Let's talk about NES shmups!!!

[ExedExes]

I was waiting to see if someone would point that out, for I figured I posted that already. Seeing as it's too late to delete that, it was nothing but a bump now

But looking at that, I did provide a bit more information *this* time. It was a crap port, and it's a damn shame. At least the Classics Collection preserves it.

[o.pwuaioc]

So definitely not worth importing then? One I can regrettably cross off the list.

[ExedExes]

So definitely not worth importing then? One I can regrettably cross off the list.

Feel free to take a look at it on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9WzGXw_dWc

It tries to do its best like the port of 1942 also handled by Micronics, the graphics and sound and music are there but something just seems -- off. Not only is it missing the multi-layered backgrounds, I couldn't get used to the slower speed and the not so perfect scrolling. The arcade game to me has a real sense of speed and a bit faster action. Also, the bonus fruits in the Hi-Point Areas award more points than the arcade game does.

For an import, as long as you can get a good deal on it, it may be what you'd like, but I'd go with the real thing.

[retrosportsgamer]

The NES is boss and shmups are boss so I've concluded that NES shmups must be doubly boss.

I'm a newbie to the genre and only own a few: Dragon Spirit: The New Legend, Sky Shark, and Stinger. I want to get many more because they tend to be fairly cheap and I like NES controls. What games are best, what are the worst, and do any feature hot anime girls?

NES shmups are doubly, triply boss.

Your games are all good, but there's SO much more.

Gradius/Life Force -- The start of a legendary horizontal shmup series -- both games are great.

The Guardian Legend -- If you like a little Zelda-like exploration with your shmups, then you'll love this.

Zanac -- Has the "A.I." system that progressively increases difficulty the more you shoot.

Star Soldier -- Might not have a lot of name recognition, but it did launch a moderately-popular series. Worth a look.

Gun-Nac -- Built on what made Zanac so good, but released very late in the NES lifecycle so it was largely forgotten. Plus, the weapon-shop fast food chick might fit your anime requirement too

Those were probably the popular, well-loved and well known. Check out these shmups too -- NES was definitely not short in this genre:

Abadox
Alpha Mission
Legendary Wings
Twin Cobra
Tiger Heli
Burai Fighter
SCAT
Fantasy Zone

Hope this helps.

This looks like the most condensed post in the thread, so thanks! Trying to target a couple of these and always blank when I'm out at shows on which to grab.

[ExedExes]

Nice to see this thread again

I think those games I listed months ago are still good. You really can't go wrong on shmups for the NES.

[elmagicochrisg]

Seven pages, and still no mention of Isolated Warrior.

For shame.

[o.pwuaioc]

Would like to add Star Force and Dragon Spirit to the ones above!

[dunpeal2064]

Crisis Force and Recca should absolutely be on that list. They are probably my favorite NES shooters.

I also recently tried Gradius and Gradius II, after giving a bit of time to the arcade versions, and these are really impressive conversions for an 8-bit system.

[o.pwuaioc]

Crisis Force and Recca should absolutely be on that list. They are probably my favorite NES shooters.

I also recently tried Gradius and Gradius II, after giving a bit of time to the arcade versions, and these are really impressive conversions for an 8-bit system.

Life Force? Or did you import the Famicom version?

[dunpeal2064]

Oh, yeah, I was talking about the import. I just use my Wii for my retro gaming though, as it actually outputs a better image than my NES, and I can get 480p out of it on the LED when my gf is crashed out on the room where my CRT is.

Now my NES just sits in a corner with its stack of games. Poor NES.