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Post by Ex on Apr 27, 2021 10:27:39 GMT -5
May's theme is all about console and handheld shmups, which are not ports of arcade titles. (We've previously had a CR about arcade shmups. Also, when I say "shmup", I'm referring to shoot 'em ups.) So we're looking to play shmups that were specifically developed for the home market. Not games ported to the home market from arcade originals.
Here's a few lists to help: Shmup library lists to browse:
Using GameFAQs, an easy way to determine if a shmup originated from the arcade, is to check its platform availability:If you have any particular home market shmups to recommend, let us know your top picks!
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Post by EasyHard on Apr 27, 2021 11:44:15 GMT -5
I occasionally find myself diving into the vast library of 8 and 16 bit console shmups, but the number of new "favorites" that stick with me is probably low.
UN Squadron (SNES) is at the top of the list, I've been very fond of it for a long time. Having an inter-mission shop and switching between different ordinances is really cool, it gives a RPG-like or Mega Man-like feeling at times. The basic gun and aesthetics just really appeal to me too. If you haven't played it though I would warn that it is fairly hard. You definitely have to approach it as long journey. Also, the last part of the main missions has this famous ceiling boss that is rather tedious and usually requires money grinding to get the best plane beforehand.
Phalanx (SNES) is just underrated from what I can see. I think it is my 2nd favorite on the system. It is pretty traditional, but the small things it does differently makes it much more fun and frankly easier: you have a health bar, you have "swappable weapon powerups" (like Contra 3, but with 3 slots instead of 2) and the traditional "bomb weapons" are demphasized. Stages are long and pretty unique (there's an "underwater" level, and a level where you take on a large space battleship). Still a hard game that needs to be practiced and "solved" though. I feel the game's biggest problem is that it doesn't have a strong identity in people's consciousness or any sort of brand recognition, so it gets pushed aside as a mediocre no-name shmup with a punchline for its box art.
When I played GG Aleste (Game Gear) a few years back I really glomed onto it. It is much easier to complete than those two, or most shmups really. I recall the power-ups being pretty strong, and the right ones can make levels a heck of a lot easier.
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Post by Ex on Apr 27, 2021 12:04:23 GMT -5
UN Squadron was originally an arcade title, but when it was ported to SNES, it did have some alterations. It is a great shmup though. I've not played Phalanx enough to have an opinion. Other than perhaps having the most WTF box art (USA version). GG Aleste is great stuff, agreed. I like the sequel GG Aleste 2 more, but not everyone agrees. The sequel ups the presentation considerably, though perhaps it's not as well balanced as the original. I'll try to come up with a little list of recommended games myself later.
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Post by EasyHard on Apr 27, 2021 12:07:25 GMT -5
Ex Oh yeah, I always forget about the Arcade version for UN Squadron (so it shouldn't be eligible I think? The differences are not drastic if I recall.) The Arcade game I always remember instead is the sequel/spiritual successor called 'Carrier Air Wing' (which dropped the "Area 88" characters/IP).
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Post by Xeogred on Apr 27, 2021 12:32:25 GMT -5
Going from some bullet hell games back to console shmups will be interesting, hehe. But I'm all for this theme. I'll try to finally hit up Super Aleste / Space Megaforce.
Two in my top 3 that fit for these perimeters would be:
Thunder Force IV - sublime, 10/10 Genesis game
Gradius V - Treasure took to the series to the limits and Gradius went out with a bang, brutally tough game. I couldn't beat it back in the day and finally got revenge a year or two ago here on HRG during a "White Whales" month we had I believe.
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Post by Sarge on Apr 27, 2021 12:46:04 GMT -5
Maybe this is the year I finally put more time into a Thunder Force game.
My personal recommendation? Soldier Blade. I was thoroughly impressed by that game playing on the TG-16 Mini.
That, and the sublime The Guardian Legend, although that obviously isn't a pure shmup.
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Post by toei on Apr 27, 2021 12:59:15 GMT -5
Here's a few recommendations:
-Elemental Master (Genesis) Love this style of shmup. Human character, front shot and back shot, weapons that level up permanently, and nice bits with obstacles and whatnot. Considered easy. I think this was the first shmup I finished. If you like it, Psycho Chaser (PCE) is another good choice, but it's a lot harder and requires more memorization.
-Twinkle Tale (Genesis) This is so much better than Pocky & Rocky that it's not even funny. Faster, sharper, better-balanced gameplay, better level design, just better. One of the best Japanese-exclusive Genesis games.
-Coryoon: Child of Dragon (PCE) My favorite cute-'em-up out of the few I've played. It manages to be both rather easy and action-packed, which is rare. Just a nice, fun shooter.
-Gate of Thunder (PCE-CD) This is a very standard horizontal space shooter in appearance, but it's just very well made in terms of balance, enemy placement, level design, etc. It's pretty great. Made by the team that later made Lord of Thunder.
I also like GG Aleste (I prefer the first game).
As for games I want to hit up, I'd like to see if I can beat Download (PCE), and maybe Battle Mania 2.
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Post by Xeogred on Apr 27, 2021 13:18:41 GMT -5
You guys always talk up Twinkle Tale. I'll have to hit that up. I can back toei up on Elemental Master. Great stuff. Gate of Thunder, I think I played the SegaCD version and while cool, I'm not sure if it left a lasting impression. Power metal OST aside... is the PCE-CD version better? I've at least heard they're different in ways. Or maybe it's just the music. Although I guess these Cotton games appeared on arcade alongside the Saturn, this might be cool news for some here: www.gematsu.com/2021/04/cotton-guardian-force-saturn-tribute-announced-for-ps4-switch
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Post by Ex on Apr 27, 2021 13:29:50 GMT -5
I'd like to see if I can beat Download (PCE) If it ends up being good, don't forgot about the sequel. - Here's relevant shmups I've enjoyed since 2013* (and thus recommend):Game BoyChikyuu Kaihou Gun ZAS Gradius: The Interstellar Assault Nemesis TraxGame Boy AdvanceGradius Galaxies Iridion II GenesisThunder Force IV Trouble Shooter (AKA Battle Mania) Trouble Shooter Vintage (AKA Battle Mania 2: Daiginjou) NESCrisis Force
S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team
Summer Carnival '92: Recca
The Guardian Legend** PSP Soreyuke! BurunyanMan Portable (one year shy of being HRG compliant, just mentioning because it's great)
SMSAstro Warrior
Bomber Raid
Power Strike II Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa SNESAxelay Maerchen Adventure Cotton 100% TG16Blazing Lazers Soldier BladeTGCD/PCECDLords of Thunder Mystic Formula ( toei might like ) Sylphia Steam-Heart's*As far back as my HLTB records go. **If you only want to play the shmup stages in The Guardian Legend, all you have to do is enter the password TGL, and then press END, and you can play through the entire game skipping all the overhead walking stuff - just the shmup stages! If I think of anymore, I'll edit and add to this list.
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Post by Sarge on Apr 27, 2021 13:37:34 GMT -5
I agree with all of toei's recs outside of Gate of Thunder, since I haven't played it much. I like a lot of Ex's list, too, at least the ones that I've actually put time into. Xeogred: It's Lords of Thunder on Sega CD, and there are differences. Sega CD version is easier, and has a different mix on the soundtrack. I prefer the soundtrack of the Sega CD version, personally, but others like the grittier sound of the Duo game. Gate of Thunder seems to draw a lot of inspiration from the Thunder Force games. Also, I can't be the only one that is annoyed that searching for Thunder Force now brings up that awful-looking comedy movie released this year. Ugh.
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