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Gradius 3 was my favorite while growing up, despite the massive slow-down (Boo on the wimpy 4MHz SNES processor). For some reason arcade mode on that thing seemed to have a relaxing effect on me... o_O 30-man code? Bah, for wussies.

Later on, it was StarFox and Super R-Type. I haven't managed to get a hold of a real copy of R-Type 3, but the emulated version I've played is a lot of fun.

I need to get more, obviously. Shmup is my favorite genre.

Oh, before I forget, Space Megaforce is also a cool game. Super Aleste in Japan. The game gets a lot of flack, but I think it's still cool.

Axelay

I have never really enjoyed Axelay the way others have. The sound effects seem a little mushy and too echoey (a common problem on SNES games, hitting the echo/reverb too much) and I find the game harder to control and get into than other shooters.