Let's talk about NES shmups!!!

[Hobie-wan]

The NES has quite a few shmups as well, probably in the 20 range, but maybe 3 were not localized?

Way more than just 3, just a few I have or can think off offhand:
Recca
Gradius II
Crisis Force
Over Horizon (Europe got it)
Parodius (Europe got it)
Twinbee (we got Stinger which is the sequel)

Not so good ones:
Galg
Volguard II

A cart only repro could probably be had in the $35 range

$25 + your donor and shipping the cart to the guy from Nesreproductions.com

[dunpeal2064]

^ I would agree with that. There are some less expensive shmups, like Dodonpachi and Soukyugurentai that I would rate higher, but Hyper Duel is good stuff.

My point was just that, for the price, and considering ita the holy grail of nes shmups, I dont think getting a repro Recca is any more outlandish than importing shmups for any console.

On topic, does anyone else find Stinger really tough? Maybe I just suck at horis, but that one kicks my ass, even 2p co-op

@ hobie. Ok, there are 6, 2 non exclusive. Still, the saturn had 3/50 ported? I would still consider that the reason that nes importing isnt talked about as much shmup wise, as it isnt necessary. Good price on that!

[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.

[o.pwuaioc]

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.

[ExedExes]

Wow, I must play this. Although, with no hitbox the game might be a bit too easy

Ack! Would be easy for anyone. Ok, the CONCEPT of a hitbox. It's easy to avoid fire with a little practice (and the special bombs in game) but you won't be GRAZING anything like you would in a modern shmup. You will die. You will DIE. You will DIE after picking up that power up that happens to be before the boss!!!

But yes, still lots of fun!

[ExedExes]

On topic, does anyone else find Stinger really tough?

Yes, if only because the bells kick your ass when all you want is a decent power up and you have to keep juggling them while the enemies zip straight across. Lots to keep track of but that's why it's challenging.

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.

When I thought that game I knew Hudson made it, but I also knew they were responsible for that abomination of a shmup to some, Starship Hector, also known as Hector '87. I would have put it on my list, but to some it is an acquired taste only because it's very difficult.

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.

Someone might think that Abadox is ZOMG LIFEFORCE rip off but it's actually pretty graphically sophisticated for the NES. Again, another one that gets easier the more you play it. I suggested it on my list too -- and not many know about Burai Fighter, which was also very fun!

[Hobie-wan]

Someone might think that Abadox is ZOMG LIFEFORCE rip off but it's actually pretty graphically sophisticated for the NES. Again, another one that gets easier the more you play it. I suggested it on my list too -- and not many know about Burai Fighter, which was also very fun!

Which of course is amusing since Abadox does rip off sounds from Life Force. But yeah, it is a good game. As is Burai. I just skipped as those had been mentioned.

[pakopako]

What, no mention of Naked Sean Connery... I mean Zombie Nation?

[brunoafh]

^ Damn... I must be getting rusty...

[J T]

Lots of good suggestions so far, but here are a few lesser known titles to check out:

Crisis Force

Recca Summer Carnival 92