Shmup of the Month Club 2012

[ExedExes]

Haven't been to the boss yet, but it seems they implimented yet another unusual idea in this shooter. This game has that treasure "Breaking the Mold" feel to it, but not to the point of RS or Ikaruga. More of a mix between Gradius and, well, Treasure. lol.

I think Exed is gonna run the table on us this month though.

Before ExedExes, Axelay was my shmup of choice. Started playing it in 1994, bought it in 1998, and played it ever since. I'm liking the shmups with an X in them

-- watch out for X-multiply then

What Treasure influences do you see in Axelay, because I'm curious? Only games I ever played from them were Gunstar Heroes and Dynamite Headdy.

[mjmjr25]

Having the enemies evolve from the sides of the screen, bottom of the screen, and in some cases from all sides at once, is a treasure influence that i'm seeing - granted, my shmup knowledge is 1990 on.

I'll be lucky to hit 100K on this, I think we're all fighting for 2nd on this one.

[dunpeal2064]

Treasure always seemed to me like a company that loved taking classic genres (shmups, run n guns, platformers), and while keeping them true to thier genre, doing everything they can to make the game stand out.

Even amongst diehard shmup fans, Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun are love or hate, even though the core gameplay is unchanged.

They also always seemed to push the limit with sprites, backgrounds, and music, and Axelay is no exception.

I really want to know what Konami games that team dev'd. I remember reading that Contra HC and Castlevania Bloodlines were by the treasure team.

Yeah, you set a nice bar there Exed. Lucky for you all theres no Cave month

[fvgazi]

Section Z +3 (I just got this)
Last Duel +2
Exed Exes +1

[Soldier Blue]

62,310 for Axelay stage 2

I know I can do better than that!

[ExedExes]

I really want to know what Konami games that team dev'd. I remember reading that Contra HC and Castlevania Bloodlines were by the treasure team.

Yeah, you set a nice bar there Exed. Lucky for you all theres no Cave month

I would NOT be surprised if they did Contra HC. That graphical style is there.

CAVE?! *runs* More like CAVE-in! (in short, you'd be the one with that super score and I'd be stuck in stage 2 obscurity)

Section Z +3 (I just got this)
Last Duel +2
Exed Exes +1

Thank you! Sorry I forgot Section Z earlier

[dsheinem]

I don't like how Axelay forces you back to the middle of the screen and feels like it is pushing against you the whole time - I like to feel like I have freedom of movement in a shmup. Is every level like this, or just level 1? Do the weapons get better/more powered up/more interesting in later levels?

[fvgazi]

I'm only at 27,590.

On my 3rd try I got up to the 1st boss spider guy. I'm sort of liking this game, but the visual style for these mode-7 levels is kind of off putting. I really like the music and the weapon systems are kind of cool. I know it switches back and forth between regular 2d-hori and the mode-7 style so I'll give a few more runs tonight.

Hopefully I can get the hang of this game throughout the month.

[dsheinem]

+3 Legendary Wings
+2 Varth
+1 Exed Exes

[ExedExes]

I don't like how Axelay forces you back to the middle of the screen and feels like it is pushing against you the whole time - I like to feel like I have freedom of movement in a shmup. Is every level like this, or just level 1? Do the weapons get better/more powered up/more interesting in later levels?

Level 1 will feel a bit confined, but Level 3 is less pushy and Level 5 is not pushy at all. The horizontal levels have no issue.

The weapon for completing level 4 is useful, as is the one at Level 5 for Level 6.

Since nobody has seen Level 5 or 6 yet, I won't reveal what I use, but here's what I use.

Level 1 - Straight Laser/Round Vulcan/Macro Missile (obviously)

Level 2 - Straight Laser/Round Vulcan/Macro Missile (Macro good on boss)

Level 3 - Needle Cracker/Round Vulcan/Explosion Bomb (good on miniboss/end boss)

Level 4 - Needle Cracker/Round Vulcan/Explosion Bomb (EB can travel through obstacles)

I'll let you all figure out L5 and L6 -- not out to spoil it for ya