What M2 title should I choose. Can only pick one!

[RedCadre]

The choice is between ESP Ra.De. Psi for the PS4 and the Aleste Collection.

Before people start making suggestions of their other titles for PS4, I already have them.

I'm reading and watching a few reviews however, I'd prefer a more knowledgeable approach hence the post lol.

[EmperorIng]

This one is a little tough due to what you might like, but at the end of the day I say that ESPRaDe, even with its afterthought extra modes, is a game that has more depth and has more lasting appeal than a collection of four game gear shmups. Wait for whenever Aleste Branch comes out, and finally we might have a good, interesting, and quality Aleste game to gravitate around.

[sumdumgoy]

x

[RedCadre]

Yeah, I didnt really understand why M2 decided to do a release of the 8-bit Aleste games while obviously leaving out some important titles. I know they made GG Aleste 3.

Personally, some of bullet hell titles, especially the newer ones are almost too much. Don't get me wrong I'm getting into them more and more. One of the things I wonder with those titles like the ones made by Psykio, Eighting, Cave for example. Is should I jump right in to the normal arcade mode and struggle getting better that way....or start at the Easy Mode, with some games having any even easier mode.

I should mention the whole scoring aspect is something I havent really gotten into yet in general, although I am trying.

I figure the 8-bit collection is much more like a pre bullet hell shoot em up game. with not much complex scoring, at least when looked at next to some of the later releases in the genre. More simple games on the collection in general.

By the way this would be used on the PlayStation consoles and so far regarding, the M2 releases I already have Sorcer Striker, Ketsui, KyuKyoku Tiger-Heli, Dodonpachi Daioujou. With Battle Garegga and Dangun Feveron on Xbox.

[bobrocks95]

I will say all the Game Gear games on the Aleste Collection really surprised me with what they did on the system. The original is too difficult and random for me to have fun with, but Power Striker II isn't bad, despite not feeling like it has a ton in common with the other titles.

I don't know how Esp Ra De fares difficulty wise, but I would highly recommend starting with any Novice modes available, getting to grips with the mechanics, and then digging deeper into the standard arcade modes once you're comfortable. Mushihimesama is a great starting point for Cave shooters as well, at least in my experience.

[Koa Zo]

Ive had the most fun with Aleste Collection.
I'd never before paid attention to PS4 Achievements. Some of the odd-ball achievements I stumbled upon in Aleste Collection got me to look into what other achievements exist in the collection.
I always liked the Aleste games, but playing with different and sometimes wacky goals in mind added a new layer of enjoyment, as well as deepening my appreciation of the games.
I've certainly put more time into Aleste Collection than any of the other Shot Triggers releases.

[TransatlanticFoe]

ESP Ra.De. - if you want to sink your teeth into something tough and dedicate time to just one game

Aleste - if you'd prefer rattling through a few lower difficulty titles (I'd recommend turning slowdown/flicker off in the options)

There's still a tonne of fun to be had with the Aleste collection, with slowdown/flicker off the games are more of a challenge - especially the suicide bullets modes of SMS Power Strike II. But it's probably a hard sell unless you've already got some nostalgia for at least one of the games, as they might simply be too easy for a newcomer who's got arcade 1CCs under their belt already

Obviously the real answer is "why not both?"

[sumdumgoy]

x

[RedCadre]

So, for games that might be available on Switch however, not for Playstation many of those are available on PC. To clear a few things regarding Toaplan games I already have all of them for PC. Also have Mushihimesama and many others on PC.

Anyway....I went for Esp Ra.De. Psi for the PS4. I changed some options and looked online for some translation guides so I could understand the options menus. For some reason I cannot figure out how to turn off 'automatic replay saves'. Basically all of the games M2 released in this series default with automatically saving of replays when doing/losing/messing around in a run. I've turned these off in every other M2 game in the series.

Oh....and I guess I mind as well be honest and state I decided to also get Aleste Collection for Playstation. I'm having the same problem with this one, cant seem to have the automatic replay save turned off. Cant seem to locate it in the options. If someone could assist that would be great, thanks.

[Jonpachi]

Right at the top here in this full menu translation: viewtopic.php?t=65731

[RedCadre]

I found out how to turn off the option in the menus of both games. Thanks anyway dude.

[Dazzymank]

ESP

Have both but I find ESP more for me and played it for decades on name until PS4/switch port and bought it both physical and digital which I don't do often

Aleste I found not really my cup of tea.

[DenimDemon]

Aleste is worth for GG3 alone. It's a blast. Then you have PS2 etc...
But Esprade is amazing as well... one of Caves best

[Quips]

The GG Aleste games really surprised me. I went in with no real history with the series and was blown away by just how engaging and playable Compile made shmups on the humble Game Gear. Of course, I'm sure it helps that I'm playing on a bright, modern-day TV screen!

[Tokyo-J]

Esprade is one of the best shmups of all time.

[Acid]

I think GG Aleste 3 is a modern classic. A perfect game.

[D]

I'd rather recommend the game gear games on the game gear itself with a flash cart if you are interested in GG games. the gg has a great d=pad and is comfortable to hold.
And if you are not interested in the gg itself, then skip these games.
Aleste 3 is indeed awesome and runs fine on the gg!
A gg game cannot compare to an arcade shmups by a top arcade shmup developer.

[scrilla4rella]

I'd go for Aleste but that's just me. I'm a big fan of the original developer (Compile). ESP has great art design but I prefer DOJ when it comes to Cave (been playing DOJ for decades and it never gets old).

[hamfighterx]

There's also a consideration that Esprade, while a great game, is "just" another Cave game - and even within the ShotTriggers series, we have several more of those (Feveron, DOJ, Ketsui), and the Raizing games (Garegga and Mahou Daisakusen) are pretty similar in nature.

Aleste Collection feels more unique, as a 5 game compilation showing off the most famous series from a notable STG dev whose catalog has not been featured as much in recent years. And it's a good example of the different "feel" of a typical Compile shooter - fast paced but not bullet hell, lots of weapon switching by collecting on-screen items. The Aleste games are probably hit or miss for people, but if you like it, I find it more interesting as a way to appreciate a different branch of the STG tree instead of playing one more (very good) Cave game.

Oh, and the M2 gadgets for Aleste Collection are excellent, and truly help me enjoy the games more - maybe more so than any other ShotTriggers release. Seeing your power up level and getting little diagrams of each of the shot power up types really helps to learn and play the games. Although not relevant to the PS4 release, I also like Switch Aleste Collection a lot as one of M2's best releases to play in portable mode, which makes sense since 3/5 of the games were developed with Game Gear in mind (and even the SMS games were designed for Yoko orientation, so you don't get any downside of small vertical playfield with borders).

IDK... I buy any ShotTriggers release immediately, and wouldn't pass up either of these games. But if I had to suggest just one? I think I'd go Aleste, even though I think Esprade is a great game.

[Kobayashi]

Compile rocks! Aleste + Aleste 2 + Musha + Robo Aleste for sure.