Affordable shmups for a shmup newbie?

[AppleQueso]

I've never really looked into shmups much, but I figure that since they've got such a big following and all that it's probably worth a closer examination.

I've got a Saturn and a Dreamcast, which seem to be the big shmup kings from what I've gathered... I've also played and enjoyed Sexy Parodius and DoDonPachi, but not really anything much outside of that (besides obvious stuff like Galaga).

So yeah, what are some nice, affordable shmups out there worth getting for someone fairly new to all this? A nice price range would be oh, around $20 or less maybe?

[noiseredux]

on DC you can generally get Gunbird 2 for $20. GigaWing 1 & 2 and Dux usually go for around $30. It just goes up from there.

[brunoafh]

I think Galactic Attack is pretty cheap for Saturn. But yeah I can't think of many budget friendly ones...

[AppleQueso]

Okay, I guess $20 is awfully low for shmups.

How about we go with $30-40?

[dunpeal2064]

Hmm, lets see:

Saturn:
Galactic Attack/Layer Section
Darius Gaiden
Gunbird
Soukyugurentai (This game will sell a bit higher than your price range, but with patience, you can find it for cheap, and it is fantastic)

Can all be found within your price range, and are all pretty solid. Sadly, most of the really high-quality shmups are expensive on the Saturn now, or at least in the $30.

Dreamcast:
Gunbird 2 (fantastic, but difficult)
Giga Wing

The Dreamcast shmups have also gotten pretty damn pricey.

Do you have a ps2 of ANY region? That is the best place for starter shmups. If not, how about an xbox 360?

[brunoafh]

Are you wanting NTSC-U shmups or is NTSC-J an option?

[noiseredux]

do you have a PS1 or PS2? I could make you an awesome list of cheap shmups that way.

[dsheinem]

do you have an arcade stick? they really do make all the difference...

[dunpeal2064]

Okay, I guess $20 is awfully low for shmups.

How about we go with $30-40?

That adds a few

Saturn:
Sonic Wings Special (I like this, some don't.)
Strikers 1945 (Fantastic port, outperforms Strikers 1945 II on the saturn)
Soukyugurentai (easily in your range now, must get!)
Shienryu
Salamander Deluxe Pack (pretty cool just for Salamander 2)

Dreamcast:
Mars Matrix

I know there are more, but its hard to think of all the Saturn shmups.

[noiseredux]

do you have an arcade stick? they really do make all the difference...

QFFT