Is Ikaruga really a shmup?

[Illyrian]

The reason why I ask this is because so many of the attacks in the game can be completely avoided by switching polarity, so no bullet dodging is involved.

It's almost more like a puzzle game in some places. So can it really be called a shmup?

[trap15]

[Sly Cherry Chunks]

shmupsareaboutshootingnotdodging

[Chaos Phoenixma]

It's only somewhat puzzlelike if you try to figure out how to chain or go through the levels pacifist. And on the second one of those, i really should get back to trying to learn how you beat that game pacifist cause it's pretty cool that the game is beatable like that. Maybe that can be a 2015 goal.

[Captain]

Ikaruga is like R type final.

And both are

[BIL]

Don't be hatin on the black and white yo
Sometimes you ain't be dodgin just bust a cap in dat ho

[Blinge]

ET TU, ILYRIAN!?



also lol at OP sounding like it's a fresh discussion

[nZero]

1/10 for making me reply to lock this thread. Try to stealth it a bit more next time.