Where to start?

[noiseredux]

Don't want to go too off topic here, but for a lot of shmup fans its:

2D (can have 3D sprites, but not on a 3D plain)
Horizontal or Vertical Scrolling (or a mix)
constant forced scrolling

I think if a game follows these, its a shmup,

that's my basic criteria.

[Jontendo]

Gotcha; and sorry for the unintended tangent.

Back on track, I'd also like to recommend:
Darius Gaiden (Saturn). Weird, strangely beautiful (fish-inspired ships + operatic music) and fun!

[dunpeal2064]

Darius Gaiden is a great recommendation. It was even released here, and can be had in the $20 range.

Another one to keep an eye out for is Layer Section, which was localized here as Galactic Attack (funny, this game's name in the arcades in japan was Rayforce, and the english arcade version was called gunlock. So many names)

Edit: Geeze, I forgot Soukyugurentai too. That one is fantastic!

[Soldier Blue]

Definitely get Soukyuu Gurentai Otokuyou. fantastic game and not too expensive either.

[scarper]

My top 3 Saturn shmups (so far) are Radiant Silvergun, DoDonPachi, and Layer Section/RayStorm/Galactic Attack/Whatever the hell version it is in your region.

The three Parodius games on the Saturn go in my "honorable mention" section. I also recommend Twinkle Star Sprites if your ever into puzzle shmups.

I also hear that GunBird is extremely good, but I've never tried it personally.

[ExedExes]

I'm not much help when it comes to suggesting Saturn shmups -- but I know it's the go-to console for some of the finest the 90s had to offer.

[Breetai]

Top 3 shooters on the Saturn?

Get:
-Dodonpachi
-Sexy Parodius
-Soukyugurentai

Why these ones, and not ones like Radiant Silvergun or Battle Garegga? Because they are all awesome AND affordable! They should all be in the $20-40 range, give or take. Others have listed good games as well. Layer Section, Darius Gaiden, Sonic Wings Special, Donpachi, Shienryu, Macross: DYRL, Gunbird, Salamander/Gradius/Parodius Deluxe Packs, etc., are all awesome and affordable.

[sabrage]

Top 3 shooters on the Saturn?

Get:
-Dodonpachi
-Sexy Parodius
-Soukyugurentai

Why these ones, and not ones like Radiant Silvergun or Battle Garegga? Because they are all awesome AND affordable! They should all be in the $20-40 range, give or take. Others have listed good games as well. Layer Section, Darius Gaiden, Sonic Wings Special, Donpachi, Shienryu, Macross: DYRL, Gunbird, Salamander/Gradius/Parodius Deluxe Packs, etc., are all awesome and affordable.

This comment and today's Best Saturn Games Under $25...

My poor wallet

[jay_red]

Thanks for the wealth of information guys! It seems that I cant really go wrong with the Saturn for some shmups. I will most likely look into picking up 1 or 2 of the more reasonably priced titles for now and go from there.

Thanks again guys for all the suggestions.

[pakopako]

GunBird. Always start with Gunbird (SS, PS2) -- it's a cheap series that has a bonus 2P mode (different story possibilities). Gunbird 2 (DC, PS2) weaved in a 1P-alternate mode so even single players could experience the 2P-story modes.

But seriously though, I've never been one to splurge on shmups. The SMS, NES, Genesis, and SNES have affordable titles that are fairly good. (The SilkWorm series for example.) These consoles pale in comparison to say the TG16/PCE and Saturn, but still... affordable titles!