SNES shmups - weird feel

[marurun]

heh heh... You'll get no argument with me on that point : )

I can respect that you enjoy UN Squadron (the first SNES shmup I played) and Super EDF (very underrated). Too bad Axelay, Gradius III or Space Megaforce don't do much for you. They'd all be my Top 5 right there.

I keep going back to Axelay, giving it chance after chance after chance. I think it is the vertical levels that are sinking me. I just have no interest in them. Gradius III I want to love. It feels right much of the time, but it seems to drag down way too easily. Slowdown is one thing. Even the MD and PCE weren't immune to slowdown, but Gradius III is just too heavy on it. If it weren't for that I think I would actually enjoy it quite a bit. And Space Megaforce is just too... deliberative. Too many levels move WAY too slowly, and I hate the mode 7 levels: too gimmicky without adequate substance. Blazing Lazers can feel slow at times, but even when it is slow it doesn't necessarily FEEL slow, and on many levels it feels insanely fast. Never really got that feel from SM.

OK, so I'm seeing a theme, here. Early problems with slowdown and over-use of mode 7 instead of solid, traditional shooter content are what sink some of the better titles for me.

[ExedExes]

Now that you have explained it, I can understand someone being turned off by early SNES gimmicks. Games like UN Squadron didn't have all that and gave you a better experience. I could never stop playing that.

[brunoafh]

I remember having the same problem with Axelay. Overall I thought it was pretty cool, but I couldn't get past those vert levels.

[ExedExes]

I remember having the same problem with Axelay. Overall I thought it was pretty cool, but I couldn't get past those vert levels.

I remember having to walk you all through them that month we played it If you can get to Stage 5 the boss encounter is fun.

[deathsled]

I still remember the Christmas where I got Axelay and FF3. I got to open Axelay up on Christmas Eve and played that sucker all night.

ARMS INSTALLATION IS COMPLETED. GOOD LUCK.

I wish all my SNES games hadn't been stolen

[ExedExes]

ARMS INSTALLATION IS COMPLETED. GOOD LUCK.

That takes me back to the first time I played it. It was late June/early July 1994, enjoying a summer vacation which would see me renting all sorts of new SNES entertainment. I'd also be renting Super Street Fighter II around this time. But before that, it was Axelay. Once I saw that introduction and hearing those words, I knew this game was gonna be MONEY. You can't deny how awesome it was to see the Stage 2 boss encounter for the first time. Then later on I found out it was developed by the same team at Konami who would later form Treasure, long known for graphically enhanced games on other consoles such as Gunstar Heroes. To me it is still tops on the SNES!

[Hatta]

I heartily agree. Axelay is awesome. But I like both horizontal and vertical shooters. How do you guys feel about Salamander, which also mixes styles?

[ExedExes]

I heartily agree. Axelay is awesome. But I like both horizontal and vertical shooters. How do you guys feel about Salamander, which also mixes styles?

NES port is good, got to play Salamander 2 at STGT last year, but there were no Salamander ports on the SNES, correct? At least not in this country. The SNES had the Parodius series, which also should earn some respect from all those who don't go for the crazy SNES graphic effects. Konami has always been good referencing their past works, and that entire series takes it up to a new level. Dracula-kun using Axelay's weapons for the win!

[hashiriya1]

I used to feel the same way for a long time...but Super Aleste changed my mind.
I am still blown away by the Mode 7 effects even though I'm spoiled by current gen capabilities.

[aaron]

for me it's just those mushy, gross snes buttons that kill the shmup experience. never tried it with a third party pad or a good, solid stick, though.