So getting back into the shmup scene

infamous lunchbox · Post by **infamous lunchbox** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:35 am

I was out of the shooter scene for a while, but during the DC era I bought every shmup that came out, except Rajiruga, and TSS (have it on SS worth owning the DC port?). Rajiruga is a must have, just haven't got it yet. But I have a serious question here that need's some explaining. When the SS and PSX were fresh out I used to play RPG's heavily. I had both systems, but I basically had my SS for shooters and acion while I had my PSX for RPG's. I sold off almost all of my RPG's, but now I want to pick up some PSX shooters. Now I plan on getting most of the new PS2 shooters, except XII stag and the like, but I would love to get some recommends from all of you here on which ones to pick up. Price isn't really an issue as I am super patient, and hopefully I will have a new, much higher paying, job soon. So there's that. I am looking for any and all recommends. I have the SS pretty well covered, but I would love recommends for the PSX. Also the PCE/Turboduo if anybody cares to. Let me know. Also if you would just care to discuss your favorite PS2/PSX/SS/PCE/TD games, please feel free to do it here as I would love recommends and info outside of reviews. Thanks.

neorichieb1971 · Post by **neorichieb1971** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 9:12 am

All the Cave games are probably worth picking up for sure.

HR is highly recommended, just my opinion.

Namely -

Dodonpachi dai ou jou (HR)
ESP galuda (HR)
Mushimesama

Gradius 5 (HR)
R-type Final

As for PS1 I would definately consider these -

Dodonpachi (HR, but you might want to skip this if you have SS version or the ps2 sequel)

Harmful park (HR)
Raiden DX (HR)
Toaplan shooting battle volume 1 (HR, works best on a Playstation 1)
Any Parodius (HR)
Salamander Deluxe pack (HR)
Gradius Deluxe pack (HR)
Kyuuin

Most of the above only got Japanese/Asian releases. Any of the above would make most shmuppers proud to have in their collection for the Sony consoles. I'm sure there are tons more to choose from but the ones I listed are universally acknowledged as quality titles.

Have fun in your search for shooting nirvana.

SAM · Post by **SAM** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:27 am

neorichieb1971, I cann't believe you left out Shikigami no Shiro 2 of PS2.

Get the Japanese version, as it support progressive scan.

Other Recomentation:
Ibara (PS2)
Raiden III (PS2)
Homura (PS2)
Gradius Gaiden (PS)

Macaw · Post by **Macaw** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:27 am

some ps1 suggestions:

Airgrave
Geppy-X (crazy 4-disc 70's robo shmup)
Philosoma (pretty weak gameplay but incredible story and atmosphere)
Zanac X Zanac
Gaia Seed (way, way too easy but still good. Also absurdly expensive)

neorichieb1971 · Post by **neorichieb1971** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:35 am

Sam,

I know Shikigami no shiro 2 is supposed to be a good game but I have not played it so I cannot recommend it. Same goes for Ibara... Its threads like this one that benefit not just author, but people like me also

infamous lunchbox · Post by **infamous lunchbox** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 11:07 am

Gaia Seed, Harmful Park and Zanac X Zanac I have heard of, and will definitely add to my list, the others are mostly new. Also does anybody know what the name of the sequel to Game Tengoku is? I have heard of it, but never seen it really.

I should explain I have kept up on PS2 shooters. Just played Ibara and plan on getting it and I have Gradius 3&4, Gradius 5, R Type Final, Shiki 2 (on DC as well), and a few others I can't think of as I am beat tired. So thanks and keep them coming.

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:05 pm

infamous lunchbox wrote:Also does anybody know what the name of the sequel to Game Tengoku is? I have heard of it, but never seen it really.

So thanks and keep them coming.

Game Tengoku 2 is called just that (it's also known as Game Paradise 2).

For more inspiration, have a look at this thread:

http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?t=7506

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:14 pm

It sorta has alternate names: "The Game Paradise 2" in English form and "Gunbare! Game Tengoku" in JP form.

I wouldn't recommend Gaia Seed myself though since it feels like a doujin shooter. The barely audible Engrish voice intro is pretty amusing though.

Anyway, your username looks familiar: GameFAQs perhaps?

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:34 pm

Yeah, I recognise from GameFAQs too, who could forget?

Welcome to the shmups forum

I don't see what's so bad about XII Stag, other than it's more fun to use the regular shot even if your scores end up being crappy. It's a fairly cheap one to buy too.

If you don't already have the DC version of Psyvariar 2 (again seems to be a hit or miss with most people) then the PS2 version is cool because you get a gorgeous superplay DVD with it, and it's cheaper than the DC version, but it doesn't have VGA mode naturally.

Also check out the Japanese releases of Taito Memories, there are some good games on them that might be worthy of purchase if you don't have the expensive Saturn versions already.

chempop · Post by **chempop** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:43 pm

This really nice site has great reviews on some of those psx shmups people have mentioned. I hate region protection so much I want to play some of these old goodies so bad, not to mention the ps2 gems. Harmful Park looks to be the best exclusive psx has to offer imho.

http://users.pandora.be/twin-dreams/

Isn't the ps3 going to be the region-free? I believe I heard this somewhere, maybe I'll hold off on getting an import ps2, and just save $$ for a while.

Here is my ps2 wishlist though, might add insight.

ESPGaluda
Mushihimesama
Dodonpachi:DOJ
Ibara
Psikyo Shooting vol3 (Dragon Blaze)
Homura

I hope you already have Under Defeat (DC), it is getting most of my time now, can almost 1CC on easy 5 lives, yeah I'm a beginner. Well, goodluck!

tizerist · Post by **tizerist** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:46 pm

g darius
einhander
2 heavyweight shoot-em-ups

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:51 pm

chempop wrote:Isn't the ps3 going to be the region-free?

Some info here.

To Mr. Lunchbox, welcome to the site.

sjewkestheloon · Post by **sjewkestheloon** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:29 am

hey man welcome and many happy returns. also the ps1 had some good conversions of the ray games so you might want to check those out if you're into the whole lock on gameplay and don't mind isometric with an annoying tendency to drift.

SAM · Post by **SAM** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:21 am

sjewkestheloon wrote:also the ps1 had some good conversions of the ray games so you might want to check those out if you're into the whole lock on gameplay and don't mind isometric with an annoying tendency to drift.

Well, I beleave there is a buget release of the two Ray games on a single disc for $10 to $20, IIRC.

infamous lunchbox · Post by **infamous lunchbox** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:56 am

Ahh yes I have the Ray games on both PSX and SS, so need there. Thanks for all the recommends, sorry I am so slow to respond. Thanks again. As for GF I am a sort of regular there on the SS boards. Also if anybody knows where I can pick up a US copy of Keio Flying Squadron (SCD) for any price. Let me know, thanks.

infamous lunchbox · Post by **infamous lunchbox** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:36 pm

So ummm... Any other Utah gamers out there? Just curious. I would like a few more friends out here. There's a hell of a scene out here, just very few people in it. Get what I mean? There are a small handful, most of which I no longer have contact with, that are super dedicated, and the stores here are absolutley insane. But I would like to meet up and shoot shite up with a few locals other than Nate (aphex) and my good friends.

Soldato J · Post by **Soldato J** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 8:17 pm

Hey Lunch, is that you, Armando? If it is you, then wuzzup!!!! If not, then welcome to the SHMUPs forums...so far I think they have the good stuff covered....