Buffing up the collection

Goemar · Post by **Goemar** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 2:27 pm

Hi there, I have recently brought a Japanese PS2 and am looking to buy all the good shmups for it.

However as a lot of these games don't appear to have reviews and/or the site hasn't got the latest PS2 shmups on it (I'll happy send reviews for the games I play) I am quite clueless about how many shmups are available on the PS2.

I was hoping to make a complete list of shumps (Jap or not) on the PS2. Games with a * next to them are ones a currently own.
Games with (!) next to them are new additions to the list.
So far I have...

Cho Aniki: Sei Naru Protein Densetsu
Dodonpachi Dai-Oujou*
Dragon Blaze*
Espgaluda*
Gigawing Generations
Gradius III & IV
Gradius V*
Gunbird I&II*
Homura (!)
Hudson Selection Vol. 2: Star Soldier
Ibara*
Mushihimesama*
Psyvarier Complete Edition*
Psyvariar II
R-Type Final*
Raiden III*
Radilgy / Radirgy / Rajirugi (!)
Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 3: Fantasy Zone
Shienryu Explosion*
Castle Shikigami
Castle Shikigami 2*
Silpheed: The Lost Planet
Sol Divide*
Space Raiders
Strikers 1945 I&II*
Trizeal (!)
Twinkle Star Sprites: La Petite Princesse (!)
XII Stag

Please tell me if I have missed any PS2 shmups, it would be hugely appreciated.
Also is Castle Shikigami (Shikigami No Shiro) worth buying if I already own the sequel?

ROBOTRON · Post by **ROBOTRON** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 3:04 pm

Don't forget...now that you have an import PS2 all the import PS1 library is available to you like Zanac X Zanac (Zanac Neo).

Mortificator · Post by **Mortificator** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 4:08 pm

A few Japanese PS1 shooters won't run right on a PS2, unfortunately. Gradius Gaiden is one, and I know there are a few more.

Post by **Shatterhand** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 5:39 pm

From what I know, Gradius Gaiden has horrible slowdown in level 6, but otherwise it's completely playable.

Not that I know, never played Gaiden since I got my PS2.

Battlesmurf · Post by **Battlesmurf** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 6:04 pm

Cho Aniki: Sei Naru Protein Densetsu

haha..why is that at the top of your list? : ) Yeah, looks like you got alot of the good stuff covered- +1 to the idea of getting ps1 shooters- there are some TOP NOTCH ps1 games...

Yamazaki! · Post by **Yamazaki!** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 6:57 pm

HOMURA!

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 8:19 pm

Shatterhand wrote:From what I know, Gradius Gaiden has horrible slowdown in level 6, but otherwise it's completely playable.

That pretty much sums it up, for the most part its fine.

Anyway, I'll echo Battlesmurf in saying that you've got most of the sought-after stuff, much of the rest hinges heavily on personal taste. I might repeat the recommendation of Homura though, and toss in Twinkle Star Sprites: La Petite Princesse, especially considering you can get each one for 30 bucks new.

Post by **Shatterhand** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 8:29 pm

how does Twinkle Stars Sprites: La Petite Princesse compares against the original?

I have the Saturn version, would the PS2 be a welcome addition ?

Post by **Icarus** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 8:32 pm

If you're being completist, then your list is also missing Radirgy, Trizeal, the Taito Memories packs and one or two of the Oretachi Geesen-zoku releases by Hamster (Thunder Cross mainly), as well as Homura and Twinkle Star Sprites: La Petite Princesse which BM mentioned.

... gah, just mentioning Oretachi Geesen-zoku reminded me of what an awesome chance Hamster had at scoring brownie points with the potential release of XEXEX. Completely squandered. -_-;;

Shatterhand wrote:how does Twinkle Stars Sprites: La Petite Princesse compares against the original?
I have the Saturn version, would the PS2 be a welcome addition ?

I did a quick writeup a long long time ago here. in short, if you're a TSS fan, then it's definitely worth getting, as it's more of the same with added awesome presentation.

Goemar · Post by **Goemar** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 11:40 am

Battlesmurf wrote:
Cho Aniki: Sei Naru Protein Densetsu
haha..why is that at the top of your list? : ) Yeah, looks like you got alot of the good stuff covered- +1 to the idea of getting ps1 shooters- there are some TOP NOTCH ps1 games...

Because it begisn with C... yeah, that's why its at the top.
Is this game actually any good though? I'm too scared to even buy it...

Also, I've had a chipped PS1 for some time so already own Gradius Gaiden (which I brought after the PSP Gradius Collection as the PSP version had no multiplayer!) along with other games (not the largest of collections though).

And I don't know why but I just didn't like Twinkle Star Sprites - still on the list it goes! And thankyou for the other games, much appreciated.
I've also heard nothing but bad things about Radirgy, is it worth getting?
And is Castle Shikigami (1) worth getting if I already have the sequel?

Fudoh · Post by **Fudoh** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 12:15 pm

I think you missed:

Chaos Field
The Oretachi Game Center releases by Hamster (Icarus mentioned it)
Psikyo's Sengoku Ace Collection
upcoming: Sega Ages - Fantasy Zone 2 DX

Other than that my own list is pretty much the same.

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 2:33 pm

Goemar wrote:I've also heard nothing but bad things about Radirgy, is it worth getting?

I have it on the Dreamcast and like it, though I can understand why it might not appeal to some (playing for score is a tad unorthodox and tends to de-emphasize shooting...not to everypne's tastes). It's different, but it has a decent amount of fans on here. The PS2 version has some sort of extra mode on it, but I recall hearing that it's also got lots of slowdown...it's also on GC, and supposedly better.

And is Castle Shikigami (1) worth getting if I already have the sequel?

I personally prefer the second one (off the top of my head, I think most here do), but the first isn't bad...just not as good as the second. I wouldn't consider the first a necessity, but it can also be had for 30 bucks. Your call.

Goemar · Post by **Goemar** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 5:06 pm

I beleive the Gamecube version was cancelled. I was looking foward to it as it was going to have a PAL release.

I have a dreamcast capable of playing NTSC games (I doubt it got a PAL release) but it results in a highly annoying bar flashing at the top of the screen...

I'll probably pass on the first castle Shikigami for the time being then.
Thanks for the info.

Battlesmurf · Post by **Battlesmurf** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 8:02 pm

Because it begisn with C... yeah, that's why its at the top.
Is this game actually any good though? I'm too scared to even buy it...

I was just giving you shit:P Yeah, I can't comment on the gameplay- but I just bought the PSX one from someone here- I like it for the WTF factor- it's a great game to try to get your friends to play. I would be willing to bet the "Holy Protein' game probably has more of the same.

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 4:38 am

Goemar wrote:I beleive the Gamecube version was cancelled. I was looking foward to it as it was going to have a PAL release.

The US release was cancelled (wasn't aware that a PAL port was apparently cancelled too) but it did make release on the GC in Japan, if you want to import it.

Goemar · Post by **Goemar** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 2:01 pm

Guess I could get a Freeloader disc. There is one or two (exactly 2) Jap cube games I'd like to try...

Grant Windsor · Post by **Grant Windsor** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 2:10 pm

Just a Japanese list, mind you...and it doesn't include all of the re-releases and repackagings (like Success' crafty idea of breaking Psyvarier Complete Edition into two pieces and releasing them as separate SuperLite 2000 editions).

Capcom Classics Collection
Chaos Field: New Order
Cho Aniki: Sei Naru Protein Densetsu
Dodonpachi: Dai-Ou-Jou
Espgaluda
GigaWing Generations
Gradius III and IV
Gradius V
Gunbird 1 & 2
Homura
Hudson Selection Vol. 2: Star Soldier
Ibara
Mushihimesama
Oretachi Game Center Vol. 1: Scramble
Oretachi Game Center Vol. 4: Time Pilot
Oretachi Game Center Vol. 5: Moon Cresta
Oretachi Game Center Vol. 6: Sonic Wings
Oretachi Game Center Vol. 10: Terra Cresta
Oretachi Game Center Vol. 14: Rabio Lepus
Oretachi Game Center Vol. 17: Pooyan
Oretachi Game Center Vol. 18: Thunder Cross
Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol. 1: Strikers 1945 I & II
Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol. 2: Sengoku Ace & Sengoku Blade
Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol. 3: Sol Divide & Dragon Blaze
Psyvariar Complete Edition
Psyvariar 2: Ultimate Final
R-Type Final
Radirgy Precious
Raiden III
Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 3: Fantasy Zone
Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 21: SDI & Quartet: Sega System 16 Collection
Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 23: Sega Memorial Selection
Shikigami No Shiro
Shikigami No Shiro II
Shooting Love: Trizeal
Silpheed: The Lost Planet
Simple 2000 Series Vol. 37: The Shooting
Space Invaders Anniversary
Space Raiders
Taito Memories Gekan
Taito Memories Joukan
Taito Memories II Gekan
Taito Memories II Joukan
Tecmo Hit Parade
Twinkle Star Sprites: La Petite Princesse
XII Stag

And, of course, this list doesn't take into consideration other anomalies like adventure games with shooting levels (Shikigami No Shiro: Nanayozuki Gensoukyoku) or games based on formerly 2D shmup properties (U: Underwater Unit, Irem's 3D sequel to Kaitei Daisensou/In the Hunt). Don't think I've missed anything, though, as I own all of the above (didn't opt for the JP rev of Capcom Classics, as I already owned the U.S. version...that would be overkill).

Several random notes:

Tecmo Hit Parade - Predates the Tecmo Classic Arcade release on Xbox. Like that game, it contains Star Force and Pleiads...but, unfortunately, doesn't have Strato Fighter, a nice Xbox-exclusive inclusion. And for those of you who play games other than shmups...the PS2 version doesn't contain Rygar either.

Space Invaders Anniversary - Since Taito chose NOT to include Return of the Invaders, Majestic Twelve or Space Invaders '95 in this compilation, you can pass on this one. Your Space Invaders buck would be better spent on Space Invaders Pocket (PSP) or the Taito Memories releases on PS2.

Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 23: Sega Memorial Selection - The remake of Borderline, a tank shooter, is pretty nice, in an old-school sort of way (especially if you don't demand depth from your games...I don't). Not as fulfilling as similar games like Granada (Genesis), but OK with me.

Space Raiders - Some might call this an action game...and some confused people may even call it a 3D game (the same folks who considered Neo Contra on PS2 to be 3D), but its neither. It's an updated take on Space Invaders...taken as that, it's pretty nifty. I have both the Japanese GC and PS2 releases (it came out on the U.S. GC), but the PS2 rev is the better of the two (the graphics seem to have more depth for some reason...perhaps it's the resolution).

Gunbird 1 & 2 - What a shoddy compilation (technical issues in both games). I'd recommend avoiding this turd and picking up the SS rev of Gunbird and the DC port of Gunbird 2. You'll be happy that you did. Too bad these games weren't released as part of Taito's well-done Psikyo Shooting Collection.

Silpheed: The Lost Planet - Much easier than the U.S. version (Working Designs crippled your shield in the U.S. rev in order to make the game more challenging) and also containing massive slowdown, which also makes it a bit easier. The slowdown is a sight to behold in places. Unlike a lot of people, though, I like the game, warts and all.

Chaos Field: New Order - Having all three versions of this game, I could ponder which version of the game sucks the least...but why bother. They all suck. When it was mentioned that Milestone spawned from the loins of out-of-business Compile, I could only dream of what kind of magnificent shmups we would get from the company. Uh...yeah.

Simple 2000 Series Vol. 37: The Shooting - Shienryu and Shienryu Explosion. This release finally gave Sony a good version of Shienryu...the PS1 release was a travesty. Shienryu Explosion was what became of the announced-then-cancelled Shienryu 2 on DC. Still looks like a Naomi/DC game...and it's nothing special at all (kind of like Warashi's other Naomi project, Trigger Heart Exelica).

Otherwise, the only thing we're waiting on at the moment is Sega Ages 2500: Fantasy Zone 2 DX. That's pretty pathetic...really. Hey, at least Galaxy Force II comes out next month.

- Grant

Fudoh · Post by **Fudoh** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:07 pm

Grant,

what's on the Tecmo Hit Parade ?

Post by **Ghegs** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:09 pm

Fudoh wrote:what's on the Tecmo Hit Parade ?

Official website

Post by **Shatterhand** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 1:57 am

what's on this:

Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 23: Sega Memorial Selection

?

Is it just Borderline? Because, you know, Borderline is one of the earlier Compile developed games, and I am a sucker for anything Compile related. I am already interested on it just because of Borderline, but I should guess there are more games on this, right?

Edit: Just found out. Head On, Tranquilizer Gun, Congo Bongo, Borderline and Doki Doki Penguin Land

ooohh, Congo Bongo and Doki Doki Penguin Land!!!! I'm sold

Congo Bongo was very fun to play, and Doki Doki Penguin Land wasted a fair amount of hours of my childhood on MSX . Very nice platform/puzzle game.

all those games were released on the SG-1000 system, and I can't find out if the "original" versions are arcade or SG-1000... I don't remember seeing an arcade version of Doki Doki Penguin Land and I am pretty sure Borderline was not released on arcades. Congo Bongo on the SG-1000 kinda sucks..

2nd edit: judging by this: http://ages.sega.jp/vol23/syoukai.html , they went for arcade versions where aplicable, and SG-1000 version of Doki Doki Penguin Land. it says that ther was an arcade version of Bordernline, but I never heard about it

Borderline looks very sweet, as Doki Doki Penguin Land and Congo Bongo on the arrange versions

CIT · Post by **CIT** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:07 am

Afaik Compile only ported Borderline to the SG-1000, on the Sega Ages Memorial Selection it's the arcade version.

Included are: Borderline, Head-On, Trnquilizer Gun, Congo Bongo (all arcade) and Doki Doki Penguin Land (SG-1000), plus really nice remakes with redrawn sprites.

Post by **Shatterhand** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:26 am

yeah, thanks for the info

Borderline algo got an MSX version.. many SG-1000 games were ported to the MSX....

The remakes look real nice, Borderline specially look awesome...

Post by **Ghegs** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 7:31 am

Shatterhand wrote:The remakes look real nice, Borderline specially look awesome...

Hardcore Gaming 101 did an article on the Sega Ages series a while back, there's Vol.23 covered in that page.

Goemar · Post by **Goemar** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 1:54 pm

Oh hey another question. I really like Gigawing but have never played any of the other games in the series. Is Generations worth getting?

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 3:07 pm

In a nutshell:

Game - good.
Port - bad.
Price - 30 bucks.

Pretty much your call.

Goemar · Post by **Goemar** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 10:30 pm

Care to elaborate on the problems with the port?

CIT · Post by **CIT** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:11 pm

No tate mode.

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 12:12 am

Not to mention it runs at 30 FPS, if that. And it's on a "blue disc of death."

If you can see past the technical flaws the game is pretty nice, actually, but the aforementioned deficiencies are all the more irritating because of how these things have been pretty much standard features since the PS1 era. Pure laziness, or incompetence.

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