Affordable PS2 shmup recommendations

[marurun]

This is an odd thread because A) I'm not very familiar with the PS2 shmup library and B) I'm picky as hell. So hopefully some of you will have a clue what I'm interested in based what I share here and help me find some affordable shmups for the PS2 that I can pursue and enjoy.

I want to get some shmups for the PS2, but I don't know what I should be looking for.

Here's the kind of shmup I consider damn good to play:

Darius
Hudson/Kaneko shmups (Soldier series, Star Parodier, Aero Blasters/Air Buster, etc...)
The ... of Thunder series
Raiden and Raiden II
Gradius II (even though it's too damn hard)
R-Type (even though it's WAY too damn hard)
Parodius
Compile shmups
In the Hunt

Here stuff I am OK with, but am not necessarily super interested in pursuing:

Bullet hells of most varieties
Donpachi series (I know, redundant with the above)
Some of the weird Taito crap like Insector X and Syvalion

I know, informative, right?

So what do you think I should be looking for on the PS2? Any clue as to my preferred shmup or have I already lost most of you?

I have an import swap disc, but no mod chip, so I can do JPN games as long as they don't check the hardware after the swap.

[jepjepjep]

Gradius V seems to be the most heralded PS2 shmup. Not too expensive either since it got a western release.

[oxymoron]

Gradius V seems to be the most heralded PS2 shmup. Not too expensive either since it got a western release.

$30 is kind of expensive.

[mjmjr25]

PS2 shmups have really come down lately. The US shmups are pretty inexpensive:

R-Type Final
Castle Shikigami II
Gradius III and IV
Gradius V
Silpheed
Mobile Light Force II

The JP shmups (dozens and dozens) with the exception of Ibara are all down about 25% from a year ago, a good time to buy.

[ExedExes]

I don't have a PS2 so I don't know all that's out there, but Taito Legends 2 has a few Darius games as well as RayStorm. There's also some other stuff like Gun Frontier, Metal Black, Grid Seeker and Gekirindan.

[rufus777]

.

[GrouchoGlasses]

Try out The Red Star! It's more like Guardian Legend on the NES where levels alternate between topdown shooters to sidescrollers. Even some beat 'em up sections. I got mine of eBay for under $15.

Here's a nice review by Classic Game Room
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV4NiNUEnDs


Enjoy!

Edit: Also, it can be played co-op. Something that made Lifeforce beat out Gradius as my favorite.

[dunpeal2064]

Castle Shikigami II is a must. Even though it is technically "bullet hell", it has its own unique style that I think may appeal to you, even if you aren't a fan of the typical bullet hell.

Its fun, challenging, unique, can be had cheap, has a ton of variety, and has one of the best/worst translations ever.

[prfsnl_gmr]

R-Type Final
Castle Shikigami II
Gradius III and IV
Gradius V
Silpheed
Mobile Light Force II

I second these, and I would add Raiden III since you mention liking the series. Taito Legends 2 also has some very solid shmups, including a few Darius games.

Finally, I cannot recommend The Red Star highly enough. It is a great game.

[noiseredux]

Finally, I cannot recommend The Red Star highly enough. It is a great game. Although it's not a shmup.

FTFY.