16-bit Shmups appreciation thread

[KillemallCFH]

I've been getting into SNES shmups lately. I definitely believe that the Genny library is superior, but being an SNES guy, it's what I went for.

Space Megaforce was great, and a rarity as a vertical shooter (most other SNES shmups I've played are horizontal).
Axelay is definitely the best shmup I've played on SNES, and maybe the best I've ever played (which isn't saying much; I'm pretty new to shmups).
Super R-Type I haven't beaten yet but it seems mediocre.
R-Type 3 I also haven't beaten yet, but it seems better.
Gradius 3 is good; not much else to say.
I've been playing Phalanx a lot lately and have been really enjoying it (and not just for the cover).

[noiseredux]

I've been getting into SNES shmups lately. I definitely believe that the Genny library is superior, but being an SNES guy, it's what I went for.

Space Megaforce was great, and a rarity as a vertical shooter (most other SNES shmups I've played are horizontal).
Axelay is definitely the best shmup I've played on SNES, and maybe the best I've ever played (which isn't saying much; I'm pretty new to shmups).
Super R-Type I haven't beaten yet but it seems mediocre.
R-Type 3 I also haven't beaten yet, but it seems better.
Gradius 3 is good; not much else to say.
I've been playing Phalanx a lot lately and have been really enjoying it (and not just for the cover).

I'll check out Space Megaforce.

R-Type III is definitely better than Super R-Type.
I like Gradius III a lot actually.
Phalanx I love. Great game!

[noiseredux]

OMG, Sol-Feace (or Deace) rules as much as I remember!!!)

[Hobie-wan]

As far as I know, the Genesis graphics CPU is 8-bit, while the main is 32-bit (not kidding!).

I think the bit wars stuff was stupid, but FWIW it is the sound processor in the GEN that is 8 bit. It is the same processor as the SMS, which is why the Power Base Convertor worked.

I'll check out Space Megaforce.

Yes you should. The amount of things going on will make you wonder WTF Konami was doing when they ported Gradius III and all that slowdown to the SNES. SMF was also an early game, but then Compile always knew how to wring the most out of consoles back then.

[dsheinem]

I'm not singling you out, dsheinem. I'm just making a point to all those who would even think about classifying the PCE/TG-16 as 8-bit. IMO, the "bits" of a system should go by the era, not the system specs.

I consider the PCE to be 16-bit as well, I was just looking for clarification from the OP's point of view so as to give better recommendations. Your post about the processing of each is dead on and a good read for anyone who isn't sure where/how to classify a system.

[EllertMichael]

Genesis
Battle Mania/Trouble Shooter
Elemental Master
Eliminate Down
Fire Shark
Gley Lancer
GRIND Stormer
Gynoug
MUSHA
Raiden Trad
Sol-Deace
Thunder Force series
Truxton
Twin Hawk
Vapor Trail

Space Megaforce is great, but I'd take Blazing Lazers anyday

[alienjesus]

Genesis
Battle Mania/Trouble Shooter
Elemental Master
Eliminate Down
Fire Shark
Gley Lancer
GRIND Stormer
Gynoug
MUSHA
Raiden Trad
Sol-Deace
Thunder Force series
Truxton
Twin Hawk
Vapor Trail

Space Megaforce is great, but I'd take Blazing Lazers anyday

Don't forget Super Fantasy Zone! I don't think the US got the game, but it's fantastic and worth an import from Europe or Japan.

[EllertMichael]

oh by all means not a definitive list! just games I enjoy. I'm sure I'm missing a bunch.. keep those recommendations coming!

I think the cool thing about 16-bit Shmups is that although they aren't necessarily bullet hell style, they are still really fucking tough. haha they don't make 'em like they used to!

[Breetai]

Apparently you guys were not joking about how the Gen shmup library blows the SNES shmup library away! Wow. Can't wait for the Rackeboy guide on Gen & SNES shmups now!

Actually, I prefer the SNES/SFC shmup library. Yes, the Genesis/MD has more and doesn't have the slowdown issues that early SNES shmups have, but I still find the SNES to have a greater amount of top-notch shooters.

Top shooters (not counting 3D shooters like Space Harrier and After Burner) on the Genesis for me are Thunder Force III, IV, Herzog Zwei (but it isn't really a traditional shooter), MUSHA, Gleylancer and Eliminate Down. That is all I can think of off the top of my head. Truxton/Tetsujin is very good, but not A class IMO. Other games like Hellfire, Phelios, Thunder Force II, Super Fantasy Zone, Fire Shark, Zero Wing, Air Blasters, Darius II, Raiden Triad, Arrow Flash, etc. are good at best. IF you add the Sega Mega CD games, then it's much closer. Keio, Silpheed, Bari Arm, Lords of Thunder and Robo Aleste are all 9/10 or better shooters.

So, only counting the Genesis/MD (not CD), I counted 6 must-have shooters in my view.

On the SNES, here are my must-haves:

Gradius III
all three Parodius games
.
.
Pop'n Twin Bee
Super R-Type
R-Type III
Axelay
Super Aleste (aka. Space Megaforce)
UN Squadron (aka. Area 88)
Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie (yes, it is awesome)
Thunder Spirits (yeah, Thunder Force III on the MD is better, but this is still great)


So, Genesis 6 (10 w/Sega CD): SNES 12. SNES wins for quality.

However, after these 12 amazing shooters... there are a few good-great shooters and then... pretty much nothing. I don't even know if I can think of 20 worthwhile SNES shooters, while there are a FEW DOZEN good Genesis shooters worth playing. The Genesis is worth it for Thunder Force III and IV alone. They are THAT GOOD.

Genesis = quantity SNES = quality
PC Engine/Saturn = shooter heaven

[D.D.D.]

I'll check out Space Megaforce.

It's a game that I play still very regularly. I think out of all the Compile shooters, I like Space Megaforce and Blazing Lazers best.