Expanding my PS2 shooter collection

Post by **LoneCynic** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:21 pm

My current focus in shooter collecting is Playstation 2. Seeing as many of the harder to obtain Dreamcast shooters have been ported to Playstation 2, and that games for that system are not as expensive as other consoles currently, forms the basis for this decision. I want to get some opinions on the shooters available for PS2, and see what I should prioritize based on what's best, rarity, and potential price jumps above current going rates. I know you guys won't steer me wrong, your advice thus far has been invaluable since I joined these forums.

Here is what I have so far for Playstation 2 Shooters:
Collection Volumes with some Shooters in them:
-Taito Legends Volume 1
-Taito Legends Volume 2
-Capcom Classics Collection Volume 1
-Capcom Classics Collection Volume 2
-Sega Genesis Collection

Main collection:
-Dodonpachi Dai-Ou-Jou (Import)
-Espgaluda (Import)
-Raiden III
-Mobile Light Force 2 (Castle Shikigami 1)
-Castle Shikigami 2
-R-Type Final
-Silpheed: The Lost Planet

What else should I shoot for to collect on this console? I have been considering bidding on Trizeal on ebay, is that game good? I am also trying to get my hands on the two Gradius games. What else, Domestic or Import, should I focus on first in terms of the previous stated criteria of how good the game is, rarity, and price range I should expect for recomended titles? Thanks in advance for any help.

Post by **Doctor Fugue** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:52 pm

Mushihime-sama
Ibara
Gradius V

These are must-buy games...they alone are the reason I will eventually break down and buy a PS2.

Post by **Flak Beard** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:59 pm

What shooters are on the Sega Genesis Collection? I bought it, but honestly haven't gone through all the games. I jumped straight into Phantasy Star IV and have been playing that ever since.

I can't think of any other PS2 shooters than the ones you mentioned. Maybe Xyanide Resurrection? Did that ever come out? Anyway, definitely keep trying to get your hands on the Gradius games. Gradius V is great.

Post by **executioner** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:42 pm

Gradius V is a must

Post by **ZenLogikos** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:52 pm

I agree Gradius V is definitely a must. Gradius III & IV is decent. I like Cave, but don't feel as if I need to own all their shmups. Bullet hell gets tiring and feels too similar after a while. Like you, I own DaiOuJou and Espgaluda. I believe those are the best two to own. Mushihimesama doesn't offer enough different for my liking, other than the somewhat unique 'bug' atmosphere. Ibara would probably be the next best Cave to pick up for me, as it's less like most Cave, in that the designer behind Battle Garegga (correct me if I'm wrong) was the lead on the project.

I would also recommend Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol.3, because it contains Dragon Blaze. Also Psyvariar 2: Ultimate Final is the best version of that series. Avoid Psyvariar 1.

I have Trizeal for DC. I'd rate it about a 7. It's a pretty vanilla shooter, but I like the transformation gimmick and the music. I have heard the PS2 version is inferior as it's plagued with slowdown.

Post by **Doctor Fugue** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:33 am

ZenLogikos wrote:Ibara would probably be the next best Cave to pick up for me, as it's less like most Cave, in that the designer behind Battle Garegga (correct me if I'm wrong) was the lead on the project.

I would also recommend Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol.3, because it contains Dragon Blaze. Also Psyvariar 2: Ultimate Final is the best version of that series.

You are correct, sir, about Ibara being designed by the previous Raizing master, Yagawa. You might like Pink Sweets as well, since that is his latest (not found on the PS2, though). Quite a find when Cave hired him! But I suppose they knew each other from the Toaplan days?

Also, pardon me for being a jerk, but I prefer Psyvariar 2 on the DC because it is nearly identical to the arcade and looks quite a bit better (through VGA) than the PS2 one. But, certainly the PS2 version has a billion extras and practice modes that are valuable. Definitely try that game out, LoneCynic.

Post by **ZenLogikos** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:51 am

Doctor Fugue wrote:
ZenLogikos wrote:Also Psyvariar 2: Ultimate Final is the best version of that series.
Also, pardon me for being a jerk, but I prefer Psyvariar 2 on the DC because it is nearly identical to the arcade and looks quite a bit better (through VGA) than the PS2 one. But, certainly the PS2 version has a billion extras and practice modes that are valuable. Definitely try that game out, LoneCynic.

I don't consider your statement jerky in the least!

When I typed that I was actually just referring to what I remembered to be the multiple versions of Psyvariar 2 on the PS2 alone. I refreshed my memory and I was in fact thinking of the multiple versions of Psyvariar 1(Medium Unit, Revision, Complete). I wouldn't call the PS2 version 'hands-down' the best, but I would still stick with it despite the good points you made, as I don't have a VGA cable!

Post by **Ender** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 8:41 am

Doctor Fugue wrote:Mushihime-sama
Ibara
Gradius V

These are must-buy games...they alone are the reason I will eventually break down and buy a PS2.

Second that

Post by **Pulsar_t** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 8:57 am

Gradius V is fantastic, but I'm yet to beat it.. Are you looking for strictly-old school shmups? Rez and Panzer Dragoon (Sega Ages) are both fun on-rails shooters, and especially Rez it's a visceral experience! Silpheed: The Lost Planet is also possibly good.. I didn't bother with Psikyo Shooting Collections because I find games like Gunbird 2 boring.

Edit - Every shmup fan is seemingly excited about this news >>> http://shootthecore.blogspot.com/2008/0 ... force.html Kudos to Sega!

Post by **black flag nc** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 2:38 pm

Sort of slim pickings on the ps2, but Gradius V is amazing. I really liked Raiden III as well.