A list of isometric shmups

320x240 · Post by **320x240** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:47 pm

Zaxxon (Arcade, Consoles, Home computers)
Super Zaxxon (Arcade, Consoles, Home computers)
Zaxxon's Motherbase/Parasquad (32X)
Viewpoint (Neo-Geo, Genesis, Playstation)
Isolated Warrior (Nes)
Royal Edoma Engine (Pc)
Blue Max (Home computers)
Future Spy (Arcade)
Leviathan (Home computers)
The Reap (Pc)
H.A.T.E (Home Computers)
Panther (C64)
Return of the Jedi (Arcade, Consoles, Home Computers)
Desert Falcon (Atari 7800, Atari XE)
3D Scramble (C64)
Turboat (Msx)

Would anyone like to contribute?

MadScientist · Post by **MadScientist** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:54 pm

Future Spy
Blue Max (C64)

320x240 · Post by **320x240** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 5:19 pm

MadScientist wrote:Blue Max (C64)

Of course! I guess the Atari version was the original though. There where other isomteric shmups on the C64 too. Leviathan is one but I can't remember if it was auto-scrolling.

Kiken · Post by **Kiken** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 5:30 pm

The Reap (PC)

The Coop · Post by **The Coop** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 6:36 pm

Super Zaxxon (Arcade, various home computers)
Zaxxon's Motherbase 2000 (32X)

Kiken · Post by **Kiken** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:22 pm

The Coop wrote:Zaxxon's Motherbase 2000 (32X)

aka Parasquad

320x240 · Post by **320x240** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:31 pm

Does anyone know if Desert Falcon for the Atari 7800 is auto-scrolling? From descriptions on the net it sounds like you can stop and walk around on the ground.

Mortificator · Post by **Mortificator** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:52 pm

That's right. It's auto-scrolling when you're in the air and push scrolling when you're on the ground. I'd still count it. But that's me.

Desert Falcon also had a 2600 release.

Afterbirth · Post by **Afterbirth** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:58 am

Does Stinger (Seibu Denshi) count? Its Isometric in look but plays like a hori really?

Lloyd Mangram · Post by **Lloyd Mangram** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:08 am

FWIW, Leviathan also appeared on the ZX Spectrum, the Amstrad CPC, and the Atari ST, so you might want to make it a 'home computers' jobbie too.

There are a number of other iso shooters on 8-bit platforms like the c64 and speccy... H.A.T.E. and Panther to name a couple. More that probably aren't worth mentioning.

Zaxxon and Super Zaxxon appeared on home formats too. Don't know how thorough you want to be with listing formats.

Also, don't forget Return of the Jedi (Arcade + various home formats) in all its disappointing crappiness.

The Coop · Post by **The Coop** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:52 am

Mortificator wrote:That's right. It's auto-scrolling when you're in the air and push scrolling when you're on the ground. I'd still count it. But that's me.

Desert Falcon also had a 2600 release.

Don't forget the Atari XE version

320x240 · Post by **320x240** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:26 am

Lloyd Mangram wrote:There are a number of other iso shooters on 8-bit platforms like the c64 and speccy... H.A.T.E. and Panther to name a couple. More that probably aren't worth mentioning.

That's the two I was thinking of. Don't hesitate to mention others.

Lloyd Mangram wrote:Don't know how thorough you want to be with listing formats.

I'll just stick with 'home computers' and 'consoles' for the earlier games for now.

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 3:27 pm

Very curious to know of what console 'Super Zaxxon' was on. I was not aware that the game even was in existence!

320x240 · Post by **320x240** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 3:39 pm

It says the Atari XEGS here. I would have though that there existed a version for the earliest Sega consoles at least.

http://www.arcade-history.com/?n=super- ... il&id=2788

320x240 · Post by **320x240** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 3:49 pm

By the way, feel free to discuss the relative merits of isometric shmups in this thread too. I have a feeling they are loathed by many but loved by a few.

Personally I have never really managed to get into them until recently and then with the two ground based ones only - Isometric Warrior and Royal Edoma Engine. The fact that they are ground based makes it easier to make out where you are in relation to the other objects. Isolated Warriors slighly more vertical perspective makes this even easier. You just have to learn that the enemies must be hit slighly off center and to the right and the game starts to be fun. The secondary weapons are some of the best in any game.

cfx · Post by **cfx** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 7:55 pm

Lloyd Mangram · Post by **Lloyd Mangram** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:36 pm

Sonic R wrote:Very curious to know of what console 'Super Zaxxon' was on. I was not aware that the game even was in existence!

Do you only want to know what consoles it appeared on? Because apart from the atari XEGS, it also appeared on a few home computers: c64, a few of atari 8-bit models, the Apple II, and even a PC booter version...

320x240 wrote:Don't hesitate to mention others.

3D Skramble is another one on the c64. A clunky attempt to shoehorn scramble into an isometric viewpoint.

Also, Turboat on the MSX would count. It's auto-scrolling though it has an unusual control method -- if you don't keep moving you get auto-scrolled right to the edge of the screen. (but the edge doesn't kill you, it just kind of... inconveniences you.)

FRO · Post by **FRO** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 3:21 am

The Playstation shmup Philosoma has a couple isometric spots, though it changes views so many times you get dizzy!

320x240 · Post by **320x240** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:00 am

Lloyd Mangram wrote:Also, Turboat on the MSX would count. It's auto-scrolling though it has an unusual control method -- if you don't keep moving you get auto-scrolled right to the edge of the screen. (but the edge doesn't kill you, it just kind of... inconveniences you.)

Isometric, auto-scrolling and with controls straight out of Asteroids... I just played it and found myself strangely attracted to it. It's a good thing there's a practice mode.

zap · Post by **zap** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:58 am

There's a pretty good looking doujin game for PC called Ouritsu Edma Engine, by Platine Dispositif.

http://www.platinedispositif.net/games/edomae.htm