A genre I never gave a chance...

[jay_red]

I have never really had any desire to get into the "shmups" genre, most games known for being very difficult, and the high cost of the more popular titles kept me away. Recently, with the purchase of my Neo Geo CD, I have started to give these a shot. I started by trying to find different titles for the console, we all know that Neo Geo goes hand in hand with 2d fighters, and thats great, but I wanted to see what else there was.

I looked at some lists, and burned a few different shmups and gave them a shot. Now having put a bit of time into them, I cant believe I was missing out on these! Aero Fighters 2 is good, and the "pilots" are crazy, Pulstar is challenging and looks great, and Last Resort is a bit hard for my liking.

Then I tried Ironclad, and this is the one that really sold me. Once I started playing I couldnt put it down! Its challenging, but not frustratingly so, the backgrounds look great, and the music rocks. I had to put it down to go out, and cant wait to get back to it. This is a title I would love to add to my collection, but it seems that it will be quite the expensive title to get.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my new found appreciation of the genre. What are some other suggestions of the more popular titles I should look into (dont have to be Neo Geo based)?

[Jontendo]

Speaking of Neo Geo...

* Aero Fighters 3
* Blazing Star (AES/MVS only)
* Andro Dunos (AES/MVS only)
* Viewpoint

I always liked Ikaruga (Dreamcast, GameCube) for the "polarity" system and nice artistry of the game.

[Edit] - Just realized the middle two were AES/MVS only.

[jay_red]

I had Ikaruga (GC) for a minute that I got in a trade, but never even put it in before I traded it off (I know shame on me).

Speaking of Neo Geo, how is that AES treating you? I couldnt stay away from the Neo Geo scene for long and picked up this CD console, and have been very happy with it.

[Jontendo]

I had Ikaruga (GC) for a minute that I got in a trade, but never even put it in before I traded it off (I know shame on me).

Speaking of Neo Geo, how is that AES treating you? I couldnt stay away from the Neo Geo scene for long and picked up this CD console, and have been very happy with it.

Still love it man. In January, I actually got a 2nd system for a pretty good price that I repaired. So the one I got from you is a "backup" as it's in much nicer shape.

The other had casing damage, so I sanded the cart guides flush. No more dreaded "insertion marks" on my carts.

I'm hoping to switch to the MVS route once I have some money for a good converter though. I like the cart format, but can't imagine paying some of those 4-digit prices!

I hear CD is pretty rough with the fighting games, but quite a good route for about everything else.

Speaking of which, I must recommend "WindJammers". Quick load times, pretty reasonably-priced on CD, and a great game!

[CRTGAMER]

I had Ikaruga (GC) for a minute that I got in a trade, but never even put it in before I traded it off (I know shame on me).

I'm not big on SHMUPS, most seem Bullet Hell to me. That said, you really need to get IKARUGA again and try it, the color change really adds strategy in a bottom shooter.

[ExedExes]

I'm not big on SHMUPS, most seem Bullet Hell to me.

If you stay away from pretty much any shmup made after 1996, you won't see a lot of bullet hell.

Other than that, NG has great shmups. Many were mentioned, but also check out Ghost Pilots, Viewpoint, Prehistoric Isle 2 (and its non-NG prequel from 1989), if you want a bit of puzzle in your shmup try Twinkle Star Sprites, and if you want good shmups from the 80s, there's lot's of fun ones on arcade and consoles, also consider joining our TR Shmup of the Month club, we are gearing up for Dragon Blaze by Psikyo in a few days.

[sevin0seven]

i also had the special edition of Deathsmiles for the 360 and only kept it for a short time. Bradtemple87 and Dakinggamer87 were all over me when they find that out during one of the bay area meet-ups.

the game just didn't click with me.

[Jontendo]

... also check out Ghost Pilots, Viewpoint, Prehistoric Isle 2 (and its non-NG prequel from 1989), if you want a bit of puzzle in your shmup try Twinkle Star Sprites...

Ghost Pilots & PI-2 are also AES/MVS only FWIW. I thought the former was pretty blah, but still glad it gets some love (if only as a poor man's Aero Fighters). TSS is a definite stand-out though.

[MrPopo]

No mention of Strikers 1945+ for the Neo Geo? For shame.

[ExedExes]

... also check out Ghost Pilots, Viewpoint, Prehistoric Isle 2 (and its non-NG prequel from 1989), if you want a bit of puzzle in your shmup try Twinkle Star Sprites...

Ghost Pilots & PI-2 are also AES/MVS only FWIW. I thought the former was pretty blah, but still glad it gets some love (if only as a poor man's Aero Fighters). TSS is a definite stand-out though.

GP is no stand out title, but for an early Neo shmup I was quite satisfied with it, and the ability to change out bomb types every few stages was pretty nice. IIRC, it also had branching paths. Had almost a Sky Shark vibe around it.

TSS just blew me away. The title would turn a few off but I never seen 2 great tastes that taste great together like that. It's worth every shmup fan's time, for sure.