Relatively new to shmups

Nameless86 · Post by **Nameless86** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 4:39 pm

I've been playing games for quite a while, but my experience with good shmups is relatively limited. I bought Chaos Field last night on a whim, and while I haven't beat it yet, I don't really think it's all that great. At any rate I've played a few others such as.... Radiant Silvergun, 1942, Giga Wing, Giga Wing 2, R-Type, Gradius, and the Raiden series. I'm usually more of a fan of run and gun side scrollers like Metal Slug which I realize isn't what this forum is dedicated too, but I guess the purpose of this long post was to get some recoommendations as well as say hello. So if you guys know of any PC shmups I can download as well as anything I really need to be on the lookout for either my Sega Saturn or Gamecube, I'm all ears.

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 4:43 pm

Hi there, welcome to the forum.

If you're looking for PC downloads, head over to Shoot the Core and check out the "PC Database," it's got loads of links.

As for Chaos Field, some around here (myself included) like it, others hate it...I don't know how much you know about the scoring system or whatnot (playing for score, imo, makes the game much more involved), but if you don't know how it works, there should be a thread or two someplace (probably in the Strategy forum) which goes into it.

Nameless86 · Post by **Nameless86** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 4:48 pm

Thanks, I'll definitely check that FAQ out... my shmup skills are sorely lacking at the moment though, it's been far too long since I've attempted one. I'm having trouble even getting into Phase 5 while on easy, and from what Iv'e read Chaos Field isn't the hardest thing out there.

FRO · Post by **FRO** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 8:57 pm

Welcome to the forums! Chaos Field, while not being the greatest shmup out there (not even the greatest on the system) isn't all bad. I find it oddly addicting, & a bit more zen-like in the experience than many other shmups I would consider manic in style. I get less frustrated w/ it than I do w/ many others, & I can play it for longer stretches without feeling overwhelmed. I'd say it's a good beginner or novice manic shooter to get people started with.

The Coop · Post by **The Coop** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:50 am

-Gamecube-

Ikaruga

This game also saw a release on the ol' Dreamcast, but that version never made it to The States unfortunately. The Gamecube version is basically the exact same game graphically, aurally and gameplay-wise, but I believe they added a few things here and there for it. It's not really a direct sequel to Radiant Silvergun (though it was called RS-2 while in development), but it sure as hell is it's spiritual successor.

-Saturn-

Hyper Duel
Thunder Force V
Thunder Force Gold Pack 1 (Has Thunder Force IIMD and III on it)
Thunder Force Gold Pack 2 (Has Thunder Force AC and IV on it)
Capcom Generation 1 (Has 1942, 1943 and 1943 Kai on it)
Soukyugurentai
Battle Garegga
Salamander Deluxe Pack (Has Life Force and Salamader 1+2 on it)
Gradius Deluxe Pack (Has the first two Gradius games on it)
Darius Gaiden
Galactic Attack
Darius II
Donpachi
Dodonpachi
Kyukyoku Tiger II Plus
Layer Section II (Would have been "Galactic Attack II" if it came to the US)
Metal Black
Arcade Gears Image Fight & X-Multiply
Strikers 1945
Strikers 1945 II
Blast Wind

Some of the Saturn titles are pretty expensive these days, going for $65-$100 (Hyper Duel, Dodonpachi, AG Image Fight & X-Multiply, Thunder Force Gold Pack 2), while others go for $30 or less (Darius Gaiden, Galactic Attack, Donpachi, Strikers 1945). The rest float in the middle with a $35-60 price range generally.

Nameless86 · Post by **Nameless86** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 4:38 am

I think I should check out Garegga... or however it's spelled next. I'm having some fun with Chaos Field, but I think it might be just a bit to manic for me at the moment.

GunSpike · Post by **GunSpike** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 4:36 am

Welcome! Yes, Chaos Field is not too bad a shooter, and I enjoy playing it myself (also cool to see other people like it!). Definitely give Ikaruga a shot, it's very good. And if you're looking for stuff to play on your PC, I'm sure you've heard of MAME, and if not, check it out. While I don't support emulation myself, it is cool to try out games before you buy them or to just see what's out there. Later!

Stormowl · Post by **Stormowl** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:46 pm

welcome to the forums!

You really need a PS2...it's probably surpassed the Saturn in terms of high quality shooters.

Get Raiden 3, Gradius V, Dodonpachi DOJ, Mushihimesama, Espgaluda, Ibara, R-Type Final and Delta...you'll be set for life.

Nameless86 · Post by **Nameless86** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 5:36 am

I had a PS2, but sold it to help my financial situtation out a bit... being a poor college kid sort of sucks, and having hobbies like playing music drains most of my cash. Maybe when I move into an apartment I've been looking at with one of my friends and out of the dorm room, I'll buy some of those and play them on his PS2.