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.
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.
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.
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.
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 areVs. Star Luster, Chouji Meikyuu Legion,andF/A.
Mostly based on the invaluable Wikipedia page. Apologies if anything is off; grateful for corrections and contributions!
Last edited by BIL on Sat Jun 15, 2024 7:41 pm, edited 31 times in total.
pablumatic wrote: ↑Fri May 24, 2024 4:05 pm
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.