The Self-Introduction Thread

[nikkos010]

Greetings and stuff!

I'm 30 and live in Minnesota. (About an hour from Minneapolis) I was first exposed to shooting games when I was a young lad in far Northwestern Minnesota. My grandmother would take me out to eat at a little restaurant in a small town of about 1000. That little restaurant had AreoFighters II and I think I went through my grandmother's life savings playing that game. Definitely a fond memory of my youth.

I got back into shooters a couple years ago when I discovered MAME. While someday I'd love to have a Candy Cab and some CAVE PCBs, for now I"m stuck with MAME and PCSX2. I've been able to get MAME working on my little netbook so when I need a break I can blow 15 min (or an hour, or two) playing.

[Dragoforce]

Welcome! I too got hooked on shmups by playing Aerofighter 2 a long, long time ago. Awesome game, if yet somewhat outdated.

[Ghaleon]

Heya, new member here, so I guess I'll explain my shmupping career.

I'm 24, and have enjoyed straightforward "spaceship shooter" games like gradius for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately I lacked the resources to really research and pursue this topic for most of my life. I basically limited my shmup games to Gradius until very recently, despite enjoying the occasional other shmup when I tripped across them (I'm the only person I know who really liked em so it's not like I had the opportunity to find more...sounds dumb I know).

ANYWAY, I consider myself to be a good gamer, I might not be able to beat the highest scores on this shmup, or counterstrike (btw I don't even like that game, I just use it as an example for a game that many people play extremely large amounts of and reach a certain level of transcendence for), or any game for that matter. I generally pride myself in being able to excell at any game given my level of experience with it.

In modern times, I lament that game difficulty levels tend to be rather lame, so I've been searching for hard games specifically. Thanks to the internet, this is made easy now. On another forum, someone posted a thread along the lines of "what's the hardest video game boss you have ever seen" or something along those lines. Some people searched for "hardest boss ever" or something on google, and posted a link to Mushihimesama Futari's final boss. At the time, I was already searching for hard games, and just finished playing I wanna be the guy and I wanna be the fangame on very hard (hard platformer games if you don't know them), so I was eager for more.

I was instantly interested in this Mushi game, and wanted to try it, so I did some research, and discovered that trying it was simply not viable given my budget and resources. But the door was opened for me, so I searched for "bullet hell", "danmaku", etc.

First game I found to meet these standards, that were available for me to try was (probably no suprise to anybody here) Touhou.

While I was interested in playing the genre rather than just 1 game. Touhou ate my time for the last few months. I've 1cc'd every game on normal, their extra stages, beat EoSD on lunatic 1cc, no bomb no deathed EoSD and no bomb 1 deathed phantasm in PCB... And kinda hit a brick wall 1ccing lunatic PCB...Well probably not as solid a wall as most people who get stuck find. But given how fast I was progressing, it was fairly solid seeming for me >=P. After a certain point, I discovered that trying to 1cc PCB on lunatic felt more like a job than an actual fun goal. So I said "it's time to improve my shmup skills by playing (and enjoying) other shmups now".

So I've then started playing others, lately it's been eXceed 3rd (I tried 2nd but I don't like the whole color changing concept, ruins how shmups are fun for me imo), starting to dip my feet in Hellsinker, etc.

I figure this page would probably be the best place to broaden my shmup horizons for non-Touhou games >=).

Oh, and I like reading, cooking, and cats >=P.

Now that I'm introduced I had a question. If it's innapropriate to answer such questions in this thread, just pm me please, I'll appreciate it.

As I said already, I have been playing Touhou, and I really like the hold down the shift key to move slower and focus your fire option. Exceed 3rd - Jade Penetrate also has this option. However, while I feel the trial of eXceed 3rd - Black package is an improvement in many ways. I absolutely *HATE* how you no longer have the ability to push a button to slow down and focus fire. Instead you stop holding the shoot button to move faster, or your rapidly press it to fire your spread variation of attack. I read on youtube on some video that people actually LIKE this feature. But I find it absolutely terrible. Because sometimes you just HAVE to turn "slowdown" on and off rapidly (or at least I do) to move how you want to. And it's just not an option when the only way to go from fast to slow is to hold down shoot for 0.5 seconds, or let go of it for a simlar length of time.

what is the general opinion on this sort of movement scheme (I assume eXceed isn't the only series that has played with these movement speed controls), and what do you think the likelyhood is that the developers will enable to full version of the game when its released to allow players the chance to go back to the "old" focus mode?

[PROMETHEUS]

Welcome welcome!

In modern times, I lament that game difficulty levels tend to be rather lame, so I've been searching for hard games specifically.

I don't agree with that. Today, with online gaming, games that take skill are multiplayer games ! Which makes them extremely hard and interesting to master since you have to play versus another skilled mind instead of just a programmed pattern. It's really a big evolution and much more interesting than playing a solo game on the skill/competition side in many cases, I think. Solo games are better for art.

[Awqward Eye]

I've been looking at this site and forum for years, tonight I finally decided to join the board. I've been playing video games since 1982 and I still love them as much I did when I was kid. I love 2d shooters I've been a fan ever since I played Vanguard on the 2600. Some of my faves are Mars Matrix, Giga Wing 1 & 2, Life Force, Un Squadron, 1943, Strikers 1945, Ikaruga, Gradius 3,Lords Of Thunder, Blazing Lazers, Space Megaforce, Gunbird 2, and most recently Raiden Fighter Aces. As you can see from that list I don't really play imports, I'd like to, but I've just never got into importing games. I'm not into anime but I will play the hell out of anime style 2d shooter. I'm just a regular dude that likes old school games.

[scavenger4]

That's awesome man, I played Atari Vanguard a lot as a kid, too! I haven't played it in years, but seemed there were lots of rainbow-colored blocks on the screen. And your ship was really slow but fired fast.

I'm also new to the board.

Some of my favorites are Gradius series, Parodius series, Espgaluda, Mushihimesama, TriggerHeart Exelica, Raiden II, Viper Phase 1, Ray Force, Blazing Star

Generally I like shmups which have:
-electronica or synth-pop soundtrack
-high-tech/sci-fi feel
-anime chicks

[KMM]

I've been a member here for weeks now but never posted or even introduced myself (I had no Internet aside from the occasional dial-up session for the last couple of weeks). So...

I'm the guy who originally signed up as "WarpRattler" (my typical username on message boards) before noticing there was a user named "Warp_Rattler," which prompted a swift request for a name change to the username I've used in many places since 2003. I'm a seventeen-year-old college freshman who plays more video games than he probably should, and a good chunk of those have been shmups. My favorites include DoDonPachi, the Gradius series, and a lot of the doujin shmups and other stuff I've played on PC. Sadly, my low budget for new stuff and unwillingness to spend comparatively large amounts of money on used games have prevented me from playing things like Ikaruga and anything on XBLA (though that'll change when my family gets a 360 later this year).

Though I probably won't post often due to everything I usually have going on elsewhere on the Internet and in the real world, I hope to enjoy my time here.

[Jeneki]

Hey guys,

I've been informed that I need to start posting here. For two reasons:

1) Supposedly the cool people hang out here.
2) This site isn't blocked by the firewall at work.

I'm fairly active in conventions in the Minnesota area, usually supplying games or running events (both video and board games). Since I do a lot of traveling with my stuff, I mostly stick to console/PC releases for easy packing.

Currently I'm playing a lot of Saturn Batsugun (and cursing at the Jupiter). So far I can sometimes make it to the end boss with one credit, but no full 1cc game yet.

[D3m0nZ]

Hi... i cant speak ( or type/write ) english very well, but i can read and understand pretty well... thats a bit weird...

Im from Chile, South America. Probably the only non-english speaker here

I own a 360 (USA) and recently acquired "Raiden Fighter Aces"...

Sorry for the poor introduction, and bad english

[neorichieb1971]

Hi,

One of the veteran shmups members from around 2000-2001 era. My post count is quite high considering I hardly play shmups these days.

At 37 years of age I am considered as one of the original arcade goers.

I own 4 cabinets (currently) and one Supergun, I am mainly a PS3 console player but have kept 90% of my hoard since 1994.

My favorite shmups are ESP Ra.de and Mushimesama, but I'd play anything with great 2D artistry or/and great music/atmosphere. I prefer games to be in the "easy to learn/difficult to master" category (like Mr driller). I love coming to shmups.com, but you'll most likely find me in "off topic" and "hardware" and occasionally in the "trading section".

I live in Bedford (United Kingdom) and I'm happy to make your acquaintence.

See you around,

Richie.

[Dragoforce]

Probably the only non-english speaker here

Not by a long shot

Welcome!

[D3m0nZ]

Probably the only non-english speaker here

Not by a long shot

Welcome!

Hey, thanks
it feels good not to be the only one

[EinhanderZwei]

Hi all! My name is Sergei and I'm from Ukraine, proving that shmups fanbase is truly international. I've gotten into the genre since childhood (my first game ever was Xenon 2) and played really a megaton of what's considered classic today. Also, I'm working on a historical retrospective article of the best shmups ever made. Among my faves: R-Type, Einhander (can't wait for a sequel!!), Super Star Soldier, Soldier Blade, Zero Cho Aniki, Raiden 2, The Guardian Legend, MUSHA Aleste, DoDonPachi, G Darius, Philosoma, Parodius, Zanac, Pulstar, Blazing Star, Twinkle Star Sprites and so on, and so on. On the other side, there are two things about the genre that I consider overestimated: Toaplan games and Thunder Force series. Nevertheless, I hope that I'm gonna be a welcome addition to the forum's population

[Mortificator]

Glad to have you aboard!

I've never been big on the Thunder Force games myself, but Flying Shark and Kyukyoku Tiger are enough to make me a Toa-fan.

[Van_Artic]

whoa, never noticed this thread before, but now i can properly introduce myself

hi all, i'm Alex from Italy, after i discovered Ikaruga in 2005 when i had 16 yrs, now i'm a full-fledged shmup and arcade player
now i'm almost 19, and i can wait to see what Cave and Treasure are going to do with the X360

[EinhanderZwei]

Ikaruga blew my brains out once I've tried it. Hearing the Cave and Treasure are preparing to do smth together is like Elvis meets The Beatles to me

[Dragoforce]

Welcome!

On the other side, there are two things about the genre that I consider overestimated: Toaplan games and Thunder Force series.

Or maybe not...

[Van_Artic]

TOAPLAN.FOREVER.

btw i have a personal top 10 shmup list:

1) Battle Garegga
2) Dodonpachi series
3) Radiant Silvergun
4) Mushihimesama
5) Ikaruga
6) Ibara
7) Under Defeat
8) ESP series
9) Triggerheart
10) Shiki series

i also play fighting games (Melty Blood, guilty gear and tekken)

and that's pretty much it

[Cuilan]

I refuse to introduce myself.

[TLB]

I'll introduce you then. Hello, everyone, this is Cuilan. eh is killing aliens and doesn't afraid of anything. I hope you all have a fun time speaking with him today.

[Sasupoika]

I refuse to tell my real name.
Anyway, my name is Sasu, 16 years old. I am from Finland and I like shmups. My personal favorite is Battle Garegga. Because we don't have many shmups in Finland ( I once saw Varth and Sonic Wings, but that was one of those cabs with multiple games ).
The first shmup I played was Demonstar. Goddamnit it was awesome.

[ROBOTRON]

I refuse to tell my real name.
Anyway, my name is Sasu, 16 years old. I am from Finland and I like shmups. My personal favorite is Battle Garegga. Because we don't have many shmups in Finland ( I once saw Varth and Sonic Wings, but that was one of those cabs with multiple games ).
The first shmup I played was Demonstar. Goddamnit it was awesome.

Welcome to the forum of shmup, child!

When we are differing, we tend to welcome! When being less crowded. your Mastercard or visa because of purchase of shmup from a shopping center, you'll start to look freshly! And never forget to wipe before shmupping with the soap, because of good health!

Welcome to shmup.org!

[Dragoforce]

I refuse to tell my real name.
Anyway, my name is Sasu, 16 years old. I am from Finland and I like shmups. My personal favorite is Battle Garegga. Because we don't have many shmups in Finland ( I once saw Varth and Sonic Wings, but that was one of those cabs with multiple games ).
The first shmup I played was Demonstar. Goddamnit it was awesome.

Welcome! Always nice to get see more scandinavians here. If you speak swedish you're welcome to check out the link in my sig

[YZRider926]

Hello all,

I am relatively new to shumps but am starting to really get into them. I played a few at a local collectors place, and really could see myself enjoying them. I am pretty much the only one that plays my games so fighters get pretty boring after awhile. I am going to start trying to get some PCB's and play more often, even considering getting a Japanese XBOX 360 to get some of the cave ports.

Dennis

[ROBOTRON]

Hello all,

I am relatively new to shumps but am starting to really get into them. I played a few at a local collectors place, and really could see myself enjoying them. I am pretty much the only one that plays my games so fighters get pretty boring after awhile. I am going to start trying to get some PCB's and play more often, even considering getting a Japanese XBOX 360 to get some of the cave ports.

Dennis

- Person of welcome and Dennis to shmup.org!

When we hear the game of the sweeter shmup is not put wastefully with shmup .org, we require your note simultaneously! Because we are not when going out because of shmupping, you can find us somewhere, the container of our eyes it meets here, desires, and it is the room of visa and the master card which happily finally comes together! Remember, there is a clean method of doing shmups, makes sure the back section of your butt is really clean!

Greeting and welcoming!

[alastair jack]

Hello. I have a name, I live in Australia.
I enjoy video games.
Thank you for listening to my story.

[Cuilan]

I'll introduce you then. Hello, everyone, this is Cuilan. eh is killing aliens and doesn't afraid of anything. I hope you all have a fun time speaking with him today.

Nice to meet you, Cuilan!

[CMcK]

Hello All. My name is Craig and I've been lurking around these forums for years. I thought it was time to sign up and join in.

I'm from Scotland and have been playing shmups for years. I reckon Moon Cresta would be the first shooter I remember playing. Closely followed by a home tabletop LCD version of Defender - http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Entex/Defender.htm

I have owned many consoles and a fair few PCB's over the years and rather stupidly bought and sold many systems at least twice. These days the collection is somewhat smaller than it used to be. I'm concentrating on the 360 for modern games and have an Asian model for all the latest shmups from Japan as well as a regular UK model.
I do own a Wii for the VC stuff but I prefer the real thing.
And three pages of shmups on the iPhone so I can always have a quick session on the train.

Retro wise I'm on my 7th(!) Saturn, a immaculate white Japanese import and I'm slowly rebuilding my collection of shmups (again!). As well as that I have a multi region MegaDrive from Asia and a handful of good carts, a UK PS2 and a PC-Engine Duo R with a wonky laser!
I did own a DC with every shmup up to Karous which I stupidly sold two years ago and really regret. Probably even more so than selling my Supergun setup which I used for MVS, ST-V and assorted PCB's.

Skill wise I am utter p*sh at games so why I enjoy shmups so much I have no idea! I think it's something to do with the twitch style of gaming and the quick fix if I don't have time for a proper game. Which is something I find happening a lot more these days.

My favourite shmups over the years are probably:

Hori - R-Type, Thunderforce IV, Gradius V and Blazing Star

Vert - Layer Section, Mars Matrix, Battle Garegga, Souky, Tatsujin, Donpachi and any of the Raiden games.

Others - Rez, Panzer Dragoon Zwei and Geometry Wars.

[ROBOTRON]

Hello All. My name is Craig and I've been lurking around these forums for years. I thought it was time to sign up and join in.

Today, welcome to the place that is called shmup.org!

You've landed and now we must flow out your mastercard or the visa for the treasure which exceeds shmups, [kureigu]! However, your rear side exceeding the recognition for cleaning, us to whom shmup expresses that it becomes clean you do not have to fear!

This time welcome and work expertly in shmup.org!

[MachineAres 1CC]

Hey everyone, I'm new here, though I probably shouldn't be, because I've been playing shmups for pretty close to 20 years now and visiting numerous video game forums for a number of years now, but I never got around to registering here. Shmups are basically my favorite genre of game and I've been collecting them for many years now. I'm out in the Chicago area, which seems to be devoid of real shmup fans, which is kind of a bummer, but I find enough satisfaction just playing on my own.

If my avatar didn't tip you off, DeathSmiles is one of my favorite shmups in recent years and the DonPachi series is probably my favorite vertical series. CAVE is for the win and needs to port more of their games to 360! I currently own all of the shmups released for Xbox 360 retail in US and Japan as well as XBLA and having achievements in shmups is a brilliant motivator to get better, which I had slacked off on in the last few years.

Anyhow, I hope to visit here more often and have some interesting discussion.