
Acrobat Mission
Sonic Wings
Sega Master System:
Space Harrier
After Burner
Thunder Blade
Zaxxon 3-D
R-Type
Time Soldiers
Action Fighter
The Ninja
Choplifter
Astro Warrior
Sega Genesis:
Space Harrier II
Super Thunder Blade
After Burner II
Bio-Hazard Battle
Truxton
Thunderforce II
Thunderforce III
Thunderforce IV
Forgotten Worlds
Phelios
Burning Force
Whip Rush
Arrow Flash
Sol-Deace
Gaiares
MUSHA
Air Buster
Insector X
PC Engine:
Gradius (HuCard)
Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou (CDROM)
Salamander (HuCard)
Gate of Thunder (CDROM)
PS1:
Thunderforce V Perfect System
Strikers 1945
In The Hunt
R-Types
R-Type Delta
Xevious 3D/G+
Omega Boost
PS1 imports:
Gradius Gaiden
Gradius Deluxe Pack
Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus
Sexy Parodius
Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack
Detana!! TwinBee Yahoo Deluxe Pack
Night Striker
The Space Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love.
PS2:
Gradius III and IV
Gradius V
Silpheed: The Lost Planet
R-Type Final
Xbox 360:
Raiden Fighters Aces
Raiden IV
Otomedius Excellent
Deathsmiles
Xbox Live Arcade:
Radiant Silvergun
Ikaruga
Time Pilot
Gyruss
1942: Joint Strike
Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3
After Burner Climax
R-Type Dimensions
RayStorm HD
Prismatic Solid
-Zombies ate my neighboor
-Smash TV
I don't know if somebody here told about these games, but they are very cool. Smash TV is impossible, but still cool.
Originally posted by: Swerve City
Don't forget the PC Engine/CD, arguably the greatest shmup console around. Quite a massive list that would take some space to post, lol.
If you had the time, I would love to hear your opinion on the games. I am thinking of picking up a turbo duo soon.
http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/choaniki/choaniki.htm
i love tatsunoko and banpresto games so im kinda fond of Time Bokan Series: Bokan Desuyo for ps1, its not the best but its a fun game, one of my favorites of all time is gunbird 2
Originally posted by: MrWunderful
Originally posted by: Swerve City
Don't forget the PC Engine/CD, arguably the greatest shmup console around. Quite a massive list that would take some space to post, lol.
If you had the time, I would love to hear your opinion on the games. I am thinking of picking up a turbo duo soon.
Break your wallet (probably over $200) but really fun:
Coryoon - A cute 'em up which has an addicting element of wanting to collect every fruit possible while shooting .
$50 - $100 range but worth it if you can find one at the lower end:
Serei Senshi Spriggan - M.U.S.H.A for the PC Engine is the easiest way to describe it, awesome and must own
Spriggan Mark 2 - Horizontal M.U.S.H.A and awesome as well but if I had to chose ^
Winds of Thunder - Lords of Thunder for the Sega CD
Nexzr (like $140 now or get Summer Carnival 93' which is the game plus attack modes for competition, under $100) - Definitely one of the better Vertical shmups
Soldier Blade - Vertical greatness and another must own
Cotton - Horizontal cute 'em up sort of , witch riding a broom like Magical Chase or Death Smiles
Dead Moon - Horizontal with a bunch of parallax goodnes going on
PC Denjin - Air Zonk for the Turbo, horizontal cute em' up with Bonk as your ship. Crazy weapon upgrades
$10 - $50 and some of the best I have to say:
Gun Hed - Blazing Lazers on the Turbo and my #1 absolute must have on this list. Shmup perfection to me.
Star Parodier - Love this game, vertical cute 'em up and you can choose between three different ships. One actually being a mini PC Engine
Super Darius - It's Darius, go with the CD version for better music
Gate of Thunder - Probably #2 on this list for must own, horizontal perfection
Macross 2036 - Maybe not the best but for a Robotech fan, you can't lose with a transforming fighter and good cut scenes
Salamander - Life Force on the NES except better, what else do I say.
Gradius and R-Type (s) - See above
Kyuukyoku Tiger - Tiger Heli, also a fine port
Raiden - Geez, another grest version of a game you probably played a million times but in case you haven't, this is the one to get
Heavy Unit - Side scrolling, transforming mech fighter. A lot of fun, not in the top ten but for under $15, it's a no lose situation.
Saint Dragon - You are a Dragon, you shoot and get power ups and can use your body and tail to block incoming bullets and kill enemies. Was an arcade game but in that verion you had a human rider who could dismount...forgot the name though
Side Arms - Just like the arcade but with a second, "Before Christ" mode added (yep, weird). BC you can only change weapons upon pick up and have a charge laser now.
Galaga '88 - Great Galaga action but now you travel through vertical shooting sections and have boss battles.
Twinbee - Standard Twinbee, or NES Stinger on any other system. Vertical cute 'em up with interesting bell power up system.
Forgotten Words - Fine version but much better if you get the whole package with the Avenue Six Pad ( will bring you over $50 for the whole box but playable without).
Zero Wing - Horizontal shooter but you have a tractor beam and you can bring in the enemy ships to use as shield. Almost forgot this one and it's one that I play the most regularly !
Gokuraku Chuka Taise - Cloud Master on Sega Master System, just a much better version. Always had a soft spot for this game.
Honorable mention for just having something weird in your collection:
Toilet Kids - Vertical cute 'em up ? Where you face off against enemies who poo on you whilst flying through different worlds of poo. Not very good but definitely a conversation piece.
I missed a ton but this is my personal list and maybe I've even given you too many to choose from but these I feel are the best. When you eliminate all the conversions from the list I think you are left with a solid base of original PC Engine shmup greatness...and they are in no particular order.
I want to come back and Edit here and add another cheap game that I am totally addicted to called Volfied. Maybe not a shooter in the traditional sense but you are a ship and you can get powered up and shoot things. The best description I can give you is the old arcade game Qix...with guns.
Xevious is my personal favorite for older ones though
Originally posted by: cma2032
I'm a big shmup fan as well even though I'm not very good at them. Einhänder is probably my favorite of all time. I've been trying to work my way through Gradius 3 on the PS2 3 + 4 compilation, but... wow. I can get through the 1st level without much trouble, and the second level after a long struggle, but after that it's already crazy hard. I don't know if it's worth trying to beat it or not.
Gradius III (arcade) is one of the hardest games ever made, and that's not something I say lightly. I spent a total of around 2 years playing it, and a full 6 months of pretty dedicated playing to finally finish it.
Just to put that in context, I only needed a few days of limited playing in order to beat the SNES version on the hardest difficulty. The arcade version is literally 1000 times harder than the SNES version, I'm not even kidding.
If you want you can check out some of the videos I made during the process of tackling this beast:
Single stage runs:
Full run through the entire game:
Originally posted by: pegboy
Originally posted by: cma2032
I'm a big shmup fan as well even though I'm not very good at them. Einhänder is probably my favorite of all time. I've been trying to work my way through Gradius 3 on the PS2 3 + 4 compilation, but... wow. I can get through the 1st level without much trouble, and the second level after a long struggle, but after that it's already crazy hard. I don't know if it's worth trying to beat it or not.
Gradius III (arcade) is one of the hardest games ever made, and that's not something I say lightly. I spent a total of around 2 years playing it, and a full 6 months of pretty dedicated playing to finally finish it.
Just to put that in context, I only needed a few days of limited playing in order to beat the SNES version on the hardest difficulty. The arcade version is literally 1000 times harder than the SNES version, I'm not even kidding.
If you want you can check out some of the videos I made during the process of tackling this beast:
Single stage runs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?...
Full run through the entire game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d...
Wow, that's really impressive. I think this solidifies my feeling that it may not be worth trying to be this game right now.
One positive effect is that it's sort of been a "trial by fire" because I don't think I've ever been able to beat a shmup before, but playing that one and getting decent at the first 2 levels has given me the skill and confidence to breeze through the first few levels of Gradius 1. I haven't beaten it yet, but just 4-5 back-to-back plays and I've already gotten about halfway through, so I'm hopeful.
Originally posted by: cma2032
Originally posted by: pegboy
Originally posted by: cma2032
I'm a big shmup fan as well even though I'm not very good at them. Einhänder is probably my favorite of all time. I've been trying to work my way through Gradius 3 on the PS2 3 + 4 compilation, but... wow. I can get through the 1st level without much trouble, and the second level after a long struggle, but after that it's already crazy hard. I don't know if it's worth trying to beat it or not.
Gradius III (arcade) is one of the hardest games ever made, and that's not something I say lightly. I spent a total of around 2 years playing it, and a full 6 months of pretty dedicated playing to finally finish it.
Just to put that in context, I only needed a few days of limited playing in order to beat the SNES version on the hardest difficulty. The arcade version is literally 1000 times harder than the SNES version, I'm not even kidding.
If you want you can check out some of the videos I made during the process of tackling this beast:
Single stage runs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSOyrOgdrni-Q4XLxAXB...
Full run through the entire game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC7A3iIdAwg
Wow, that's really impressive. I think this solidifies my feeling that it may not be worth trying to be this game right now.
One positive effect is that it's sort of been a "trial by fire" because I don't think I've ever been able to beat a shmup before, but playing that one and getting decent at the first 2 levels has given me the skill and confidence to breeze through the first few levels of Gradius 1. I haven't beaten it yet, but just 4-5 back-to-back plays and I've already gotten about halfway through, so I'm hopeful.
Yeah, you should definately try to beat Gradius I and II before you attempt the 3rd one. I'd recommened either the Gradius Deluxe pack for PS1 or the PC-Engine versions. Both were Japan only releases so if you play them on the original hardware it requires so extra effort.
Gradius is an awesome series though, and I think Gradius V is about as perfect of a SHMUP as it can get. It's absolutely amazing all around, and even has a simultanous 2 player mode. You should absoultely play that one if you like the Gradius series.
I just played through Deathsmiles (xbox 360) and it was a bizarre game. The whole macabre over-sexualized thing was a bit weird, and the story made zero sense which is par for the course.
The music was really great though, even though it had an off-putting haunting melody to it.
It was really short too- only took me 45 mins to clear it on the easiest level, but there is still a lot to do.
side note* I got a 5 point cheevo for pausing the game. That was a first.
My favorites (which I recommend)
NES:
Recca - holy crap. you wouldn't believe this is an NES game from playing it. It's... well, just amazing
Gradius - If you know the series, it's the basic game
Life Force - Similar to Gradius
Legendary Wings - Amazing game. Does both top down and side scrolling, lots of power ups, and interesting plot (kill the devil(s)!)
Gun-Nac - Just another amazing NES shump.
Scat - very under-appreciated game. One of the, if not the best side scrolling shump on the NES
Gamecube:
Ikuraga - I just bought this game this week. Interesting game play. Alternate between forces (which allow you to block some bullets coming at you as well as damage different enemies depending on your current force). Can be incredibly frustrating at times, but great concept.
PS2:
Gradius V - Also bought recently. Honestly, one of my new favorites. Follows the same format as the series, but superb graphics, interesting bosses, and a whole new level of shooter.
Genesis:
MUSHA - This game is expensive for a reason. It's freaking awesome
Can't really think of any off of the top of my head that I like and aren't listed yet.
Also i dont know about you guys but in general snes shumps are not nearly as good as genesis outside of a small few like un squadron, space megaforce and twinbee
I love the snes as a whole but games like r type are total snoozers, sega definetely has the best shumps in my opinion