Best superplay DVDs

[nullpointer]

Hi all,

Long time no see!
I've been off for a few years doing 'grown up stuff' like having kids, getting a job and all sorts of non bullet focussed stuff.
However I've recently got the opportunity to do some more serious study on videogames and
in particular the performance aspect and virtuosity of certain game genres. Shmups sprang to mind immediately.

There are few genres with commercially released superplay DVDs,
so I was wondering how many you guys know of and which ones might be the best in terms of production, style and performance etc.

I might also be doing some further pestering on associated questions
and even bringing some of my old code out from retirement to make some new shmups!

cheers

[apple arcade]

I think what it comes down to is what games you prefer. Pretty much all the Cave DVDs have nice packaging and production, not to mention the performances are top notch.

I'm fond of the espgaluda 2 dvd.

[nullpointer]

Hmm ok then maybe i should try to be more specific.
If i need to use this material to demonstrate the range of performance and mastery
that is possible in shmups, then what would be a good example.

Im thinking ikaruga, since the scoring and polarity mechanics arent too hard
for even non shmuppers to get. Wheras explaining psyvariars score mechanic is
kind of tricky for uninitiated.... any other examples like this?

[Udderdude]

Dodonpachi DOJ Black Label DVD.

Also Ketsui DVD.

[apple arcade]

Hmm ok then maybe i should try to be more specific.
If i need to use this material to demonstrate the range of performance and mastery
that is possible in shmups, then what would be a good example.

Im thinking ikaruga, since the scoring and polarity mechanics arent too hard
for even non shmuppers to get. Wheras explaining psyvariars score mechanic is
kind of tricky for uninitiated.... any other examples like this?

DOJ BL Doubleplay is impressive and it meets your criteria because it shows both hands of the player. Only thing is I believe its a net only release.

[adversity1]

Dodonpachi DOJ Black Label DVD.

Probably this.

But the DFK Yusemi SWY C-Power run rivals it for sheer skill and endurance IMO.

[brentsg]

Track down one of the web-based videos that shows a single player playing both player 1 and 2.

[Plasmo]

The best Superplay DVDs in terms of skill are by far:

-Dodonpachi DOJ Black Label (Nakano Production)
-Mushihimesama Futari (CAVE)

[adversity1]

[PC Engine Fan X!]

The Gamest Video Vol. 39 Dodonpachi Superplay with ace player ZBL-NAI is very well done with the cool opening DDP montage and even the ending "Assualt on Bullet Shell" montage is impressive. Unfortunately, it was released on VHS tape medium...it's generally recommended that it be convertedt to DVD-R for safekeeping and posterity.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[saucykobold]

I highly recommend The Aces High (INH's Raiden I/II/DX set). In particular, check out NMT8.2i's DX Training run. During the last 40 minutes, the enemy bullets are lightning fast.

[TLB]

I thought The Lunatic Ibara (INH) was absolutely fantastic, even though ACR stomps the shit out of both scores and his replays are up for nothing. The DOJBL and even the DOJ play by LAOS on the extra PS2 disc are pretty fantastic, as well. The Futari DVD is filled with absurd shit (Ultra play is nuts) and SWY is a fucking inhuman monster on the DFK DVD. SWY's just an inhuman fucking monster.

[ncp]

Ikaruga would probably be best. DOJ BL is a lot more impressive when you know the game mechanics, which the viewers presumably won't be, judging by his post.

[Udderdude]

Ikaruga would probably be best. DOJ BL is a lot more impressive when you know the game mechanics, which the viewers presumably won't be, judging by his post.

You've got it backwards.

[SFKhoa]

Ikaruga would probably be best. DOJ BL is a lot more impressive when you know the game mechanics, which the viewers presumably won't be, judging by his post.

You've got it backwards.

[Zweihander]

The DVD that came with Psyvariar 2: Ultimate Final was retardedly, jaw-droppingly awesome.

[ncp]

Ikaruga would probably be best. DOJ BL is a lot more impressive when you know the game mechanics, which the viewers presumably won't be, judging by his post.

You've got it backwards.

Ikaruga's mechanics are very easy to explain or figure out, after which the DVD seems very impressive. Without having played the game to know the subtleties of DOJ chaining (laser giving less chain bar, the timing, which sections are particularly hard to chain, etc), it's less impressive. For instance, chaining all of stage 4 doesn't really LOOK that impressive, but if you've ever tried to do it, you know it's suicide-inducing. Someone who hasn't played Ikaruga can easily see the enemy color differences, and how the player is moving around to kill those certain colors, while DOJ is full of killing and shooting things before they even appear on the screen.