Which arcade shmup was the most influential ??

[kennyrh]

Apart from Space Invaders, which early arcade shmup do you think was the most influential in developing shooters as we know them today

Personally, I'd go for Gradius because of the weapons power-up and distinctive level designs. Still one of my favourites but, I have to say, not one that I'm particularly proficient at . . .

[Ceph]

We've already had several topics regarding this. These are the most recent ones:

http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?t=14320
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?t=14539
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?t=6495

[kennyrh]

Well . . .I was thinking more of the relative merits of, say, Xevious (as first scrolling shooter or, f'rinstance, Gradius (as mentioned) in influencing something sacred like Radiant Silvergun.