Looking for the best vertical shooters for the PS1 and PS2

[Orrimarrko]

Hey Guys,

I'm trying to find a list of what's generally considered to be the best VERTICAL shooters available for play on US PS1 and PS2 consoles.

I'm afraid that I'm not familiar with what games are region free or whatever, so I'm hoping that you experts can help me out here.

If you list a game and it wasn't released in the US, please indicate if it will play in a US console (PS1 or PS2), or if something else is required.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Steve

[Obiwanshinobi]

US PS1 and PS2 consoles.

You need a mod (I recommend chipping), or you'll get stuck with: Raiden I-II-III (not too shabby if you can work around the tate thing in Raiden Project), Castle Shikigami 2 (lucky you; the US version is the shit), Dragon Spirit, Galaxian, Galaga... I'm running out of titles I'd actually recommend (Strikers 1945 US, for example, is 1945 II devoid of tate, Capcom and Taito PS2 collections are not as good as emulation on the PC... you get the picture).
...
Your PS2 needs to get modded.

[KyoKusagani1999]

For PS1: Raiden Project.
This is the ONLY way to play Raiden II, Besides the PC Version, since the Seibu COP is one of the most
devious protection devices ever created by Arcade Kind... Oh, and if you have a Gameshark,
you're in good shape, as you can re-activate True Tate for real arcade vertical play!

[Orrimarrko]

For PS1: Raiden Project.
This is the ONLY way to play Raiden II, Besides the PC Version, since the Seibu COP is one of the most
devious protection devices ever created by Arcade Kind... Oh, and if you have a Gameshark,
you're in good shape, as you can re-activate True Tate for real arcade vertical play!

I was planning on playing these in my Blast City cab - was this a US release? (And if so, will it automatically play vertically?)

Thanks!

[EmperorIng]

No horizontal love? There's lots to offer!

But from my knowledge:

*denotes import-only, and [sometimes] absurdly expensive!
**released both in JPN and PAL regions

PS1:
Raiden Project
Geki Oh Shooting King (port of Shienryu)
RayStorm
RayCrisis
*Night Raid (haven't played it, but it's Takumi so it should be good)
*DoDonPachi
*Zanac x Zanac

PS2:
Castle Shikigami 2
Taito Legends 2 (contains RayForce, RayStorm, Darius 2, Darius Gaiden, G-Darius, and Gun Frontier, among other shmups)
*DoDonPachi DaiOuJou
*EspGaluda
**Psyvariar: Complete (Psyvariar 1 and 1.5, I believe)
*Psyvariar 2
*Homura
*Ibara
*Double Shienryu (Geki Oh and sequel, Shienryu Explosion)
**Dragon Blaze
*Giga Wing Generations

To boil things down even further:
PS1:
Raiden Project
*DoDonPachi

PS2:
Taito Legends 2 (for Rayforce alone)
Castle Shikigami 2
*DDP DaiOuJou
*EspGaluda
*Psyvariar 2
*Dragon Blaze

[Orrimarrko]

Thanks.

So, basically there's 4 for the PS1 and 2 for the PS2 on a basic US system.

Is there any way to play the imports (I'm assuming the '*' means JPN only), on a US console?

Thanks,
Orri~

No horizontal love? There's lots to offer!

But from my knowledge:

*denotes import-only, and [sometimes] absurdly expensive!
**released both in JPN and PAL regions

PS1:
Raiden Project
Geki Oh Shooting King (port of Shienryu)
RayStorm
RayCrisis
*Night Raid (haven't played it, but it's Takumi so it should be good)
*DoDonPachi
*Zanac x Zanac

PS2:
Castle Shikigami 2
Taito Legends 2 (contains RayForce, RayStorm, Darius 2, Darius Gaiden, G-Darius, and Gun Frontier, among other shmups)
*DoDonPachi DaiOuJou
*EspGaluda
**Psyvariar: Complete (Psyvariar 1 and 1.5, I believe)
*Psyvariar 2
*Homura
*Ibara
*Double Shienryu (Geki Oh and sequel, Shienryu Explosion)
**Dragon Blaze
*Giga Wing Generations

To boil things down even further:
PS1:
Raiden Project
*DoDonPachi

PS2:
Taito Legends 2 (for Rayforce alone)
Castle Shikigami 2
*DDP DaiOuJou
*EspGaluda
*Psyvariar 2
*Dragon Blaze

[EmperorIng]

To play the actual games themselves, and not backups:

You will either need to soft-mod or hard-mod your PS2.

Hard-modding will require a modchip soldered onto the PS2 motherboard itself, but it will allow you to bypass the region-lock on the console and if you have the technical know-how (or a friend who's good at that stuff and owes you a favor), the most direct way to play imports on the system.

Softmodding will require you to get SwapMagic or Free McBootDisc, a top-loading plastic shell for the PS2 (if applicable - depends on your model number), and a few other odd curios to complete the process - you'd need to look online since those methods aren't technically "legal." Though it IS easy to find what you are looking for through a quick google search.

[Mortificator]

You can also play Japanese PS1 games on your PC using an emulator. They can be run from either the actual discs or images, and there are adapters so you can use a PS1/PS2 controller as well.

I think the absolute best verts for the PS1 are Zanac X Zanac (Japanese only), Raiden II (included on The Raiden Project), Raiden DX (Japanese only), and Xevious Arrangement (included on Xevious 3D/G+). The Raiden Project also includes the original Raiden, but I don't particularly like that game... it's too bad the compilation wasn't of Raiden II and Raiden DX instead, since they're paired on some PCBs. And Xevious 3D/G+ also nets you the original Xevious, Super Xevious, and Xevious 3D/G, though after Xevious Arrangement I wasn't too interested in the others.

A decent vert that hasn't been mentioned is Sonic Wings Special. I'll also mention the Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus, though the Salamander games alternate between horizontal and vertical stages. These are also import-only, unless you use a PS3 and download the PSOne Classics version of SWS.

There aren't many choices for a US PS2, but fortunately, Shiki II is an extremely good game. It's also danmaku, while the PS1 games I've been talking about aren't.

[EmperorIng]

PS2 has a lot more engaging [vert] shmups, in my opinion, but none of them made it to the US.

I mean it kind of wins just for Dragon Blaze alone, but that's me. DaiOuJou, ESPGaluda, and Taito Legends 2 are just icing on the cake.

When you throw horizontals into the mix the PS1 wins hands-down in the hori shooter crowd for G-Darius, Einhander, Gradius Gaiden, R-Type Delta... the list can go on!

[Obiwanshinobi]

Homura also got released in PAL and so did the Strikers collection, as well as Sengoku Ace (technically Sonic Wings Special too, but I can't recommend the PAL version at all).
Hardmodding is the way to go.
One thing PS2 Taito collection has going for it is the RayForce port (not emulation!)... in the Japanese version. Wouldn't get that one for the graphics (scaled up to 480i and filtered), but it's reportedly more faithful (if not better looking, although the loadings are practically gone) than the Saturn version.
Oh yes, Shienryu Explosion is a two-on-one-disc collection of Psyvariar: Complete Edition excellence and brings the seemingly perfect Shienryu port to the table, but I can't recommend western releases labelled Steel Dragon Ex (apparently the publisher dicked around with difficulty; also, no 60 Hz in PAL version).

[Remembrance]

Taito Legends 2 (for Rayforce alone)

But RayForce is the one that's not on the PS2 version...

And Darius 2 was never on either Taito Legends, was it?

[Obiwanshinobi]

But RayForce is the one that's not on the PS2 version...

On the Japanese version it is, ported rather than emulated at that. See above.
Taito Legends (overseas version, handled by another dev) has a G-Garius port (again - best one around, if not great looking) instead.
P.S. My, apparently Souky/Terra Diver (PSX port) had a cryptic PAL release in 2003. If it's anything like SWS PAL, I say avoid.

[gs68]

RayStorm is good (if you don't mind that playing for score means almost never firing your main weapon).
RayCrisis just pisses me off every time I play. Eventually sold it to a friend out of sheer frustration.

[EmperorIng]

You can check out my valiant (yet futile?) attempt to work out RayCrisis' scoring system in this GD I've started. I've put off playing RayCrisis until I get a d-pad for the PS2 that's worth a damn, like the Logitech or a hori pad, or I become fabulously wealthy and get a RayCrisis cab (which would be ideal). The blister on my thumb has sworn me off PS2 shmups until I fix the control situation. RayCrisis is an interesting game, where the Encroachment provides a unique, engaging dynamic, but some serious flaws (mainly arising from the perspective and the wobbliness of the ship) keep it from being in the same league as RayForce. Like RayStorm, using your normal shot is discouraged, except in the specific instances of weakening larger enemies enough so that a hyper-laser attack can finish them off.

But I digress!

My bad on the confusion of Taito Legends 2 with RayForce and Darius II - the Taito things are really confusing and it's hard to keep track of what's what. Legends 2 (USA) still has the best port of G-Darius, as well as RayStorm, Gun Frontier, arguably the best port of Gekirindan, KiKi KaiKai, Syvalion (which is really cool), Space Invaders '95: Attack of the Lunar Loonies (the best Space Invaders, no question!)... all of which more than make up for a lack of RayForce (sadly) and a poor port of Metal Black. And hey you get Darius Gaiden as well. And about 10 other awesome games like Elevator Action Returns, Chase HQ, and Growl, the most violent game about environmental protection, ever.

I also wasn't aware that Homura had received a PAL release. But unless you mod your console, PAL releases are probably not ideal. And even if you do, Japanese releases are better.

[Obiwanshinobi]

I also wasn't aware that Homura had received a PAL release. But unless you mod your console, PAL releases are probably not ideal. And even if you do, Japanese releases are better.

I think Psyvariar -Complete Edition- PAL is cheaper than Complete NTSC-J. Budget Japanese reissues are: Psyvariar -Medium Unit- and -Psyvariar Revision- sold separately, so the cheapest way to have both games on one disc is probably getting the PAL version. Opening FMV is only 50 Hz, but the very games have the 60 Hz option.
Strikers 1945 I&II PAL collection can be found so cheap that you'll pay more for the shipping than collection itself. I think it outputs 60 Hz too.

[EmperorIng]

I didn't mention the Psikyo releases in my list because I haven't heard good things about them as far as ports go.

[Obiwanshinobi]

Sengoku Ace is perfectly playable and, despite upscaling and filtering, looks kinda nice. Prettier than the RayForce port if you ask me.
1945 I&II apparently lack scoreboards, but I have no reason to believe the games are any less playable.
We're talking about games that on MAME, last time I checked, even with the sprite buffer hacked out were 2 frames laggier than Dragon Blaze, Gunbird 2, Space Bomber and Gunbarich.

[Mero]

Strikers 1945 I&II PAL collection can be found so cheap that you'll pay more for the shipping than collection itself. I think it outputs 60 Hz too.

No it doesn't ,unfortunately.

PAL Psyvariar Complete should be dirt cheap to buy, I got mine for about £3.00 used many years ago. Sengoku ace should be about the same.

[ciox]

PAL Psyvariar Complete should be dirt cheap to buy, I got mine for about £3.00 used many years ago.

Yeah, seems to be a game that absolutely everyone is selling, their loss.

[Orrimarrko]

Wow - had no idea that this would become a discussion about what shooters are great or whatever.

Mostly, I wanted to find out which good ones played on a US console without a mod.

I completely expected to hear that some of the best shooters were JPN or JPN/PAL only, that goes without saying.

So, if it's possible to reign this thread back in a little...that would be great.

[shmuppyLove]

Castle Shikigami 2

[PC Engine Fan X!]

There's the Agetech release of Strikers 1945 (aka Strikers 1945 II on the original Psikyo SH-2 based arcade PCB) but with no proper "Tate" option. The original JPN region PSX version of Strikers 1945 II does have tate option included from the get-go. There was talk about with a possible & proper Gameshark code, that a hidden tate mode could be unlocked on the USA region version of PSX Strikers 1945 release (but it's been ages if such a code has been discovered to work).

The American XSGames video game publisher released the Psikyo arcade shmup title called "Sol Divide" (a horizontal side scrolling shmup) as a budget PSX game with a MSRP of $9.99 back in the day. Give it a spin and see if you like it. Of course, the original Psikyo arcade PCB of Sol Divide is an SH-2 powered shmup affair at best.

As for Psyvariar Complete, it was released as three different versions for the Japanese region PS2 console platform:

Psyvariar Complete - just came with a single PS2 CD-Rom game disc by it's lonesome self

Psyvariar Complete - Sound Box - came with a single PS2 CD-Rom containing both Psyvariar Medium Unit and Psyvariar Revision + a cool OST music CD

Psyvariar Complete - Capture Box - came with a single PS2 CD-Rom disc containing both Psy-MU & Psy-R games + a cool Success/Reverse Babel superplay DVD of both Psy-MU & Psy-R superplays. Awesome opening and ending montages indeed!

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Ed Oscuro]

I haven't played it yet but there's R-Type Delta.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Yes, the Agetech release of R-Type Delta for the American PSX console was cool for it's time. The subtle effects of the Dual Shock rumbles and vibrational effects are quite amazing when playing R-Type Delta, indeed. The Japanese PSX import shooter of "iS: internal section" from Squaresoft/positron is the only other PSX import title to really take advantage/showcase the Dual Shock's rumble effects for maximum tactile impact as well.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Orrimarrko]

I haven't played it yet but there's R-Type Delta.

Isn't that a horizontal shooter?

I'm looking for vertical shooters.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Yep, R-Type Delta is another one of those horizontal side scrolling shmups.

There was talk about having the famous Donpachi and DoDonpachi shmups released together as a budget PSX title in the $9.99 pricepoint range under the Agetech budget PSX game lineup but it never came to be. I had to resort to getting a modded PSX just to play DP and DDP on the beloved PSX console. Of course, the original arcade DP & DDP PCBs are where the action is at.

The U.S. region PCB version of Donpachi Jamma conversion kits was distributed by none other than Atlus USA arcade distro back in 1995...so yes, it was quite familiar with the American shmup fans despite it's low distribution number in the arcades. For some strange reason, Atlus USA never did release the International Version of DoDonpachi PCB Jamma conversion kits for the U.S. arcades in 1997-1998 (despite it having an all-English language text for the ending stories and staff roll/credits).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Obiwanshinobi]

The Japanese PSX import shooter of "iS: internal section" from Squaresoft/positron is the only other PSX import title to really take advantage/showcase the Dual Shock's rumble effects for maximum tactile impact as well.

Nah, Zanac Neo is THE shmup where vibrations are the dog's bollocks.
Import-wise, Konami Antiques MSX Collection Vol. 3 has got Pippols - THE 8-bit computer vertical scroller. That game and Penguin Adventure make Vol. 3 the winner. I find Knightmare getting more spotlight unjust.

Mostly, I wanted to find out which good ones played on a US console without a mod.

There's a very decen't (Caravan-style) vertical shmup minigame playable in Digital Devil Saga 2. Can't recommend playing 2 before 1 (where the minigame is not a shmup, if there's one at all), though.
Also, the vertically scrolling shmup stage in Metal Slug 3 (I suggest getting the standalone version rather than Anthology).

[null1024]

Here's a list of some good ones. All are available in the US. This might actually be all of the good ones in the US, I dunno. The US vert library on the PS1 and PS2 is pretty slim.
* Raiden Project [has 1 and 2] - PS1. Get this.
* Raiden 3 - PS2. Haven't played this, considered okay[?].
* Gekioh Shooting King [read: Shienryu] - PS1. Considered a somewhat meh port.
* Raystorm - PS1. Not as good as Rayforce/Layer Section, but that's only on the Saturn. Still pretty enjoyable. Also, there's its sequel/prequel Raycrisis, but it's not particularly well regarded.
* Strikers 1945 [actually Strikers 1945 2] - PS1. Haven't played this.
* Xevious 3D/G+ - PS1. I'm personally not a fan, but it is rather well regarded.
* Shikigami no Shiro II - PS2. Haven't played this.

I can only comment on a handful for their quality, although most of these are considered to be at least good.

Ideally, you'd mod your system [either with a modchip or get Swap Magic+a swap lid, if you use FMCB to do a softmod you'll still need some way of running Swap Magic and need a swap lid to boot non-backup import discs] and just import away.

[shmuppyLove]

Ideally, you'd mod your system [either with a modchip or get Swap Magic+a swap lid, if you use FMCB to do a softmod you'll still need some way of running Swap Magic and need a swap lid to boot non-backup import discs] and just import away.

Or a friend with a chipped PS2 that can install the softmod on your memory card for you.

[moh]

Castle Shikigami 2

I'll second this, easily one of the best shmups on the platform. Comparable with DOJ.