What makes shmups special among 2D shooters?

[professor ganson]

I believe that there is a real difference between familiar shmups like Gradius/R-Type and 2D shooter like Contra/Metal Slug. I DON'T want to engage here in the issue of definition.

In my own case the difference is not terribly important: I like the former better than the latter, but I like both immensely.

I'd especially like to hear from those for whom the differences matter, those who like the one genre but not the other.

I suspect that one difference is important to some, namely, that shmups allow for a kind of dodging (solely with the dpad) that Contra and Metal Slug do not allow for.

[sjewkestheloon]

i voted for the i don't like option which is kind of not true, but the closest option. i own metal slug 3 whic has got a few plays, and i've had a couple of goes on the various contras but they just seem too much like hard work to play. i don't know why but i enjoy zipping about between bullets and quickly blasting stuff, and i find run and gun stuff to be too clunky. i think it's mainly that i haven't developed the necessary timing to judge jumps through bullets etc.

they just don't really push my button i suppose. i don't personally feel that any great distinction needs to be made between the two genres though as i like to see them as just arcade style coin em ups that i can try and score well on.

but then again i'm not usually one to label stuff.

[benj]

Why can't I vote for "I like contra-style shooters more"?

[jpj-]

i don't like polls.

[Dale]

I tend to think that Run n Gun's are usual better then most Shmups. But other then MS and Contra their aren't that many out their. But the shere quantity of good Shmups can not be beat so I like them better.

[raiden]

I prefer the shmup gameplay by a large margin. I´ve never been too thrilled by Jump n Runs, that might be part of the reason. In Run n Guns, I just don´t feel in control as much as I do in shmups. Taking care of gravity, having a large "hitzone", not being able to move and shoot everywhere, just feels too confined.

[professor ganson]

Why can't I vote for "I like contra-style shooters more"?

Because that would be blasphemous.

I would have to agree with Raiden. As someone who has yet to put a lot of time into run n guns, I still feel rather awkward, confined, and at times overwhelmed. I'm hoping that with practice I will be more comfortable, as I am now with shmups.

I wish that we had an OT high-score section for other 2D shooters, but I can understand if others think that would bring unwanted riff-raff-- people who would vote for "I like contra-style shooters more" and the like.

[Rob]

What Raiden said.

Also, there are a lot more shmups so a lot more variety and refinement within the genre. Many ideas have been thoroughly explored, sub-subgenres created. A top 25 run n gun list would basically have all Contras and Metal Slugs on it.

[iatneH]

Say I'm playing a horzi, and I want to dogde up. I can move up as little or as much as I want.

But if I'm playing a platformer, I can only jump a certain minimum and maximum height, and most of the time I can't double jump. Doom!

[Ed Oscuro]

Where's my option for "I like Contra-style shooters MORE?" I won't even get into the shmup crowd claiming Contra/Commando-alikes as their own (OutZone anybody?)

That said, I'm warming up to the genre. I've seen way too many terrible Contra (or Commando, or Metroid, for that matter) style games released during the supposed height of the genre's popularity. The genre's still doing alright, but aside from the PS2 Contra games and the occasional Silent Bomber or Apocalypse style game (both PSX era at that), not much has been done for it lately. Seems Counter-Strike has pretty much replaced Contra, sad to say.

Traditional shooters aren't easily replaced by (often overcomplicated) flight and dogfighting sims, at least in my opinion. They're doing much better in remaining relevant.

[raiden]

Where's my option for "I like Contra-style shooters MORE?" I won't even get into the shmup crowd claiming Contra/Commando-alikes as their own (OutZone anybody?)

wait a second. I thought we were dealing with side-scrolling GnR-type gameplay (Contra/Metal Slug), not with overhead perspective type games like Commando, Outzone or Shock Troopers. The latter ones give you full control over your character, placing them closer to shmups imo. They lack autoscrolling, but that´s not a confining element.

[FatCobra]

Why are shmups cool?

Because heavily-armed spaceships kick ass! And it's fun to blow shit up!

Not to mention the zen-like feeling you get from playing one.

[professor ganson]

Where's my option for "I like Contra-style shooters MORE?" I won't even get into the shmup crowd claiming Contra/Commando-alikes as their own (OutZone anybody?)

wait a second. I thought we were dealing with side-scrolling GnR-type gameplay (Contra/Metal Slug), not with overhead perspective type games like Commando, Outzone or Shock Troopers. The latter ones give you full control over your character, placing them closer to shmups imo. They lack autoscrolling, but that´s not a confining element.

Exactly. Commando and Mercs are a different breed, it seems to me.

[Damocles]

I enjoy a good run and gun, but I feel that I'm never really in control. I love Metal Slug, but I never really feel like I'm in complete control.