Shoot the Core-cast - Focus Shot 001 - Mushihimesama

[garrz32]

Thanks to both of you! I appreciate the continued support for the podcast, and hope you're enjoying the episodes.

Love them , the time and effort you put into this is great. keep up the good work

[FRO]

Here in Episode 013 of Shoot the Core-cast, we bring on a special guest to help us talk about HuCast's indie shoot-em-up, Ghost Blade, a posthumous release on the Dreamcast, from 2015. We also talk about the HD update the game received just 2 years later, Ghost Blade HD. We proudly welcome our special guest, Ser Flash, of Studio Mudprints, creator of the Bullet Heaven series of videos, on YouTube!

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2019-07-31_shoot_the_core-cast_episode_013_ghost_blade.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast

We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

Here's the original discussion thread from the forum:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19015.0

Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy the episode!

**NOTE**
As of posting this, it appears the episode is live on Stitcher, currently processing through Google Play, and not yet listed on Apple Podcasts. These services often take a little bit to sync up, so if you don't see it on your preferred service, give it a couple hours, and check again. Thanks for your patience!

[FRO]

Here in Episode 014, MetalFRO and Addicted pick apart a classic, late 90's shoot-em-up from famed developer, Psikyo. What makes Strikers 1945 II so well remembered? We dive into that, and hear from the RF Generation community as well, on what they like about the game. Some great discussion was had, and we definitely learned a few things about WWII era planes, as well!

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2019-08-24_shoot_the_core-cast_episode_014_strikers_1945_ii.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast[/url]We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee!
[url=https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt]https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

Here's the original discussion thread from the forum:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19059.0

Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy the episode! One minor thing to note - at the time we recorded the episode, the North American physical releases of the Psikyo collection of shooters hadn't been announced yet, as that was still a couple days away, which is why we didn't mention it in the episode.

[FRO]

With Episode 015, MetalFRO and Addicted dig into the first TurboGrafx game for the RF Generation Shmup Club, the early release, Blazing Lazers! This game has elements from other shooters you may recognize, because it was jointly developed by Hudson Soft and Compile, and their other games and influences definitely shine through. Does the game hold up today? We dicsuss that, and more!

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2019-09-21_shoot_the_core-cast_episode_015_blazing_lazers.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast

We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/

We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

Here's the original discussion thread from the forum:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19090.0

[garrz32]

Awesome game. will be listing to this when I get a chance

[FRO]

Awesome game. will be listing to this when I get a chance

Thank you kindly! I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on the episode

[garrz32]

@ Fro.

Finally got round to listening to the podcast, broke it down to 2 evening sittings due to the time factor.

Great that you guys broke down the actual mechanics of the weapon system , helped a lot when I fired it up last night. But man, I forgot how long this game is. Nowhere near the scores you guys racked up but your podcast got me playing to get better and hopefully 1cc one day.

Great info on the Special Version which I never knew
Favourite part was " Having Texmex(ium) will lead to more powerful than a nuclear blast.

All in all, great episode which got me back into this game. Keep up the good work.

[FRO]

Thanks for the feedback, garrz32! I'm glad you enjoyed the episode, and it's inspiring to see that it got you to pull the game back out again. I hope we can do that with future episodes as well, to encourage folks to pull a game off the shelf, or try something they otherwise might not have. Also, I'll let Addicted know you liked his little joke there

[garrz32]

Absolutely, I hope so too , I'll maybe find the time to enter some scores on RF Gen in the future as well.

Looking forward to the next ep.

[FRO]

Absolutely, I hope so too , I'll maybe find the time to enter some scores on RF Gen in the future as well.

Looking forward to the next ep.

Would love to see some scores and participation

The next episode will probably be a little shorter, so less of a time commitment to listen through it.

[FRO]

This is the inaugural episode of Shoot the Core-cast Gaiden, a side-series from the main podcast! Instead of talking about the previous month's Shmup Club game, we'll be taking on other topics. For this first outing, we had a nice chat with Cathy Kimport, from Tursiops Truncatus Studios, about their upcoming, innovative "wreck-em-up" called The Day We Fought Space! This forthcoming iOS title may change the way you see shooting games, and definitely challenge some preconceived notions about the genre. Check out the game's development, and keep up with the release schedule via their website:
https://www.thedaywefoughtspace.com/

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2019-10-24_shoot_the_core-cast_gaiden_001_-_the_day_we_fought_space1.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast

We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current main episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/

We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

[FRO]

In Episode 016, we take a closer look at an early shooting game that seems to be largely forgotten in today's gaming landscape, despite it being ahead of its time, and somewhat influential. Not only is it the first arcade game to have a TV commercial, but it also introduced us to gaming in an isometric perspective. Why is this game so forgotten? We discuss that and more, as we talk all about Sega's Zaxxon!

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2019-10-28_shoot_the_core-cast_episode_016_-_zaxxon.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast

We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/

We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

Here's the original discussion thread from the forum:
https://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19157.0

[FRO]

In Episode 017, MetalFRO and Addicted talk about a Western-developed game that is largely forgotten today, among shooting games, despite being heavily inspired by one of the genre's early hits, Tempest. N2O: Nitrous Oxide takes the Tempest formula to new, psychedelic places, and we give you an in-depth look at the game! What makes this tube shooter different than its predecessors? We discuss that and more!

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2019-11-17_shoot_the_core-cast_ep_017_n2o_nitrous_oxide.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast

We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/

We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

Check out the original discussion about the game:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19181.0

[m.sniffles.esq]

You forgot my name!!??!!?



(I'm kidding)

[FRO]

You forgot my name!!??!!?



(I'm kidding)

I do appreciate you giving me the heads up about the music CD swap trick. My streams were a lot more interesting during the course of the month because of the indie tunes I spun, versus just no music at all. In fairness, I probably should have noted your handle in the episode notes. Something I'll have to make sure I do in future episodes.

[m.sniffles.esq]

In all fairness, I forget my username (It's a goofy amalgamation of three previous handles I've had on this board), so really, don't worry about it.

[Kollision]

In Episode 017, MetalFRO and Addicted talk about a Western-developed game that is largely forgotten today, among shooting games, despite being heavily inspired by one of the genre's early hits, Tempest. N2O: Nitrous Oxide takes the Tempest formula to new, psychedelic places, and we give you an in-depth look at the game! What makes this tube shooter different than its predecessors? We discuss that and more!

Awesome!!
I'll be listening to the podcast later today!

A few weeks ago I had to choose a tube shooter to play with my mates.
N2O crossed my mind, but then I decided on iS Internal Section, which is great by the way.

[FRO]

Awesome!!
I'll be listening to the podcast later today!

A few weeks ago I had to choose a tube shooter to play with my mates.
N2O crossed my mind, but then I decided on iS Internal Section, which is great by the way.

Thanks for listening, Kollision! And yes, Internal Section is another cool game that I definitely need to grab at some point. Very impressive and unique visual style in that one.

[Austin]

Awesome!!
I'll be listening to the podcast later today!

A few weeks ago I had to choose a tube shooter to play with my mates.
N2O crossed my mind, but then I decided on iS Internal Section, which is great by the way.

Thanks for listening, Kollision! And yes, Internal Section is another cool game that I definitely need to grab at some point. Very impressive and unique visual style in that one.

Woah. Internal Section looks awesome! I had never heard of it before. It's pretty affordable so I just snapped up a copy after checking out a video. Thanks for the suggestion, guys.

N2O is pretty cool too. Always enjoyed that one.

[FRO]

In Episode 018, Addicted and MetalFRO take on the legendary shmup development studio, Toaplan, and dissect their first shooting game effort, Tiger-Heli! We look at this classic both in the arcade, as well as the Famicom/NES port, and see what makes it tick, as well as exploring the early Toaplan DNA found within the game, that you see more fully explored in later games. Is this game still worth playing? Listen, and decide for yourself!

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2019-12-14_stcc_ep_018_tiger-heli.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast

We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/

We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

Check out the original discussion thread for the game here:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19204.0

Thanks for listening!

[garrz32]

Awesome, on my radar..Hopefully get some time to tune in

[FRO]

In Episode 019, Addicted and MetalFRO take a critical look at the Konami shooter, Otomedius Excellent. A spiritual successor to the Parodius series, and heavily inspired by the Gradius games, we dig into what works, what doesn't, and what bothers us about this title, as well as looking at how cultural differences can sometimes affect perception of a game, and its design, throughout the world. We hope you'll enjoy the discussion!

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-01-12_stcc_episode_019_otomedius_excellent.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast

We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/

We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

Check out the original discussion thread for the game here:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19224.0

Thanks for listening, for any reviews, ratings, or feedback you offer - it's very much appreciated!

[FRO]

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-02-15_stcc_episode_020_-_ketsui.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast

We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/

We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

Check the original thread, to see the discussion and high scores (or maybe join in and play, since this is our 2020 Score Competition game!):
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19225.0

Thanks for listening, for any reviews, ratings, or feedback you offer - it's very much appreciated!

[FRO]

In Episode 021, Addicted and MetalFRO go for an unlikely first entry, among Taito's shooting game canon. Rather than tackling the grandfather of all shooting games, or the company's famous, aquatic-themed franchise, we decided to tackle a lesser-known game from 1992: Grid Seeker. We pick this game apart, and try to figure out what's good about it, and also, why it just misses the mark for us.

Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-03-21_stcc_ep_021_-_grid_seeker.mp3

Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2

We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu

We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast

We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/

We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt

Check the original thread, to see the discussion and high scores:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19253.0

Thanks for listening, for any reviews, ratings, or feedback you offer - it's very much appreciated!

[M.Knight]

I just finished listening to that podcast episode, and those thoughts about the game were pretty interesting. I agree that the scoring system is very mixed since you are penalized CAVE-style for freely using the bombs, and here the game's entire gimmick revolves around them so it's even weirder. Though if the bosses (sans the last) don't time out, isn't scoring broken anyway since you could endlessly milk destroyable missiles or other kind of projectiles? Maybe there is a timeout but it takes a veeeery long time? I would find it very strange that a game released that year didn't have anything to prevent infinites on bosses.

Do you know if the boss explosion graphical glitch is also there on PCB? What if it's an emulation bug rather than an inherent glitch in the base game? Even the ports are emulation from what I recall.

And thanks for bringing the "Dictator of Justice" arrange tracks to my attention, I wasn't aware of their existence before. Those remixes are really great! The stage 1 theme is easily the standout and its arrange version is unsurprisingly excellent, but some other tracks are nice too.
By the way, the first stage theme was also remixed as part of the Zuntata Live concert from 1998 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-s68akg6HU

[Mero]

^^ Grid Seeker's gimmick revolves around bombs?

Also assume the bosses time out at some point, the WR isn't anywhere near a counterstop.

[FRO]

I just finished listening to that podcast episode, and those thoughts about the game were pretty interesting. I agree that the scoring system is very mixed since you are penalized CAVE-style for freely using the bombs, and here the game's entire gimmick revolves around them so it's even weirder. Though if the bosses (sans the last) don't time out, isn't scoring broken anyway since you could endlessly milk destroyable missiles or other kind of projectiles? Maybe there is a timeout but it takes a veeeery long time? I would find it very strange that a game released that year didn't have anything to prevent infinites on bosses.

Do you know if the boss explosion graphical glitch is also there on PCB? What if it's an emulation bug rather than an inherent glitch in the base game? Even the ports are emulation from what I recall.

And thanks for bringing the "Dictator of Justice" arrange tracks to my attention, I wasn't aware of their existence before. Those remixes are really great! The stage 1 theme is easily the standout and its arrange version is unsurprisingly excellent, but some other tracks are nice too.
By the way, the first stage theme was also remixed as part of the Zuntata Live concert from 1998 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-s68akg6HU

Thanks for listening! I actually watched that Zuntata live version a little while before we recorded, and after checking it against the original, I found that it's actually the end theme, which is sort of a different arrangement of the stage 1 theme. They're not that different, but there's enough subtle difference to where it's noticeable, when you compare them back to back. Regarding the boss milking, that's a good question. Assuming the other bosses don't time out, some of them probably could be milked. Stage 1 & 2 bosses both shoot out missiles, and the stage 3 boss has enemy craft that sort of pop up out of the submarine (or the water), and come at you, so you get points for destroying them. Stage 5 has some milking potential as well, but those kinds of boss milks would be tedious in all cases. I'm not sure I'd want to do that for a few thousand extra points, given that the game's score ceiling isn't that terribly high in the first place.

And yes, as discussed on the episode, it's odd to me that the game's best scoring potential is also diametrically opposed (or seemingly so) to the very gimmick that you would think would encourage you to bomb. There's probably a balance to strike, which would be different for every level. With a little more practice, I could probably do the stage 3 boss w/o using a bomb, but with proper bullet collection during all 3 phases of that boss, you can refill the bomb stock and gauge anyway. Stage 4 and 5 bosses also fire enough bullets at you that you can do a fair bit of bombing, and just know what it's HP is enough to know when to quit, and just collect bullets again. It does create a strange tension with the 2 systems, which I think is kind of neat, but on the whole, it feels a little half baked. I think it's a bit of a missed opportunity, and one that might have been better, had the scoring penalty for bombing not been quite so sharp.

^^ Grid Seeker's gimmick revolves around bombs?

Also assume the bosses time out at some point, the WR isn't anywhere near a counterstop.

I'd say go listen to the episode to find out

But the TL:DR version is that the GRID units that you have can block and collect some enemy bullets (primary the pink bullets), which fills a meter at the bottom of the screen. Once filled, you get a bomb. You can have up to 4 bombs, and you can fill the meter past that. The biggest end stage bonus comes from having all 4 bombs in stock, as well as a full meter, for 50K points. 4 bombs w/o a full meter is 20K, and it goes down sharply from there. Obviously, when the game's gimmick is collecting bullets to stock bombs, one assumes you'd be encouraged to use them more, but if you're playing for score, you need to use them sparingly, if not outright horde them.

[mainpatr5]

Ryu-Jin is worth trying too.

[Mero]

Oh you just meant the bomb bonus, I got my wires crossed.

[FRO]

Ryu-Jin is worth trying too.

I messed around with this years ago in MAME, and I remember liking it, but it's been forever. I should give it another look.