Easiest SHMUPs to play...

[o.pwuaioc]

I've always thought Soldier Blade is pretty easy on the default difficulty. Hard mode adds a ton of revenge bullets and shit. It's also one of the best games on the system.

I think so too is Super Star Soldier.

In addition to what others have said, I've found these to be easy: Cyber Core (PCE), Scramble (7800 homebrew), Phelios (Genesis), Dragon Spirit/Dragon Saber (PC Engine, Dragon Spirit also on Turbografx-16, and a remix of sorts also called Dragon Spirit on the NES), and Star Soldier Vanishing Earth (N64).

[nesrulz]

DDP PSX port, because L1 button...

http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... 3#p1107823

[Vampire_Saviour]

Thunderforce VI on PS2 is relaxing and rewarding (even on "Maniac" difficulty).