Gunbird on Sega Saturn - How do I start the second loop?

[Curlypaul]

^title

I've got the end of the game, and but I enter my name in the High Score table and then its back to the menu. I'm pretty new to schmups so sorry if this is a newbie question.

[Curlypaul]

Bump?

On a related note - does anybody know of a good place to look for tips on specific shooters? The internet seems pretty bare of specific info about games in this genre, and there aren't even that many vids of superplays on youtube either.

I've found http://shmups.system11.org/ but thats about it in terms of decent play tips. Surely there must be somewhere on the internet where people show of perfect plays?

[dunpeal2064]

Are you using credits? I believe the only way to access the 2nd loop is to clear the game on one cred.

Shmups.system11 is the best source of info reguarding shmups. I spend hours reading the strategy and high score forums.

I can always try to answer specific questions. I do love me some shmups, whether its playing them or discussing them

[Curlypaul]

I was credit feeding to get a feel for the game. Then I whacked the difficulty right down and got some 1cc's in, but only on lv2 difficulty, maybe I need to do it on a certainly difficulty to get the next loop to start?

So there is no min score to loop in this game?

And yeah Shmups.system11 is by far the best resource out there, already had a good look thru the strategy section for some tips on how to practice.

I'm just a bit bemused about the general lack of information about shmups on the net, compared to say, 2D fighters. Fighters perhaps warrant more FAQs because of the complexity of inputs and combo systems but they share many traits with shumps as well, so I think I was expecting to find a wealth of sites dedicated to them.

[dunpeal2064]

Yeah, there is a lot of information to learn when it comes to competitive shmup scoring, indeed comparable to fighters, but with a more "man vs machine" feel

There actually could be a min score requirement. Ill try it out.

Gunbird is a great game, I'm glad you are getting into it! If you are working on looping, we should get a high score thread going

Some games have more info and more of a following (like Cave), and you'll find some good guides. Some other games (like Dimahoo) have much less info around.

[Curlypaul]

Its a genre that I've never paid much notice to, and I'm really loving it. Its a rush and a half when you dodge a screen full of bullets or are down to one life and manage to keep in the game long enough to top the high score. Its so damn satisfying, unlike modern games that can all be finished easily if you just keep playing. The challenge there is not getting bored before the last cut scene comes around.

I love how the games are difficult, but still beatable with enough practice and skill - the good ones at least.

[dunpeal2064]

Yeah, I had never given the genre a 2nd look until maybe a year and a half ago, and I instantly became addicted to the constant near-death dosging and score-chasing.

The games were really masterfully crafted. Even in games that at first feel impossible (Futari Ultra comes to mind), there are still folks that can tear the game up.

I also love how each game is so unique and requires you to learn that game, yet there are those basic "dealing with situations" skills that sort of carry over to other games in the genre.

There is nothing else like it. Knowing their fans would fully exploit their games, shmup developers had to really be masters of their craft to be successful.

[Curlypaul]

Definitely, the difference between a great shmup and an average one isn't always obvious, but it is vast. I've every respect for the designers who created these things, they really need to know what it is that makes a level fun and what makes it frustrating.

I'm up for a high score thread, I have to work tonight but I'll try and sneak a round in later.

[dunpeal2064]

Sweet! I know Mike and I will be down, and I'm pretty sure Noise has the ps1 port. Plus, Psikyo doesn't beat around the bush with any kind of scoring system to make their gmes difficult, they just go at it with fast, mean bullets.

EDIT: alright, got it up and running. I'm at work, but I will pop this in when I get home.