Shmup Related Questions That Don't Deserve a Thread

[Bassa-Bassa]

Genuinely not sure what to make of this game now.

No surprise there. You've played three different customizations at this point? Which make for basically three different games. Unless, that is, this customization process is part of the game itself for you as it pretty much looks like (for you and for so many here), which I myself will always find fascinating.

[glenjamin]

Picked up the city connection port of Under Defeat. Seems pretty solid so far. My question is, there's a setting for a "clear" wallpaper, which makes the game take up the whole screen. Is it actually expanding the play field or is that just stretching everything to 9:16? Playing arcade mode btw if that wasn't clear.

[BareKnuckleRoo]

Seems pretty solid so far. My question is, there's a setting for a "clear" wallpaper, which makes the game take up the whole screen. Is it actually expanding the play field or is that just stretching everything to 9:16?

If it's just a wallpaper setting it shouldn't be expanding the playfield. You should be able to tell by adjusting it and comparing the horizontal distance with it on vs off; it's likely it's just rendering the background that would normally be cut off or covered by the wallpaper. Strania has a similar option setting you can see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50v581im3Ho

The darkened borders are off the playfield, but are still rendering 3D elements coming onto the playfield. There is however an option to turn it off and make them pure black borders.

[1000Eyes]

Thinking of getting Psyvariar Delta. Im thinking of trying out the manual roll just to see how it feels. Will an Xbox controller work for this purpose?

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Thinking of getting Psyvariar Delta. Im thinking of trying out the manual roll just to see how it feels. Will an Xbox controller work for this purpose?

Well, it's well-known that Psyvariar Delta was released on both the Switch 1 & PS4 gaming platforms -- so you'll need a Brook controller adapter to use an Xbox controller on those respective gaming platforms.

Arcade Shock sells them here: https://arcadeshock.com/collections/bro ... igurations The Brook "Wingman XE2" version 2 adapter (with it's black and green colored motif/scheme) is the one to get for using Xbox controllers on PS3 and PS4 gaming platforms.

Stoneage Gamer sells the Switch Brook adapter here: https://stoneagegamer.com/wingman-ns-lite-brook.html The Brook "Wingman NS Lite" (with it's red and black colored motif/scheme) allows the use of Xbox controllers on both Switch 1 and Switch 2 gaming platforms.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Jonpachi]

It's also on Steam. I would assume that's the version he intends to try an Xbox controller on.

To answer the question, yes you can use a standard controller but it can be taxing on the hands. It's really intended for a joystick "wiggle" that harder to pull off with a stick or a pad (at least over long sessions). On console with a controller, I go with auto as it's just too hard on the hands.

[1000Eyes]

Thanks for the answers

I enjoyed Psy 2 even with autoroll, so I dont think it will be a dealbreaker. Just that I hear the stray opinion from vets time to time about the manual roll, but it seems I have no realistic way to actually play it like that.

[utsunderthesky]

How are the G-Mode Cave shmups on Switch? Are they the same as the ios versions? Those were pretty good iirc

[Weak Boson]

Thinking of getting Psyvariar Delta. Im thinking of trying out the manual roll just to see how it feels. Will an Xbox controller work for this purpose?

I think rolling on a d pad is pretty rough. There's no shame in using the roll button even on a stick.

It's worth noting that rolling works slightly differently here compared to 2. In psy 2 if you start rolling and then hold down a direction you keep rolling. This is not the case in MU/Revision/Delta where you need to keep up the opposing inputs for as long as you want to remain in the state.

Imo the roll button is a great tool and the game is still very deep when using it - it lets you move both slower (by holding) and faster (by tapping). It opens up a lot of strategy and makes the interesting parts of the game more accessible.

Of course what really matters is what you find fun to play. I play mostly with the roll button but it's a fun challenge to try without sometimes. If the extra challenge is appealing then go for it - just don't get RSI !

[1000Eyes]

Thanks for the input! I actually bought it, and out of curiosity plugged in and tried to roll on the controller anyway. It obviously is unwieldy, but I think I start to see the vision for the analog rolling motions. Definitely will be using the roll button for mastering the game, but I am now strongly considering getting some kind of stick to get a proper manual roll set up. Im fairly new to arcade games, so does anyone have a good rec for something to roll properly?

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Thanks for the input! I actually bought it, and out of curiosity plugged in and tried to roll on the controller anyway. It obviously is unwieldy, but I think I start to see the vision for the analog rolling motions. Definitely will be using the roll button for mastering the game, but I am now strongly considering getting some kind of stick to get a proper manual roll set up. Im fairly new to arcade games, so does anyone have a good rec for something to roll properly?

For 1000Eyes,

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Arcade Shock sells the Qanba Q8-GR RAF arcade stick (is PC based + comes with both a square gate already installed + a circular gate is provided "free of charge" as well): https://arcadeshock.com/collections/qan ... er-pc-only

With the Q8 update patch v1.22, you can use the Qanba Q8 RAF arcade stick on both the Nintendo Switch & PS3 gaming consoles as well for greater versatility: https://qanba.cn/NewsDetail/4193145.html

Here's more info on the Qanba Q8-GR RAF arcade stick: https://qanba.vip/products/qanba-q8-sil ... tsId=10290
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If you reside in Europe, then picking up Turtle Beach's "Victrix Pro FS" arcade stick (with support for PS4, PS5 & PC/Steam) in either white or purple colored motif would be quite a bargain as it's currently on sale right now with free shipping included (has all Japanese Sanwa Denshi arcade parts + LED illumination on certain parts + square gate is installed from the "get-go"): https://uk.turtlebeach.com/products/vic ... olor=White
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PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[1000Eyes]

For 1000Eyes,

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Thanks for your help PC Engine Fan X. Currently I reside in Southeast Asia, so many of these are hard to find. There is a shop near me that sells an 8BitDo Arcade Stick that looks like this. Would it be a fine substitute?

[PC Engine Fan X!]

For 1000Eyes,

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Thanks for your help PC Engine Fan X. Currently I reside in Southeast Asia, so many of these are hard to find. There is a shop near me that sells an 8BitDo Arcade Stick that looks like this. Would it be a fine substitute?

For 1000Eyes,

Yes, that particular 8BitDo Switch Arcade Stick has both Switch and PC/Steam compatibility from the get-go and would be such a fine one to use indeed. Both the stock 8BitDo endowed arcade stick and push buttons can be swapped out with either Sanwa Denshi or Seimitsu arcade parts if so desired (for greater versatility and responsiveness) but it's quite responsive as it is, stock-wise. It does have a "square gate" already installed and is necessary/crucial for using with stgs -- you're all set then.

8Bitdo also sells an Xbox Series S/X arcade stick in the same motif as that of the earlier Switch-based arcade stick except in both all-white and all-black colored motifs to choose from: https://www.amazon.com/8Bitdo-Arcade-St ... r=8-1&th=1 I do have the all-black 8Bitdo Xbox Arcade Stick myself and it's ace through and through with either each option of being able to use it wired with the extra-long supplied USB-C cord interface or wirelessly with the supplied 2.4Ghz wireless dongle on both my Xbox Series S and Series X gaming consoles. Easy as pie.

With the smaller form size-wise 8Bitdo arcade stick shell casing for both the Switch and Xbox variant arcade sticks, they're much smaller and more compact than the competitions' larger sized console-based arcade sticks and can be used in your lap or even placed on a PC desktop or coffee end-table for extra stability and peace of mind as they won't budge during a heated stg session/stint as they have a hefty weighted base installed in place to keep things settled down -- how cool is that? Yes, 8Bitdo has carefully thought about the functionality, usefulness and longevity of it's console-based arcade sticks lineup/releases.

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What's nice about the 8Bitdo arcade sticks are, once you use them long enough to "break them in" controls-wise, they do become easier to use as time goes on by -- that's a given/to be expected.
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PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[JBC]

I can vouch for the 8bitdo arcade sticks as well. I have two and they feel great.

If you don't want to buy additional versions Brook makes adapters for XB & PS consoles that I haven't had any trouble with. I haven't done any professional testing, but I use the adapters for STGs and fighting games on those platforms all the time and have never noticed any lag or other issues.

They never leave my desktop.

[To Far Away Times]

I've not used the 8Bit Do arcade stick, but I've been extremely impressed with every controller of their's that I've used before.

I have their SNES, Genesis, and NeoGeo controllers and they are immaculate. 10/10 build quality, plastics, perfect button travel, everything. In fact, I'd say their SNES and Genesis replica controllers are better than the real thing. They're built to the quality you remember those controllers as, which is a bit better than they actually were.

We've come so far from the days of shitty mad catz controllers and such.

[Jonpachi]

I did a Sanwa swap on the Switch 8bitdo stick a few months back and I'm pretty happy. It's a little bit small if you're used to standard fight sticks, and I do find my hands searching for a bit more room to rest on after so many years on Hori HRAP variants. Still, it often wins as my stick of choice just due to the stupid convenience of wireless connection and long-as-hell battery life. Many have noted there's some input lag, and a quick search says anywhere from 4-11ms (on switch at least).

[1000Eyes]

Pulled the trigger Appreciated all the help.

[AGermanArtist]

Another for the 8-Bit-Do Switch stick. I didn't bother swapping out the buttons/stick since I don't really play Vs Fighters. Decent bit of kit and works great on PC too.

[JBC]

Why isn't Gaplus more popular than Galaga? I think it's way better.

It's the name. It sounds awful.

It is pretty fn good tho

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Why isn't Gaplus more popular than Galaga? I think it's way better.

It's the name. It sounds awful.

It is pretty fn good tho

I've seen and played Gaplus under it's alternative namesake of "Galaga 3" as well -- yes, Namco of America arcade subsidiary did sell and distribute it's third Galaxian arcade sequel under both proper Gaplus/Galaga 3 game titles stateside.

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Can't forget the ol' PC Engine Hu-Card release of Galaga '88 that was renamed as Galaga '90 for the TurboGrafx-16 based Turbo Chip cart release in the USA as well.
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PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[1000Eyes]

For the Crimzon Clover fans, the correct way to score on the bosses is to lock destroy parts while on double break right?

[Jack Emerson]

I have a few arcade shmups that have a dip switch difficulty setting. For example, Truxton 2 has a difficulty setting A,B,C etc. and DFK allows setting a starting rank. Truxton 2is much easier on easier level. And I find DFK marginally easier.

Were these difficulty switches ever used in a substantial way by arcade operators? When people post high scores, I typically do not see a difficulty report.

Is it considered a non-clear if a lower setting was used. For example, did Ia person clear DFK if they lowered the rank?

[SavagePencil]

Any scores, afaik, should always be played at default settings (which are almost always indicated in the manual). Remember the point of switches are for the operator to maximize coin drop. A game that’s too hard will repel players, a game that’s too easy will allow a skilled player to monopolize the machine.

[To Far Away Times]

I have a few arcade shmups that have a dip switch difficulty setting. For example, Truxton 2 has a difficulty setting A,B,C etc. and DFK allows setting a starting rank. Truxton 2is much easier on easier level. And I find DFK marginally easier.

Were these difficulty switches ever used in a substantial way by arcade operators? When people post high scores, I typically do not see a difficulty report.

Is it considered a non-clear if a lower setting was used. For example, did Ia person clear DFK if they lowered the rank?

High scores and 1CC's should always be done at the default level.

The most contentious example I can think of is Darius II. I can maybe see an argument if there was a community wide agreement for playing Darius II on the easier Difficulty A instead of the default Difficulty B due for a couple factors. The game was clearly designed around difficulty A and a last second change was made to use difficulty B as the default. The attract screen even shows your shot powered up to a level that is not even possible on difficulty B. Some arcades in Japan do actually set this one to Difficulty A.

But I am very weary of playing any shmups at non-default settings, I think it kinda goes against the spirit of the whole thing.

[Jack Emerson]

Thanks. I tend to agree. I was curious what these settings were ever used for at the arcade.

I have a few arcade shmups that have a dip switch difficulty setting. For example, Truxton 2 has a difficulty setting A,B,C etc. and DFK allows setting a starting rank. Truxton 2is much easier on easier level. And I find DFK marginally easier.

Were these difficulty switches ever used in a substantial way by arcade operators? When people post high scores, I typically do not see a difficulty report.

Is it considered a non-clear if a lower setting was used. For example, did Ia person clear DFK if they lowered the rank?

High scores and 1CC's should always be done at the default level.

The most contentious example I can think of is Darius II. I can maybe see an argument if there was a community wide agreement for playing Darius II on the easier Difficulty A instead of the default Difficulty B due for a couple factors. The game was clearly designed around difficulty A and a last second change was made to use difficulty B as the default. The attract screen even shows your shot powered up to a level that is not even possible on difficulty B. Some arcades in Japan do actually set this one to Difficulty A.

But I am very weary of playing any shmups at non-default settings, I think it kinda goes against the spirit of the whole thing.

[Nahar]

Man, I'm getting my ass kicked by Espgaluda's final boss. Not really a question, just a desperate call for emotional support from my shmup homies

[Jonpachi]

Man, I'm getting my ass kicked by Espgaluda's final boss. Not really a question, just a desperate call for emotional support from my shmup homies

You got this! It's the one big challenge of the game, so it can feel like a slog to practice and get back there for another shot. It's all about locking into little "safe spaces" in the pattern and trying to deal as much damage as you can before you need to refocus and move again.

[Bassa-Bassa]

Any scores, afaik, should always be played at default settings (which are almost always indicated in the manual).

High scores and 1CC's should always be done at the default level.

But I am very weary of playing any shmups at non-default settings, I think it kinda goes against the spirit of the whole thing.

For the very same reasons, you should impose yourself default control devices, right?

[SavagePencil]

Any scores, afaik, should always be played at default settings (which are almost always indicated in the manual).

High scores and 1CC's should always be done at the default level.

But I am very weary of playing any shmups at non-default settings, I think it kinda goes against the spirit of the whole thing.

For the very same reasons, you should impose yourself default control devices, right?

Not sure if that was a swipe at me (?), but to qualify my remark: most competitions are done against default settings, but you can always say you scored a value against a particular difficulty setting? And nothing preventing you from adjusting for your own style of play…?

[Faith]

For the Crimzon Clover fans, the correct way to score on the bosses is to lock destroy parts while on double break right?

Basic idea, yes! But, it is a bit more complicated than that!

For Crimzon Clover... in bosses anyway, your score will come from two major areas: Break Rate, and Lock-On Multiplier.

For Break Rate: this is something you grow from stage start... so... if you have poor scoring during stage... you will have limited scoring ability on bosses. If you reach boss with basic Break Rate of x12,000 you will score it much better than if you reach it with basic Break Rate of x6,000 or x2,000 (example: you keep bomba and dying during stage lol). Notice I said "basic Break Rate" because when you are in Single Break, your Break Rate will be x2 temporarily. And if you are in Double Break, your Break Rate will be x4 temporarily.

The most basic idea to keep Break Rate high is... never die (it will drop a lot) and never bomba (it will drop, but less than death)... and of course just Double Break as much as possible during stage, and do as much lock-on multiplier kills as possible. Your Break Gauge can be charged faster mainly by: point-blanking enemy, and killing enemy with high lock-on multiplier (this is most obvious during big zako rushes)!~

So: do not die, point-blank everything so gauge fill faster, keep multiplier maxed as much as possible also so gauge fill faster... and Double Break as much as possible during stage!

Once you reach boss with mega high Break Rate, very good!

After that, your strategy becomes: ideally kill every boss part, boss phase, and boss itself, with maximum lock-on multiplier and Double Break active. Also, when you activate Break & Double Break, the bullet cancel from Break activation also form part of score (so I usually do these when lock-on multiplier is active). Because of this, there is a lot of routing to score boss properly. Depending on mode, some, like Unlimited, can be big headache. For me... in Unlimited... I balance scoring on boss itself. My priority is just don't die during stage, and that is half of battle won already in terms of scoring the boss >.<"... but one thing to remember is in Crimzon Clover, bosses will become angrier when Double Break is active. This is most obvious on Stage 3 Metal Lotus boss lol. So it is a balance!

The most fun and annoying boss to score is Stage 4 boss, because you can milk the random respawning turrets. How you approach this depends on mode you play. But the basic idea is to avoid damaging boss as much as possible, and only destroy the turrets (with maximum lock-on and Double Break, and recharging the gauge when Double Break end).

So I recommend: focus on stages first, and only when you are very good on stages, then score the boss properly @_@"...

There is no point you learn to score boss, when you reach it with crap Break Rate lol >.<"... because that means your "earning" from all the effort will be very little anyway. This is most obvious with the Stage 4 boss milk: you must enter the fight with high Break Rate for it to be lucrative... otherwise the milk you spend a lot of time doing that rubbish (and it is very hard)... just to get very little score out of it.

Hope this info help you a bit!~

Edit: if you want to see how ultra fast gauge can refill when multiplier is maxed during mega zako rush, you can see this part of my run (23:55 onward) lol. I did not care to score this boss on this run because it was survival clear strategy for No-Miss, but you can see two times during it how giga fast the gauge can recharge if you know what you are doing!~

https://youtu.be/myIVCinGDCU?t=1435