Shmup Related Questions That Don't Deserve a Thread

[Faith]

Oh since there is some Switch talk here... what Switch-exclusive STG should absolutely try? Faith recently got Switch as present from client lol @_@"... and been wondering what do with it. Mostly play on PC, but thought will keep it since could be useful when travel (even though usually travel with laptop, but guess maybe can try play on plane lol). Is it like still worth trying play handheld? Remember some others said performance is better when on dock... and of course, the controls even ok for STG? Haven't even unpack yet because of all these questions >.<!~

Also... unrelated... today is 2 years exactly since Faith got (back?) into STG (with Blue Revolver)!!! What a journey! Even though did play some in arcade in past, but at time when they were already all dying... had never really understood genre and so on until play Blue Revolver on PC!!!~

Just wanted to say: thank you so much for this little community! It really means the world to me! To be able to be here to type this especially!~

It has been such an emotional 2 years... from properly discovering STG's... to actually doing clears, and high difficulty clears, and actually caring to score on some games too... never ever thought would have ever managed any of this. It always seemed like... so distant... the skill of some players... so high and so impossible. Really, none of this would be possible without such a supportive, kind, and caring community. Even just typing random crap, or sharing experiences... and even helping each other! It is always so fun to conquer these games as a whole community!!!~

Thank you so much everyone for being here!! <3

[BulletMagnet]

Happy Shmupiversary!

[PC Engine Fan X!]

For Faith,

The M2 release of JPN Switch import of DoDonpachi Dai-Ou-Jou is a must-buy for your Switch stg collection as is the Switch port of DoDonpachi Sai-Dai-Ou-Jou is absolute perfection indeed (as listed on the USA region Nintendo Switch eShop portal itself as a digital download with an MSRP of $34.99 usd).

Here's the physical JPN Switch import of DDP Blissful Death SLE set brand new: https://www.ebay.com/itm/336656683605?_ ... R8S7wuTlZw

And the SuperDeluxe JPN Switch import of DDP-SDOJ set here (comes with a bonus music CD as well aptly titled DoDonpachi Resurrection "Chiptune Arrangement Album" -- was released in Japan back in 2023): https://www.ebay.com/itm/266653180046?_ ... R9bR4uTlZw

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It's recommended that a solid Switch based arcade stick to play the Switch stg titles on sure makes quite a difference in "docked mode." Here's a Hori Switch arcade stick in super mint condition (circa 2017): https://www.ebay.com/itm/267622676616?_ ... R6bwsOLlZw

And here's a brand new 8BitDo manufactured wireless Switch arcade stick: https://www.ebay.com/itm/257597832650?_ ... R9Dfp-blZw
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As for 3rd-party Switch Joy-Con upgrades/replacements, the Hori manufactured ones are ace.

Also the Hori Switch Split Pad Compact (with built-in auto-fire functionality) is highly recommended: https://www.ebay.com/itm/298256816310?_ ... R6bwsOLlZw

Here's one with all-English manual included (plus built-in auto-fire capability selectable on "the fly" if it needed be -- is quite a handy option to have, especially for Switch-based stg titles): https://www.ebay.com/itm/127699109745?_ ... R-LJjuPlZw
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Is your Switch an 1st-gen LCD screen based one or the better upgraded OLED screen variant version instead?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Jonpachi]

Oh since there is some Switch talk here... what Switch-exclusive STG should absolutely try? Faith recently got Switch as present from client lol @_@"

Faith, I read all your posts in Elmo's voice.

Here's a top 3 that you won't find on any other consoles:
1 - Crimson Clover World Explosion
2 - Rolling Gunner
3 - Danmaku Unlimited 3

Honorable mentions:
Moon Dancer
Cosmo Dreamer
Mecha Ritz
Radirgy Swag
Crystal Breaker

[TransatlanticFoe]

There's also Dr Anus, sorry, Drainus - which is Switch only (console-wise, it has a Steam release). Thread:

viewtopic.php?t=70109

[AGermanArtist]

Rolling Gunner's on PS5. I've double dipped.
https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/pro ... GGUNNERXEU

Does Strania Stella Machina EX count?

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Oh since there is some Switch talk here... what Switch-exclusive STG should absolutely try? Faith recently got Switch as present from client lol @_@"

Faith, I read all your posts in Elmo's voice.

Here's a top 3 that you won't find on any other consoles:
1 - Crimson Clover World Explosion
2 - Rolling Gunner
3 - Danmaku Unlimited 3

Honorable mentions:
Moon Dancer
Cosmo Dreamer
Mecha Ritz
Radirgy Swag
Crystal Breaker

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Also can't forget the Hamster Arcade Archives 1 (ACA1) releases of Seibu Kaihatsu's Raiden circa 1990 and Viper Phase 1 circa 1995 (with both Viper Phase 1 "Old Version" & Viper Phase 1 "New Version" arcade stgs included from the get-go) on the Switch gaming platform as well. Both play equally well on the Switch's built-in screen setup. Both are available to buy on the USA region Switch eShop portal as usual.
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As for the proper Switch 3rd-party add-ons that allow the end-user the ability to tate the screen for those Switch stg titles that do allow the abilty to tate the screen, here are the recommended ones to get/acquire:

1.) FlipGrip -- has the ability to tate either the 1st-gen LCD or 2nd-gen refreshed OLED variant Switch setups but not with the ability to charge up the Switch when inserted into the FG accessory itself: https://www.amazon.com/KKOZESST-Switch- ... 012&sr=8-4

https://www.fangamer.com/products/flip-grip -- back in 2022, this was the original site to get a FlipGrip setup. You can use a credit card/debit card to prop up the FlipGrip so that it could remain standing at a slight angle if being used on a table or sturdy and stable platform.

2.) RetroFrog's RoTATE Stand for the Switch: https://bordersdown.net/articles/curren ... J_T2mD0EMY This was a KickStarter funded project back in 2023 and unfortunately, is no longer being manufactured/sold anymore.

3.) Switch Tate Stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C1J ... UTF8&psc=1 Has built-in support for the Switch 1 OLED variant setup. Has handy back stand built-in if it needed be.

4.) TATE Deck and Stand for Switch: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4457653847 ... 1fe6926b6e Has the ability to insert the Switch in either clockwise or counter-clockwise orientation to gain access to both the USB-C charging port & headphone jack (which is a plus in my book). You can hook up a Switch-based arcade stick whilst the Switch is in tate as an extra bonus -- how cool is that?

5.) Pintendo Flip: this particular tate device allows you to gain access to the Switch's USB-C charging port and headphone jack. Has support for both LCD & OLED Switch setups -- https://www.etsy.com/listing/1124751598 ... hop_review

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As for the Switch 2, tate options are also available as well including:

1.) Switch 2 Vertical Grip -- https://www.etsy.com/listing/4386844058 ... a9808ec317

2.) Switch 2 Tate Comfort Grip -- https://www.etsy.com/listing/4338625793 ... d054d9687d
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PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[lastemperorjubei]

For Faith,

The M2 release of JPN Switch import of DoDonpachi Dai-Ou-Jou is a must-buy for your Switch stg collection as is the Switch port of DoDonpachi Sai-Dai-Ou-Jou is absolute perfection indeed (as listed on the USA region Nintendo Switch eShop portal itself as a digital download with an MSRP of $34.99 usd).

Here's the physical JPN Switch import of DDP Blissful Death SLE set brand new: https://www.ebay.com/itm/336656683605?_ ... R8S7wuTlZw

And the SuperDeluxe JPN Switch import of DDP-SDOJ set here (comes with a bonus music CD as well aptly titled DoDonpachi Resurrection "Chiptune Arrangement Album" -- was released in Japan back in 2023): https://www.ebay.com/itm/266653180046?_ ... R9bR4uTlZw

----------
It's recommended that a solid Switch based arcade stick to play the Switch stg titles on sure makes quite a difference in "docked mode." Here's a Hori Switch arcade stick in super mint condition (circa 2017): https://www.ebay.com/itm/267622676616?_ ... R6bwsOLlZw

And here's a brand new 8BitDo manufactured wireless Switch arcade stick: https://www.ebay.com/itm/257597832650?_ ... R9Dfp-blZw
----------

----------
As for 3rd-party Switch Joy-Con upgrades/replacements, the Hori manufactured ones are ace.

Also the Hori Switch Split Pad Compact (with built-in auto-fire functionality) is highly recommended: https://www.ebay.com/itm/298256816310?_ ... R6bwsOLlZw

Here's one with all-English manual included (plus built-in auto-fire capability selectable on "the fly" if it needed be -- is quite a handy option to have, especially for Switch-based stg titles): https://www.ebay.com/itm/127699109745?_ ... R-LJjuPlZw
----------

Is your Switch an 1st-gen LCD screen based one or the better upgraded OLED screen variant version instead?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

You linked DDP DFK, there is no physical Switch version of SDOJ currently.

@Faith: Regarding Switch, it depends if you have access to other consoles and what are those consoles? If you have a PC (Steam) and the Switch but no PS4/PS5 then I recommend all the M2 Switch Shottriggers releases that aren't on PC (Esprade, Aleste Collection with GG Aleste 3 as the highlight, DDP DOJ, Toaplan Ultimate Tiger-Heli, Toaplan Flying Fire Shark, Toaplan Zero Fire => only if you like Toaplan), Espgaluda 2, DDP SDOJ, Hamster Arcade Archives (Viper Phase 1, NebulasRay, there are way more). The advantage of the Switch compared to PC is M2 Shottriggers + Arcade Archives + physical (if it's important to you). The advantage compared to PS4/PS5 is the portability + easy Tate. Lag will be mostly worse than PC and PS4/5 but still good for lots of games.

[Jonpachi]

Oh since there is some Switch talk here... what Switch-exclusive STG should absolutely try? Faith recently got Switch as present from client lol @_@"

Faith, I read all your posts in Elmo's voice.

Here's a top 3 that you won't find on any other consoles:
1 - Crimson Clover World Explosion
2 - Rolling Gunner
3 - Danmaku Unlimited 3

Honorable mentions:
Moon Dancer
Cosmo Dreamer
Mecha Ritz
Radirgy Swag
Crystal Breaker

----------
Also can't forget the Hamster Arcade Archives 1 (ACA1) releases of Seibu Kaihatsu's Raiden circa 1990 and Viper Phase 1 circa 1995 (with both Viper Phase 1 "Old Version" & Viper Phase 1 "New Version" arcade stgs included from the get-go) on the Switch gaming platform as well. Both play equally well on the Switch's built-in screen setup. Both are available to buy on the USA region Switch eShop portal as usual.

But the ask was for Switch exclusives. The games you listed are all available on other consoles.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

For Faith,

The M2 release of JPN Switch import of DoDonpachi Dai-Ou-Jou is a must-buy for your Switch stg collection as is the Switch port of DoDonpachi Sai-Dai-Ou-Jou is absolute perfection indeed (as listed on the USA region Nintendo Switch eShop portal itself as a digital download with an MSRP of $34.99 usd).

Here's the physical JPN Switch import of DDP Blissful Death SLE set brand new: https://www.ebay.com/itm/336656683605?_ ... R8S7wuTlZw

And the SuperDeluxe JPN Switch import of DDP-DFK set here (comes with a bonus music CD as well aptly titled DoDonpachi Resurrection "Chiptune Arrangement Album" -- was released in Japan back in 2023): https://www.ebay.com/itm/266653180046?_ ... R9bR4uTlZw

----------
It's recommended that a solid Switch based arcade stick to play the Switch stg titles on sure makes quite a difference in "docked mode." Here's a Hori Switch arcade stick in super mint condition (circa 2017): https://www.ebay.com/itm/267622676616?_ ... R6bwsOLlZw

And here's a brand new 8BitDo manufactured wireless Switch arcade stick: https://www.ebay.com/itm/257597832650?_ ... R9Dfp-blZw
----------

----------
As for 3rd-party Switch Joy-Con upgrades/replacements, the Hori manufactured ones are ace.

Also the Hori Switch Split Pad Compact (with built-in auto-fire functionality) is highly recommended: https://www.ebay.com/itm/298256816310?_ ... R6bwsOLlZw

Here's one with all-English manual included (plus built-in auto-fire capability selectable on "the fly" if it needed be -- is quite a handy option to have, especially for Switch-based stg titles): https://www.ebay.com/itm/127699109745?_ ... R-LJjuPlZw
----------

Is your Switch an 1st-gen LCD screen based one or the better upgraded OLED screen variant version instead?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

You linked DDP DFK, there is no physical Switch version of SDOJ currently.

@Faith: Regarding Switch, it depends if you have access to other consoles and what are those consoles? If you have a PC (Steam) and the Switch but no PS4/PS5 then I recommend all the M2 Switch Shottriggers releases that aren't on PC (Esprade, Aleste Collection with GG Aleste 3 as the highlight, DDP DOJ, Toaplan Ultimate Tiger-Heli, Toaplan Flying Fire Shark, Toaplan Zero Fire => only if you like Toaplan), Espgaluda 2, DDP SDOJ, Hamster Arcade Archives (Viper Phase 1, NebulasRay, there are way more). The advantage of the Switch compared to PC is M2 Shottriggers + Arcade Archives + physical (if it's important to you). The advantage compared to PS4/PS5 is the portability + easy Tate. Lag will be mostly worse than PC and PS4/5 but still good for lots of games.

Yes, I meant the Switch port of DDP-DFK.

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All the user created stg titles on the Switch gaming app of Smile Basic 4 are all exclusive to the Switch 1 gaming platform including stg titles like:

KT Software's Reflection Force with bonus mini Famicom-inspired stg game of Reflect Edge.

Konimiru's Tumedius -- nods towards Konami's classic Gradius stg.

Konimiru's Lunar City 2023 -- hybrid mixture of Space Invaders + Missile Command mashup.

Gaswitch 2 from taisei circa 2024 -- sped-up version of Galaga with power-ups and plenty of crazy danmaku action.

Smile Basic 4 Caravan Stg from Konimiru circa 2024 -- has both 2 minute and 5 minute caravan excursions + high score & histograms of charts/graphs are saved for posterity -- how cool is that?

Meteor Storm from Otemoto circa September 2023 version -- depicts the classic Atari's Asteroids arcade game but with colorized vector-type graphics and a slight new twist to the gameplay/game mechanics formula.

Cyber Blocker from KT Software circa 2022 -- combines both classic Taito's Arkanoid + stg shooting action to create a brand new hybrid game worthy of your time. Was further expanded for release on Steam later on.

EX-Raise Emotion by KT Software circa 2022 -- is a very professionally done 3rd-person shooter tribute towards Sega's classic Space Harrier arcade game hailing from 1985. Runs at an arcade-spec silky-smooth 60fps framerate and looks awesome if played on an external LCD screen projector setup for that "larger-than-life" overall visual presentation. Sure packs a punch!

Givers P3D from Bugtaro circa 2022 -- slick stg with polygonal sprites and runs at a crisp 60fps framerate to boot.

Caravan, Summer and Haunts from Yaji circa 2023 -- is a fun Caravan tribute towards the classic PC Engine stg of Magical Chase & has both high score & high score initial saving functionality + histograms shown in real time when playing it!

Project Dragoon stg from Yaji circa 2022 -- another awesome user-created stg title worthy of your time.

Project Dragoon Caravan Edition stg from Yaji circa 2022 -- is a Caravan stg within the Project Dragoon stg universe.

Tiramis stg from Yaji circa 2025 -- is a nods towards the classic PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 stg of Magical Chase. The main title screen even has that unmistakable classic PC Engine visual styling going on for completeness.

Sakuke_EXT VS Tengudan stg from Yaji circa 2022 -- is a side-scrolling stg with ninjas galore!

Solid Soldier Collection stg from sou51 circa 2022 -- a tribute towards the classic PC Engine based Star Soldier series with five different modes to choose from including Ver 1.5, Death Label, Ver 1.5 K2, Ver 1.5 Hard Version and lastly, original Ver 1.0.

Lazy Chainer stg from ran circa 2025 -- slick stg with some cool visual effects shown in real time with the Smile Basic 4 gaming engine + danmaku action indeed!

Strike Nova - Operation Thunder Ceptor - stg from Yaji circa 2025 -- slick opening intro reminiscent of Namco's Star Blade & Technosoft's ThunderForce V stgs with a cool "top-down" perspective/viewpoint during actual gameplay.

Sonic Strikers stg circa 2022 -- classic stg that pays tribute towards Video System Co's classic Sonic Wings/Aero Fighters stg series with it's big blocky-ish and chunky sprite fest homage towards the Atari Lynx 1 & 2 handheld going on. Choose from four different fightercraft at your disposal to test your mettle at. High scores are saved for posterity.
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PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Faith]

@Faith: Regarding Switch, it depends if you have access to other consoles and what are those consoles?

Thank you so much for all the replies >.<!~ So, right now... play everything on PC (Steam). Don't own any consoles lol, never have. Just that now, also have a Switch 2 as gift! So... own preference is to still play everything on PC, because that is just most convenient. I do own physical 360 copies though of DFK, Futari, MMP/PS, and SDOJ... and play those on Xenia! So because of this situation... the only reason to keep Switch 2, is if there is something that is either Switch-exclusive or Console-exclusive (other than the 360 games I already own, of course) that not on Steam at all!

So... for example: Zaleste, will only come on PS4/PS5/Switch. So, assuming keeping the Switch 2... then yes, this will be one game of interest!~

Is your Switch an 1st-gen LCD screen based one or the better upgraded OLED screen variant version instead?

It is Switch 2, so, that one not have OLED ver? Need keep this in mind!!~

Faith actually already own custom controller that support Switch! But of course, will probably want to find tate stand for it haha! Actually, thinking about it, Gunvein should be good because it have handheld mode... even though own it on Steam already. So can try play it when travelling lol!!!~

Edit: actually, now that think about it, own preference is usually to always play vertical STG because really bad at hori lol. Always mess with brain. But since Switch, handheld anyway, display is hori and playing any STG in vertical will be fk small... maybe should use this opportunity to find some nice hori STG that won't normally play lol then can also add that to list of games to play when travel! Hope Fox Flare Night come to Switch!!~

[Jonpachi]

Have you ever read the product description for Espgaluda II on Amazon?

- Immersive Adventure: Embark on an epic role-playing journey in Esspgaluda II, a captivating game for the Nintendo Switch.
- Engaging Storyline: Unravel a gripping narrative as you navigate through challenges and battles.
- Vibrant Graphics: Experience stunning visuals and detailed character designs that bring the fantastical world to life.
- Thrilling Combat: Master intricate combat mechanics and unleash powerful attacks against formidable foes.
- Customizable Gameplay: Tailor your character's abilities and playstyle to suit your preferences.

https://www.amazon.com/Espgaluda-Ninten ... WPYK&psc=1

[BulletMagnet]

Dollars to donuts that was written either by AI or someone who'd never even heard of the game before and was given a 10-minute deadline.

[Starfighter]

I want to get some shmup t-shirts, anyone know where I should look? They must be from inside the EU (new regulations make importing pretty much pointless unless you're a company or have more disposable income than me) and preferably have many different designs, not just the one odd shirt (I want to get them all from the same vendor to save on shipping). I've also noticed people do their own designs and have them printed at Spreadshirt...? No idea how they circumvent the copyright policies.

[1000Eyes]

What exactly is the title screen of DDP DOJ WL label depicting? I kinda like how elegant and silent it looks, but I have no idea what it is.

[Jonpachi]

I want to get some shmup t-shirts, anyone know where I should look? They must be from inside the EU (new regulations make importing pretty much pointless unless you're a company or have more disposable income than me) and preferably have many different designs, not just the one odd shirt (I want to get them all from the same vendor to save on shipping). I've also noticed people do their own designs and have them printed at Spreadshirt...? No idea how they circumvent the copyright policies.

You can order Hamster's line through Amazon. They have a ton of things from their ACA line including VideoSystem, NMK, UPL, and a bunch more.

LINK: https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A7141123 ... 7141123011

[Jonpachi]

What exactly is the title screen of DDP DOJ WL label depicting? I kinda like how elegant and silent it looks, but I have no idea what it is.

Just behind the text is the orange outline of a bee. What's behind that though in the far background is too hard to discern, but I always thought it looked like a wasp head facing you. Basically the outline of a wasp's body layered over the top of a large head.

[Starfighter]

You can order Hamster's line through Amazon. They have a ton of things from their ACA line including VideoSystem, NMK, UPL, and a bunch more.

LINK: https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A7141123 ... 7141123011

Thank you very much!

Edit: I remember that when items from Amazon.com are shipped to the EU (when the sender is Amazon themselves) there's no import fees (or sometimes added in the checkout process to avoid further fees later down the line at least), but unfortunately none of the items ship here.