Let's talk about NES shmups!!!

[GSZX1337]

No mention of Xevious?

[lisalover1]

I still prefer my Master System for 8-bit SHMUP action; Power Strike 1&2, R-Type, Fantasy Zone 1&2, Zaxxon 3D, and Sagaia are more than enough to whet my appetite.

[ExedExes]

No mention of Xevious?

Yes, that got a NES port too!

HOW COULD I HAVE FORGOTTEN (or any of us) 1943?!?!?! The NES port ROCKS

[Breetai]

I'm actually not a very big fan of NES shmups myself as the ported games tend to be very poor representations of the original arcade games.

I generally agree with this, although Life Force is an exception. Despite the substantial graphical downgrade, the game itself holds up beautifully. Gradius also, to a lesser extent.

Xexyz might fit your anime chick requirement, although it's not a full shooter. Some stages are platformer, and some are shooter. It is am amazing game though.

Breetai, have you played Zanac? And despite getting a lot of crap, I think Abadox is an excellent shmup, especially for its awesome in-game art.

Yes, I have played Zanac... although not on the NES much. Mostly the PS1 version (Zanac X Zanac). It might very well be a good port. I just can't recall. Come to think of it, Xevious is very decent on the NES.

I have played Abadox. I like it, but haven't really gotten far it in. I guess I found it more frustrating than not. The organic setting just makes me want to play Life Force/Salamander. One of my good friends here absolutely loves this game. I just enjoy watching him play though it, then force him to watch me rock Blazing Lazers or Gradius III (SNES) on a single life (normal mode). Haha. I could do NES Life Force on one life if I didn't always mess up on the speed section at the end.

[pakopako]

Three just popped into my mind.

Gun.smoke -- CAPCOM's tate
Heavy Barrel -- Arena shooter, but a great one in the vein of Guerrilla War
Terra Cresta -- You control FIVE SHIPS man!

[ExedExes]

Terra Cresta -- You control FIVE SHIPS man!

And they all had some pretty crazy formations (heck, that game let you DESIGN how you want the ships arranged!)

Nichibutsu sure came up with some rather unusual shmups besides that. Magmax (also on NES), UFO Robo Dangar, etc.

[CD AGES]

Dragon Spirit! Fuckin boss. I will never (even IF I tried) forget those wonderful tunes.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Xexyz is another great one that I already own. Didn't include it on my original list as I didn't know if you guys considered it a "real" shmup.

Thanks for all the recs guys.

[Weekend_Warrior]

Gun-Nac is my personal favorite. Crisis Force is a close second

[TEKTORO]

Heres a rare one Advance D&D Dragon Strike..Wwhaaa.. and Silver Surfer..Whaaaat.