Arcade Archives STG Directory [12/06/24: Vs. Star Luster]

[BIL]

Howdy. Here is a quick reference of STGs in Hamster's ongoing Arcade Archives project, using current Hi Score forum eligibility. It'll be bumped as new titles are announced. For further discussion, please see cave hermit's ACA General Thread.

Arcade Archives STGs:

Spoiler

• Currently supported platforms are PlayStation 4 and Switch.
• Asian (AS) region releases are presently PS4-only.
• Jaleco-published games are currently unavailable in Asia region.

A
A-JAX, aka Typhoon	Konami	1987	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. Xevious-type heli stages with After Burner 3D dogfights interspersed.
Argus	NMK, via Jaleco	1986	JP / NA / EU, Switch-only / AS	NMK's debut, a notedly tough Xevious-styled vert.
ASO: Armored Scrum Object, aka Alpha Mission	SNK	1985	JP / NA / EU, Switch-only / AS	Includes JP region only. Xevious ground bomber featuring an innovative "Power Armor" system.
Ark Area	UPL	1989	JP / NA & EU, Switch-only / AS	Topdown arena STG with locking strafe. Sequel to Nova 2001. UPL visual effects known to raise false alarms with PCB owners!
Armed F, aka Formation Armed F	Nichibutsu	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	Terrain-intense, Gunpod-driven vert whose formation mechanics recall Nichibutsu's earlier Crestas.
Assault	Namco	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	Early & Later revs included. Tank-based topdown seek/destroy with twin-stick driving. Optional simplified controls.
Atomic Robo-Kid	UPL	1988	JP / NA & EU, Switch-only / AS	Uses "Type 2" revision. Push-scrolling jetpack hori with locking strafe and vivid UPL style.

B
Baraduke, aka Alien Sector	Namco	1985	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes JP region only. 8-way jetpack hori search & rescue. Famously cute/creepy style.
Baraduke 2: Bakutotsu Kijuutei	Namco	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	Switches to push-scrolling hori format, with the same striking chibi-horror air. Rescued FRIENDOs fight alongside your "Explosive Machinegun Boat."
Black Heart	NMK, via UPL	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes JP and English versions. Fast-paced NMK hori with dragonrider protagonist. ENG rev differs significantly, dragon now blocks bullets.
Bosconian	Namco	1981	JP / NA / EU / AS	Old and New revs included. Classic topdown 8-way seek/destroy.
Burning Force	Namco	1989	JP / NA / EU / AS	Space Harrier-style 3D STG. Switches from ground-based bike to full 8-way jetfighter for bosses.

C
Chouji Meiykuu Legion, aka Spinner '87	Nichibutsu	1987	JP / NA / EU / AS	Hectic, inventive vert. Features a time-rewinding bomb, unique ship with autonomous turrets, and mid-air hostage rescues. Adds stage+loop display, and P1/P2 ship select.
Cosmo Gang The Video	Namco	1992	JP / NA / EU / AS	Cute followup to the Galaxian series.
Cybattler	Jaleco	1993	JP / NA / EU	Vertical mecha shoot/slash with 8-way locking strafe. Striking anime style. Fixes the janky HS name entry!

D
Dangerous Seed	Namco	1989	JP / NA / EU / AS	Vert with unique "Voltron" progression. Clear the opening stages without losing ships, survivors unite for the lategame.
Daioh	Athena	1993	JP / NA / EU / AS	JP 2-button & US 6-button regions included. Well-loved vert with many nods to Toaplan's Tatsujin. Adds Rank gauge, and optional counter-stop fix.
Darius	Taito	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Old, New & Extra revs included. Famous two-screen 2P hori with branching stages and iconic boss roster.
Darius II	Taito	1989	JP / NA & EU, Switch-only / AS	Features the three-screen rev, in its debut home translation. (two-screen rev is available in M2's Darius Cozmic Collection AC)
Darwin 4078	Data East	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Fast-moving Xevious-type. Features a unique "mutation" powerup system, with myriad branching forms.
Detana!! Twinbee, aka Bells & Whistles	Konami	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. Gorgeously-produced sequel to the Xevious-styled bell juggler.
Dogosoken, aka Victory Road	SNK	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes JP region only. Sequel to Ikari, where bullet-deflecting melee is key. Optional simplified controls.
Donkey Kong 3	Nintendo	1983	JP / NA / EU	Gallery STG starring iconic gorilla and many angry bees. Switch exclusive.
Dragon Spirit	Namco	1987	JP / NA / EU / AS	Old & New revs included. Fantasy-themed Xevious successor with massively beefed-up firepower.
Dragon Saber	Namco	1990	JP / NA / EU / AS	Futuristic 2P sequel, introduces immense Charge Shot. Adds P1/P2 dragon select.

E
Earth Defense Force	Jaleco	1991	JP / NA / EU	2P hori with varied loadouts, transformable Options, and score-driven weapon upgrades.
Exerion	Jaleco	1983	JP / NA / EU	Hybrid gallery STG / flight sim with ripping machinegun subweapon, and impressive parallax depth-of-field effects.

F
F/A, aka Fighter & Attacker	Namco	1992	JP	Includes JP region only. Masterpiece Xevious-type with acclaimed techno BGM. Features asynchronous A/B autofire, with custom low-frequency options.
Fighting Hawk	Taito	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	Vertical STG closely modeled on Toaplan's epochal Hishouzame. (available in M2's Toaplan Arcade Garage Vol. 2) Notably self-contained, with just a single loop.
Flak Attack, aka MX5000	Konami	1987	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. (matches to system language) Xevious-styled vert, switches to free 8-way shooting for bosses. Novel score-driven weapon upgrades.
Formation Z	Jaleco	1984	JP / NA / EU	Transforming mecha hybrid of hori STG and run/gun.
Front Line	Taito	1983	JP / NA / EU / AS	Grandpappy of rotary battlefield STGs ala Ikari, complete with stealable tanks. Optional simplified controls.

G
Galaxian	Namco	1979	JP / NA / EU / AS	Namco's STG debut, also first 1970s ACA entry.
Galaga	Namco	1981	JP / NA / EU / AS	Early & Final revs included. Legendary gallery sequel with innovative capture/rescue mechanic.
Gaplus	Namco	1984	JP / NA / EU / AS	Old & New revs included. Third Galaxian entry, capture multiple enemies for massive firepower.
Galaga '88	Namco	1987	JP / NA / EU / AS	Uniquely multi-tiered stages, navigated via "Dimension Warps."
Gemini Wing	Tecmo	1987	JP / NA / EU / AS	Cute yet fierce 2P vert, known for its unique "Gunball" item system.
Gradius, aka Nemesis	Konami	1985	JP / NA / EU / AS	Gradius JP ROM & Bubble System (hidden) + Nemesis US & EU revs included. Legendary hori pioneer, introduces iconic powerup bar and Option weapons.
Gradius II, aka Vulcan Venture	Konami	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	Gradius II Old/New/Newer and Vulcan Venture Old/New revs included. Revered sequel introduces multiple weapon loadouts.
Gradius III	Konami	1989	JP / NA / EU / AS	JP Old+New & Asia revs included. Super-tough sequel introduces Weapon Edit. ACA Xmas Special, has training mode with hitbox viewer, stage/weapon select, and myriad options.
Grobda	Namco	1984	JP / NA / EU / AS	Early & Later revs included. Intricately technical, topdown tank battler from Xevious creator Masanobu Endo.
Guevara, aka Guerrilla War	SNK	1987	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes JP region only. Tough third and final Ikari adds tricky hostage rescues. (Canonical Ikari III switches to topdown brawling) Optional simplified controls.
Gun Frontier, aka Gun & Frontier	Taito	1990	JP / NA / EU / AS	Inc. both regions. Takatsuna Senba's gritty "Space Western" vert, famously influenced Raizing's Battle Garegga. (part of M2's ShotTriggers) Adds Rank-tuned autofire.
Gunnail	NMK	1993	JP / NA / EU / AS	JP & English revs included. Gunpod-driven vert with sharp cyberpunk aesthetic, where less lives = more score. Adds Alarm SFX toggle.

H
Hacha Mecha Fighter	NMK	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	JP & English revs included. Adorable, uncomplicated, yet ruggedly tough NMK hori, combining Gradius-style Options with an instant bomb.
Halley's Comet	Taito	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Early innovator of massive vertical firepower.
Holy Warrior Amaterasu, aka Soldier Girl Amazon	Nichibutsu	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. Topdown run/gun with emphasis on Galaga-style enemy formations, and POW mode via a stealable, upgradeable hover bike.

I
Ikari, aka Ikari Warriors	SNK	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes JP region only. Topdown rotary run/gun ala Front Line with intense chain-explosions. Optional simplified controls.
Ikki, aka Farmer's Rebellion	Sunsoft	1985	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes Japan region only. 8-way topdown run & gun / collect 'em up. Interesting auto-aiming shot and melee powerup.
Image Fight	IREM	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	Classic tactical vert with fiendish puzzlebox stage design. Preserves the PCB's onboard stage select. Adds asynchronous A/B autofire and Pod Shoot macro.
Itazura Tenshi	Nichibutsu	1984	JP / NA / EU / AS	Whimsical fantasy take on Bosconian. Seek and restore the constellations via free-scrolling, 8-way topdown shooting.

J
Jungler	Konami	1981	JP / NA / EU / AS	Unusual shooting-driven hybrid of topdown maze chaser and Snake.

K
Kaitei Daisensou, aka In The Hunt	IREM	1993	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. Manually-scrolling submarine hori with novel surface-to-air battling. Legendary pixel art by the future Nazca.
KiKi KaiKai	Taito	1986	JP / NA / EU, Switch-only / AS	JP & World regions included. Japanese folklore-themed, multi-scrolling topdown run/gun with melee deflect. Popularly revived by Natsume for Super Famicom.
King & Balloon	Namco	1980	JP / NA / EU / AS	Gallery STG with unique premise. Player turret repairs after taking damage, enemies stealing ur King is real threat. "Herupu!"
Koutetsu Yousai Strahl	UPL	1992	JP / NA, Switch-only / EU / AS	Previous & New revs included. Hori featuring extensive custom loadouts and massive, bullet-cancelling explosions.

M
Mad Shark	Moss, via Allumer	1993	JP / NA / EU / AS	Raidenesque straight from ex-Seibu Kaihatsu staff at Moss, developers of Raiden III onward. Adds P1/P2 ship select.
MagMax	Nichibutsu	1985	JP / NA / EU / AS	Beltscrolling horizontal STG with Voltron mecha-building.
Markham	Sunsoft	1983	JP / NA / EU / AS	Little-mentioned hori. Unusual nose up/down aiming, and an innovative player-guided missile, integral to sniping boss weakpoints.
Master of Weapon	Taito	1989	JP / NA / EU / AS	Fast-paced Xevious-type with memorable apocalyptic theme. Adds a much-needed bullet strobing fix! Autofire tailored for inbuilt rapid shot.
Mazinger Z	Banpresto	1994	JP / NA / EU / AS	Mecha-themed vert with bullet-cancelling melee. Banpresto's ACA debut, based on classic Go Nagai manga. Adds an optional counter-stop fix. "Majiiin!"
Megablast	Taito	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	Hori STG with unusual and generous four-way firepower.
Metal Black	Taito	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	JP & INT revs included. Surreal "science-fantasy" hori with distinctive aura shot, and G-Darius / Border Down-inspiring beam duels. (M2's G-Darius HD on PS4/NSW/PC)
Metal Hawk	Namco	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	JP & English revs included. Heli-based topdown seek/destroy with twin-stick piloting. Close sibling of Assault. Wide range of control settings.
Mighty Guy	Nichibutsu	1987	JP / NA / EU / AS	Topdown run/gun with uncommon martial arts aspect. Punches, flying kicks, and a jumping dodge, plus a unique player-guided beam weapon on meter.
Moon Cresta	Nichibutsu	1980	JP / NA / EU / AS	Fast-paced gallery STG with innovative ship combination mechanic. Runs on Galaxian hardware, well-noted in its own right.
Moon Patrol	IREM	1982	JP / NA / EU / AS	Sidescrolling vehicular STG / time trial, starring a hopping buggy equipped with vertical and horizontal fire. Noted for its innovative parallax BGs.

N
Navarone	Namco	1980	JP / NA / EU / AS	Ancient monochrome gallery STG with unique three-sided playfield, and deceptively finessed scoring. Simulates the kit's colour screen overlays!
Nova 2001	UPL	1983	JP / NA / EU / AS	Topdown arena STG with locking strafe. Unusually destructible item drops demand careful shooting. Predecessor of Ark Area.

O
Omega Fighter	UPL	1989	JP / NA / EU, Switch-only / AS	Original & Special revs, plus intriguing "SpecialMode." Innovative vert with proximity multiplier, bullet time, and powerful autofire. Incredible game-length "Huge Battleship" raid!
Ordyne	Namco	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	JP & English revs included. Beautifully-produced 2P hori cute 'em up.

P
P47: The Phantom Fighter, aka P47 Thunderbolt	NMK, via Jaleco	1988	JP / NA / EU	Includes JP region only. NMK's debut hori, an austere military STG recalling Scramble, with smooth Sizzla "Viewpoint" Okamura OST.
Phelios	Namco	1989	JP / NA / EU / AS	Epic fantasy vert whose Options and Charge Shot recall both Salamander and R-Type. Includes custom charge shot autofire.
Phozon	Namco	1983	JP / NA / EU / AS	Unique topdown "build 'em up." Assemble a mighty ship via skilled collisions.
Pistol Daimyo no Bouken	Namco	1990	JP / NA / EU / AS	Uniquely ballistic hori in vivid gag manga style, featuring a lobbing Charge Shot. Includes custom charge shot autofire.
Plus Alpha	Jaleco	1989	JP / NA / EU	Well-produced vertical cute 'em up, featuring a three-in-one transforming ship.
Pooyan	Konami	1982	JP / NA / EU / AS	Highly inventive gallery STG, feat. future Capcom legend Tokuro Fujiwara.
Pop Flamer	Jaleco	1982	JP / NA / EU	Topdown vertically-scrolling run-gun / collect 'em up.

Q
Quarth, aka Block Hole	Konami	1989	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. Gallery STG / puzzle hybrid in charming Victorian whimsy. Use precise shots to save Earth from falling blocks.

R
Rabio Lepus, aka Rabbit Punch	Video System	1987	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes JP region only. Video System's debut STG, a comedic-yet-tough hori with proximity-based melee.
Radical Radial	Nichibutsu	1982	JP / NA / EU / AS	Vertical STG/racing hybrid starring a heavily-armed tyre.
Raiden	Seibu Kaihatsu	1990	JP / NA / EU / AS	JP & International revs included. Iconic Toaplanesque vert, become a major STG name. Adds coin-in RNG control, starting Loop select, and P1/P2 ship select.
Raiga, aka Strato Fighter	Tecmo	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Customarily fine-made Tecmo hori, with novel ability to pivot your ship at will. Adds P1/P2 ship select.
Rezon	Allumer	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Notedly overt R-Type copycat. Adds its own spin with locking "bayonet" module.

S
Salamander + Life Force	Konami	1986/87	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes Salamander, plus Life Force US & JP revs. Classic 2P hori/vert hybrid and Gradius sibling. Saw many changes across its three incarnations.
Sasuke vs. Commander	SNK	1980	JP / NA / EU / AS	Formative gallery STG, known for its innovative boss rounds.
Scramble	Konami	1981	JP / NA / AS	Pioneering hori STG with extensive terrain aspect. Regarded by Gradius Generation as the prelude to that series.
Scramble Formation aka Tokio	Taito	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Xevious-style vert with efficient shooter/bomber formation control, and a crisp Tokyo-metropolitan aesthetic.
Sea Fighter Poseidon	Taito	1984	JP / NA / EU / AS	Submarine hori with impressively finessed vehicle ramming & hijacking mechanics.
Sector Zone aka Seicross	Nichibutsu	1984	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. Beltscrolling vehicular STG with hostage rescue scoring, and violent "bumper car" clashes.
Senjyo	Tecmo	1983	JP / NA / EU / AS	Cabal-prefiguring carnival STG, with intense 360' battlefield. Fast pace makes for an excellent Caravan game!
Silkworm	Tecmo	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	2P hori with famously unique pairing of heli and jeep action. Adds vehicle select.
Sky Kid	Namco	1985	JP / NA / EU / AS	Unusually left-scrolling hori in cute Mappy style, centered on precision bombing. Features uncommon nose up/down aim, and acrobatic loop.
Sky Kid DX	Namco	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Next-year update adds several new stages, and hazardous weather conditions.
Sky Skipper	Nintendo	1981	JP / NA / EU	Switch exclusive. Unique single-screen STG. A "lost game" for many decades, resurrected via ACA.
Sonic Wings, aka Aero Fighters	Video System	1992	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. Shin Nakamura's streamlined, intense vert with wide range of ships. Dawn of Psikyo! Adds P1/P2 ship select.
Space Cruiser	Taito	1981	JP / NA / EU / AS	Inventively setpiece-shifting gallery STG.
Space Seeker	Taito	1981	JP / NA / EU / AS	Unique hybrid of hori STG and Gun Shooting turret scenes.
Star Force	Tecmo	1984	JP / NA & EU, Switch-only	Fast-paced vertical shooting. Famously influential score attack and Star Soldier forerunner.
Strike Gunner S.T.G.	Athena	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Athena's STG debut, a subweapons-laden vert recalling Compile's Aleste. Adds P1/P2 ship select.
Super Cobra	Konami	1981	JP / NA / EU / AS	Sequel to Scramble. Continues the intense terrain focus, adding treasure-stealing BOOTY mechanic.

T
TANK, aka TNK III	SNK	1985	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes JP rev only. Topdown rotary tank multi-scroller, from Ikari's Koji Obada. Optional simplified controls.
Tank Battalion	Namco	1980	JP / NA / EU / AS	Topdown tank arena with terrain destruction and "banzai charge" bonus. Precedes Battle City (on M2's Namco Museum Archives Vol.2) and Tank Force.
Tank Force	Namco	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes JP 2P & World 2P+4P revs. Third entry massively ups its range of weapons and enemies. Cooperate to save the base, compete for most kills!
Task Force Harrier	NMK, via UPL	1989	JP / NA / EU / AS	Gritty Cold War vert. Adds bullet-blocking Gunpods to a Xevious base. Only accurate emulation - MAME lacks its unique slowdown routine.
Tenseiryuu, aka Saint Dragon	NMK, via Jaleco	1989	JP / NA / EU	Includes JP region only. Techno/mythic hori in tactical IREM mode, with great Sizzla Okamura BGM. Bullet-blocking tail recalls Dragon Breed.
Terra Cresta	Nichibutsu	1985	JP / NA / EU / AS	Well-regarded vert, known for its innovative formation mechanics. Includes PSG, YM22023 & YM3526 soundtracks.
Terra Force	Nichibutsu	1987	JP / NA & EU, Switch-only / AS	Cresta sibling with player-switchable "vert overworld/hori dungeon" structure. Notably massive firepower, and correspondingly forgiving difficulty.
Thunder Ceptor	Namco	1986	JP / NA, NSW / EU, NSW / AS	Galaxy Force II-prefiguring 3D STG/flight sim. Extensive control settings. Optional new BGM from original composer!
3D Thunder Ceptor II	Namco	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Sequel features even trickier courses to negotiate. Doesn't emulate the board's eponymous 3D effects, sadly.
Thunder Cross	Konami	1988	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes JP Old + New, NA & EU revs. Hori with distinctive Option controls, referenced by Gradius V's Type 3 ship. Adds P1/P2 ship select.
Thunder Cross II	Konami	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Sequel brings bigger guns, and a notably storming OST from Metal Yuhki. Adds P1/P2 ship select.
Thunder Dragon	NMK, via Tecmo	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Hyperaggressively bomb-driven vertical STG.
Thunder Dragon 2	NMK, via Tecmo	1993	JP / NA / EU / AS	Much-loved vert with Bonus Waves prefiguring CAVE's Dangun Feveron. (on M2's ShotTriggers) More kills = more waves = more kills. P1/P2 ship select.
Time Pilot	Konami	1982	JP / NA / EU / AS	Free-scrolling topdown arena STG in whimsical style. Impressive 32-way firepower!
Time Pilot '84	Konami	1984	JP / NA / EU / AS	Harder-edged sequel adds ground enemies, and lockon homing missiles to deal with them.
Tin Star, The	Taito	1983	JP / NA / EU / AS	Unique gallery shooter. Rotary-aimed belt-view gunfighting. Optional simplified controls.
Toy Pop	Namco	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Maze-based topdown run & gun / collect 'em up. Unique "element shot" system adds tactical pressure.
Trigon, aka Lightning Fighters	Konami	1990	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. Konami's tough Toaplan-esque vert. Adds optional hitbox reduce.
Tube Panic	Nichibutsu	1984	JP / NA / EU / AS	3D STG with innovative 360' radial playfield.
Turbo Force	Video System	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Includes Old, New & North American revs. Video System's rookie vert, infamously RNG-driven. Adds P1/P2/P3 car select.
Tutankham	Konami	1982	JP / NA / EU / AS	Maze-based topdown run/gun, featuring a unique two-way fire system.
Twinbee	Konami	1985	JP / NA / EU / AS	Smash hit vertical cute 'em up. Augments its Xevious base with tricky bell-juggle scoring. Includes Bubble System & ROM revs.

U
Uchuu Senkan Gomorrah, aka Bio-Ship Paladin	UPL	1990	JP / NA / EU / AS	Both regions included. Hori STG with unique crosshair-based subweapon.
USAAF Mustang	NMK, via UPL	1990	JP / NA / EU / AS	Aggressive sequel to P47, trades terrain for relentless speed. Adds P1/P2 ship select.

V
Vandyke	UPL	1990	JP / NA / EU / AS	Fantasy-themed topdown shooter/slasher, featuring a bullet-cancelling sword, a selection of shot types, and a jump mechanic for platforming and dodging alike.
Vs. Gradius	Konami	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Port of Famicom Gradius to arcade Vs System.
Vs. Star Luster	Namco	1985	JP / NA / EU / AS	Port of the Famicom original to arcade Vs System. Space dogfighter sim with ambitious realtime navigation.
Vs. Super Xevious: GAMP no Nazo	Namco	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Not to be confused with the arcade-original Super Xevious. Port of the Famicom's "Mystery of GAMP" to arcade Vs System. Odd sequel with mission-based stage progression.

W
War of Aero	Allumer	1993	JP / NA / EU / AS	Quality tribute to IREM's classic Image Fight. Preserves the PCB's onboard stage & weapon select options. Adds Pod Flip priority switch, and P1/P2 ship select.
Warp & Warp	Namco	1981	JP / NA / EU / AS	Topdown arena hybrid of conventional run/gun and Bomberman-prefiguring maze action. Adds optional aim-assisting grid.
Wild Western	Taito	1982	JP / NA / EU, Switch-only / AS	Topdown rotary STG with unique horseback concept. Blast train robbers, dodge their runaway steeds. Interesting ricochet and train-boarding mechanics.

X
X-Multiply	Allumer	1989	JP / NA / EU / AS	Hori with iconic tentacle weapons and demonic biohorror theme. Known as an ideal first IREM clear, accessible yet authentically devious. Approximates the PCB's crazy 60hz autofire.
Xevious	Namco	1982	JP / NA / EU / AS	Legendary innovator of scrolling verts. Known for its pioneering air-to-ground shot. Adds many performance tweaks, plus optional logo burn-in simulation. :O
XEXEX, aka Orius	Konami	1991	JP / NA / EU / AS	Konami's own Force Pod & Charge Shot IREMesque hori. Includes XEXEX JP+EU & Orius NA revisions.
XX Mission	UPL	1986	JP / NA / EU / AS	Xevious-style vert. Odd transform mechanic presages UPL's wild late 80s run.

Y
Youjyuden, aka Heroic Episode	IREM	1985	JP / NA / EU, Switch-only / AS	Includes JP region only. Fantasy hybrid of Senjou no Okami run/gun and Xevious-type STG.

Z
Zing Zing Zip	Allumer	1992	JP / NA / EU / AS	Vertical STG with juxtaposition of madcap character art and rugged military aesthetic. Novel command input for its i-framed, shot-boosting barrel roll.

Arcade Archives NeoGeo STGs:

Spoiler

• Currently supported platforms are PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One, Windows PC, Android, and iOS.
• All include JP and English revisions.
• Twinkle Star Sprites is currently unavailable on non-Japanese PSN; however, the Japan release still includes the English ROM.
• Strikers 1945 Plus is currently unavailable on Android and iOS.

ACA NeoGeo
ASO II: Last Guardian, aka Alpha Mission II	SNK	1991	Topdown vert sequel. Builds on ASO's unique "Power Armor" concept with intricate upgrade system.
Blazing Star	Yumekobo, formerly Aicom	1998	Action-packed hori with large ship roster. Acclaimed for involved scoring and legendary Engrish.
Ghost Pilots	SNK	1991	Straitlaced Toaplan-style vert. Unusual choice of seaplane player craft.
Last Resort	SNK	1992	Force Pod and Charge Shot-driven R-Typesque by former IREM staff.
NAM-1975	SNK	1990	Cabal-style carnival shooter. Known for its intense dodge roll-driven action and raucous cod-Kubrickisms.
Ninja Commando	ADK	1992	Topdown run/gun with FTG-style command moves.
Operation Ragnarok, aka Zed Blade	NMK	1994	Fast-moving, bomb-happy hori with intense Manabu Namiki BGM.
Prehistoric Isle 2	Yumekobo, formerly Aicom	1999	Includes both the 3 life and healthbar revisions. Latter-day sequel to SNK's 1989 hori, featuring rescue-based scoring.
Pulstar	Yumekobo, formerly Aicom	1995	Quality R-Type tribute, actually not by ex-IREM staff. ;3
Shock Troopers	Saurus	1997	Uses the "three lifebars" revision. Revered 2P topdown run/gun with strafe lock, proximity melee, and dodge roll. Features "Lonly Wolf" and "Team Battle" modes.
Shock Troopers 2nd Squad	Saurus	1998	Sequel swaps the dodge roll for a similarly i-framed, steerable jump, adding vehicle hijacking complete with Charge Shots.
Sonic Wings 2, aka Aero Fighters 2	Video System	1994	Iconic vertical series moves to 4:3.
Sonic Wings 3, aka Aero Fighters 3	Video System	1995	Sprint-paced series finale, featuring a branching stage structure.
Strikers 1945 Plus	Psikyo	1999	Comprehensive Strikers 1945 II remake, formatted for yoko by Psikyo themselves.
Twinkle Star Sprites	ADK	1996	2P head-to-head vert. As cute as it is deadly-competitive!

153 Titles Total. Latest three are Vs. Star Luster, Chouji Meikyuu Legion, and F/A.



Mostly based on the invaluable Wikipedia page. Apologies if anything is off; grateful for corrections and contributions!

[mirkvid]

Awesome reference, great job! This should be stickied!

[BIL]

Cheers bud. I'm sure it'll always be around one way or another, with Hamster's STG coverage.

[Steven]

This probably deserves a sticky.

[Sumez]

oh noes! now ur post iz all sticky UwU

[BEAMLORD]

Ah, the true triple A we've all been waiting for: the Arcade Archives Almanac. Good man, BIL.

[locoBro1196]

cannot thank you enough for this post, straight to favorites!

[pablumatic]

Guess the Hi Score forum isn't including the likes of Contra/Super Contra and the Metal Slugs, but I like the list.

[EmperorIng]

Extremely useful compiling. Sometimes it is a bit tough to browse the larger thread and see what's there. Thanks BIL!

[hamfighterx]

Just chiming in to echo the well deserved praise. Thanks, BIL - this is a fantastic reference!

[BIL]

Cheers all.

Guess the Hi Score forum isn't including the likes of Contra/Super Contra and the Metal Slugs, but I like the list.

Thanks! Yeah, decided to leave it at HS eligibility for now. Run/Guns are my jam too.

[Steven]

Well if you really wanted to do it, Horror Story apparently counts!

[BIL]

Haha. Autoscrolling opens many doors in notoriously shadowy Shumps Town. ACA Wolf Fang will be a shoe-in for sure!

EDIT: Bampu! Latest title is Vs. Star Luster. I hate writing that prefix, nothing looks right. Versus? VS? "Vs." seems the most orthodox, ah well.

[Nahar]

Great thread BIL. Definitely needs a sticky.

[BIL]

Ta bud! I'll ask the high command about a sticky, strictly by popular demand. ;3