Hiroshi Iuchi: Genius?

[Raizen1984]

After recently getting a hold of yet another copy of Gradius V (don't know why I keep selling it) I've been reminded of how much I love this guy's work.

For those not in the know, he's the guy responsible for Radiant Silvergun, Ikaruga, and Gradius V. All brilliant shooters, particularly Ikaruga, which I still view as a masterpiece not to mention a breakthrough of independant development (I believe only 4 or 5 people worked on it, can't remember the exact number). I've always appreciated innovation in games, and as much as I love this genre, it's become quite stale, with very few unique talents lending inspiration to their designs. I'm sure many will disagree, but most shmups are a dime a dozen.

So what do you guys think of his games, and innovation in the genre in general? Do shmups need to be more creative, or are you content with the way they are now?

[Rob]

Ikaruga and Gradius V have refinements, not innovations. Most of the best shooters are/have refinements. Refinements are undervalued.

[kengou]

It's won the #1 spot in our top 25 vote at least once, maybe more (I don't recall). I happen to like it, but not quite my favorite Gradius game (that honor goes to Gaiden). Some stages in V are just really annoying, most notably the acid stage.

Silvergun and Ikaruga are both fantastic, but I'm sure half the posts here will be about how each game is an overrated puzzle game.

I love creativity in the genre as Treasure loves doing, but there's also something to be said for perfecting a good formula - like Cave does. Both approaches are necessary in any genre, I think. Cave may have a mastery of well-designed bullet patterns but Treasure makes totally unique shmups, and they turn our REALLY good too. Ikaruga, Gradius V and Radiant Silvergun have fantastic and memorable bosses and stages (Ika with the better stages than bosses, and silvergun the opposite, naturally - Gradius has a wonderful mix of both). Considering the size of the Treasure team and the budget they have and how many shmups they've actually made, I think that's a great accomplishment.

[evil_ash_xero]

His games are phenomenal. It's a real shame that he left Treasure(from what I heard).

[sunburstbasser]

Ikaruga borrowed an idea from Takumi, I believe. In Mars Matrix and Giga Wing you get a bullet barrier that functions as one of the biggest gameplay elements. Ikaruga makes the shield always active but only 50% effective, and also borrowed from their action/platformer Silhouette Mirage with the way it works.

I don't know how involved Iuchi has been involved with ALL Treasure games, but many of them are excellent. Gunstar Heroes is what Contra should have been and really I like it as much as the best Metal Slug or other run n' guns.

[jpj]

check rob out with the first reply click "subscribe to topic" on the top left if you want email updates

yeah, he's only headed up 3 shmup projects, and each one is in the "annual top 25 shmups of all time poll" every single year. if he doesn't work there anymore, that's a shame, but i don't think his games could have gotten any better anyway. how do you top ikaruga..?

his games aren't just about what ideas are put in, but also what tired shmup formulas/cliches are left out.

could talk about this forever

[320x240]

Ikaruga and Gradius V have refinements, not innovations. Most of the best shooters are/have refinements. Refinements are undervalued.

Well said.

[Skykid]

how do you top ikaruga..?

With Radiant Silvergun or Gradius V.