Decided to make a brief foray into this genre.

[Ack]

I figured since I hadn't spent much time with it, it was time I sit down and start playing the only SHMUP I own, Super R-Type for my SNES. I really stink at this game, but I still like it. The music is surprisingly soothing, the controls aren't too difficult, and while the visuals aren't perfect, I think they're kinda cool looking.

I really only have a couple issues with it. First off, when I get some special weapons, I start having trouble telling where I am. I keep thinking that big yellow floating thing in front is part of when, so I tend to dodge when I think it's gonna get hit, and this tends to kill me more often than anything else. The controls took a minute or two to figure everything out(a couple buttons require upgrades), though I got used to them pretty quick.

Really, my only major complaint is that it suffers from slowdown. It kinda kills the experience, or at least detracts from it, especially when it occurs less than three minutes into the game in the first level.

But other than that, I like it a lot. I'm not very good(it took a continue for me to get through the second level...), but I can definitely see myself playing this more often. I should probably quit avoiding this genre and give it a look, though I know nothing about it.

[Hatta]

But other than that, I like it a lot. I'm not very good(it took a continue for me to get through the second level...), but I can definitely see myself playing this more often. I should probably quit avoiding this genre and give it a look, though I know nothing about it.

R-type is particularly hardcore, even for SHMUPs. So it's not surprising that you're finding it difficult. Personally, I never quite found that level of difficulty and memorization worthwhile, so good on you if you do. If you get frustrated though, there are others in the genre with more realistic difficulty levels.

[IcKy99]

i as well tried my first real shmup ikugara its pretty wicked, gotta get used to the whole black/white power up play

[Doctor Fugue]

Whatcha doin' in this forum, Ack? Only hard-asses allowed. Go back to your fighters!

Super R-Type might seem like a strange place to start (^so does Ikaruga, yo), but you have to start somewhere. Make sure to try ALL the different types of shooters! Here are some fine choices!!

Mars Matrix! - ARC, DC - vert - lots of bullets - perfect game - difficult

Radiant Silvergun! - ARC, SAT - vert - memorization and chaining enemies - perfect game - very difficult

R-Type 3! - SNES - hori - memorization - difficult

Gradius V! - PS2 - hori - Gradius series + Treasure = good game

DoDonPachi! - ARC, SAT, PS - vert - standardized bullet hell games (many bullets) - somewhat difficult

ThunderForce IV! - GEN - hori - faster kind of R-Type - difficult

Battle Garegga! - ARC, SAT - vert - many bullets - extremely deep mechanics - very difficult

M.U.S.H.A.! - GEN - vert - just plain fun - medium difficulty

Galaga! - ARC - static vert - waves of enemies

Perfect Cherry Blossom! - PC - vert - beautiful bullet hell patterns - anime style - difficult

Gate of Thunder! - PCE-CD - hori - one of the best horis available

Zero Gunner 2! - ARC, DC - vert - helicopters

Batsugun! - ARC, SAT - vert - "invented" bullet hell - absolute blast to play - very difficult

Strikers 1945 II! - ARC, SAT, PS - vert - WWII theme

G-Darius! - ARC, PS - hori - FISH

Raiden Fighters Jet! - ARC, JP 360 - vert - fast bullets - war theme - difficult

Sengoku Blade! - ARC, SAT - hori - medieval Japan theme - great art

...and Mars Matrix again! - ARC, DC - vert - seriously, play this game

[ott0bot]

^^good choices^^

I think R-type is a great series, but not a great place to start. I would probably recomend R-Type III over super, mostly because the slowdown isn't as prevolent and the game is a bit more solid all around. Since I know your a snes fan, there are a few choice cuts on the system.

Space Megaforce - It's a Compile game and feels like it's somewhere between Blazing Lazers and MUSHA. Solid game.

UN Squadron - fun capcom shooter, a little hard at first, but once you get the hang of it you'll be fine. Good variety of ships and weapons too.

Axelay - ok this one ain't easy, but it's awesome and worth every minute you put into it. Has hori and vert levels and great levels.

Macross Scrambled Valkyrie - jp only release. awesome macross themed shooter. just play it.

There are even sweeter games on the Genny...but just comb through the shmup posts and you'll see alot of great suggestions.

[bobbynewmarkiii]

R-Type 3!

I've not played 3 - how does it compare to original and final?

[ott0bot]

R-Type 3!

I've not played 3 - how does it compare to original and final?

It's my favorite of the series as well, and I find that it's the most user friendly of the 3 you mentioned. Big wonderful looking sprites and challanging boss battles. Very, very pattern based designs that are clever and fun. More of the "I'll get it this time" feel and less of the "I hate this fricking game" explative incurring, controller throwing frustration. The slowdown still occurs, but i find it much less distracting than on Super R-Type. It's an awesome game, and probably my fovorite hori on the SNES.

I dig R-Type final, but for some reason it didn't hit me like the earlier series. I find R-Type Delta (my second favorite) on the PS1 to be much better "next gen" version of the game.

Also about the big floating thing you speak of........it's the force pod (or orb or whateva you call it) and it's the innovation that set R-Type apart from games like gradius and thunder force. It's awesome by the way and one of the most powerful weapons in the game. Use it to block shots, ram enemies and get extra fire power. It can de detached and used to plunder a boss right in the face or set behing to guard from those pesky enemies from behind. It rules and every r-type game has it except the arcade only and wondeful in it's own right, R-Type Leo.

Bassically r-type is to shmups like Street Fighter is to fighters. Something new and different blended with the better attributes of it's predecesors.

[Ack]

Well guys, you made a few mentions of titles. Are any of those verts? I don't know why, but I think I'd prefer trying a vert shooter.

[ott0bot]

Space Megaforce is all vert and Axelay is a mix. No vert r-types! what are you nuts!

most of the Dr's listings are verts....l don't think he is a fan of hori's. Nearly all the titles for the DC were, except Border Down.

MUSHA (genny) and Robo Aleste(sega cd) are awesome 16-bit verts. As is Blazing Lazers for the TG-16.

[Ack]

Was UN Squadron a vert or a hori?