What shmup are you playing now?

[noiseredux]

That [deathsmiles] was the only reason I even bought a 360 to begin with.

it was always high on my list as well. In fact, I've picked up seven 360 games already and I've barely touched any of them besides Deathsmiles so far. I did get Akai Katana (that was my first 360 purchase) and Otometius Excellent as well, but haven't even popped them in yet. As far as arcade sticks go, my Hori Dead or Alive 4 stick just arrived yesterday.

[fvgazi]

That [deathsmiles] was the only reason I even bought a 360 to begin with. I did also end up getting child of eden, but I've only played it a couple times. My 360 mainly was just collecting dust till I got one of these http://etokki.com/Xtokki360

I already had a bajillion arcade sticks for my other systems, and I really couldn't justify building or buying another one. That adapter works perfectly.

I still need to get espgaluda II (the first espgaluda is one of my all-time favorite shmups) and I'm considering akai katana too, even though i suck at horizontal shmups.

Death Smiles got me back into hori shmups; it's fantastic, but holy crud I love Akai Katana! Esp II is also really fantastic. What the hell, I could go on forever drooling over cave shmups.

Anyone have opinions on Otomedius? I've been on the fence, but I don't want to pick it up anytime soon unless its amazing. I have too many shmups to get good at one.

[dunpeal2064]

I would not say its amazing. It sure as hell is no Deathsmiles or Akai Katana.

[sabrage]

Without a doubt one of the worst shooters I've ever played. It looks as if Konami spent all of their money on character designs, animations, and music. Once these areas were complete they thought "Now, what kind of game should we make? Oh! I know, an STG! Those fans will buy anything! This game is an annoyingly cheap copy of Gradius. Completely broken. There are sections of this game where if you lose a life, you WILL immediately lose another (The cave level). A terrible game, but I'm keeping my copy to be a completionist.

I'm guessing that guy knows his shmups. Personally, I find the art style repugnant.

[Nemoide]

I've been playing a lot of Eschatos lately. I love the Genesis-style soundtrack.

Anyone have opinions on Otomedius? I've been on the fence, but I don't want to pick it up anytime soon unless its amazing. I have too many shmups to get good at one.

It's pretty so-so. I'm definitely not a shmup master but it didn't take me long to 1CC it. It has some novelty value and if you like Gradius (and moe anime girls), you'll find it worth playing but hardly essential.

I don't think it's nearly as broken as some people imply. When you die, you can almost always keep your Options - the exception being in certain levels with vertical movement/obstacles that prevent you from picking it up.

[noiseredux]

"pretty so-so" is a good way to describe Otomedius. It's very obviously a tribute to Gradius in general. Though it plays far easier. The visuals are polygonal and "alright." It's doesn't seem to have a strong focus on scoring, as the mechanics are definitely old school "just shoot stuff and win." But the music is excellent. The LE (which is $40 new) comes with a soundtrack, not for OE but for the entire Gradius/Salamander/etc history. So my thought is ultimately, it's not the best shooter around but for a budget title with a nice LE it's worth having in your collection. Probably a 1CC isn't that hard and it won't encourage too much high score competition. But it is at least fun enough to have around and might be a good entry level shmup for 2P co-op if you have friends that aren't into the genre yet.

[xan_racketBOY_fan]

I'm just confused as to how Otomedius looks like shit compared to Gradius V on the PS2? Really looks like a low-budget Dreamcast game. If anyone wants that Gradius gameplay without actually playing it, stick with the Parodius series.

[noiseredux]

I'm just confused as to how Otomedius looks like shit compared to Gradius V on the PS2? Really looks like a low-budget Dreamcast game. If anyone wants that Gradius gameplay without actually playing it, stick with the Parodius series.

Parodius is definitely my favorite of the Konami shmups. But I don't think Otomedius is terrible. It does look like a Dreamcast game though. You're right on that one. If anything Otomedius feels like a weak Parodius game.

[retrosportsgamer]

Here's the context for Otomedius - it's $19.99 NEW (non LE) so with that said, it's gotta be worth that at least, right?

[sabrage]

Raiden 3 basically just ripped me in half. I can barely make it through the first level without dying.