Thinking about getting a 360 for the shmups (advice?)

[pestro87]

The marketplace will be in whatever region is associated with your XBL account. In other words, if you log in with a NA XBL account on a Japanese X360, you will have access to the NA marketplace along with Netflix and so on.

Regarding the DLC codes, you will need a Japanese XBL account for DLC content for the games that aren't region free. Once the content is downloaded however, you can log out from your Japanese XBL account, log in with your NA account and access the content that you have downloaded.

Also, if you purchase DLC content for a Japanese game (that also has a NA version) with your NA XBL account, weird stuff can happen :/ I did this for Final Fantasy XIII-2 and all of a sudden my character turned invisible. I had to delete the DLC that I had downloaded with my NA account and purchase it with my Japanese account instead.

[VixyNyan]

If you want a list of all the Retail and XBLA games that has the Shoot'em Up genre labeled on them (whether they are horizontal, vertical or top-down shooters), this one should do just fine for the moment, and it also lists some upcoming games too.

On that site, the Senko no Ronde games are in the Fighting genre.

Something I should add about downloadable games on the marketplace. When it comes to XBLA shmups, there really isn't any exclusivity between the regions, since each region has the same game and depending on what region you download from, you can get it cheaper in the western side rather than the eastern side (depending on the value of MS points and all that stuff). Not to mention that there are only a handful of Games on Demand games you can download from the Japanese marketplace, like Radirgy Noa Massive, Senko no Ronde Duo, just to name a few. But it's better to track down the disc versions instead. ^^

[Squire Grooktook]

If you want a list of all the Retail and XBLA games that has the Shoot'em Up genre labeled on them (whether they are horizontal, vertical or top-down shooters), this one should do just fine for the moment, and it also lists some upcoming games too.

Thank you. I'll be using this and Play Asia to make a list of games + regions, then start seeing what I can for prices. I'll be sure to ask about any games the quality of which I am unsure about.

[casualcoder]

I know this isn't the trading station but I'll throw this out because it's relevant. I have a copy of both Otomedius Excellent and Deathsmiles, North American versions and unopened that I'm willing to ship for $30 including shipped so long as you live in North America.

Deathsmiles is my favorite stg on x360 so no matter what you should definitely get it one way or another.

[Aquas]

I advise an NA box. Unless you really know you're gonna play the region-exclusive titles. NA and region-free titles comprise a big plate of food there already. I'm quite happy with mine.

But damn, $22 for Ketsui. That's pretty cool. Makes me want to get a copy so I can make an altar for it.

[exquisite_torture]

And fuck Otomedius. Jesus fuck, man.

Seriously. I almost instantly regretted that purchase.

This and Mamoru Kun.

[Squire Grooktook]

I would like some elaboration on Otomedius. Like I said, I'm a big fan of Gradius since I first got into this genre, and I don't really care too much about aesthetics (I like good aesthetics, but if something is not to my taste, as Otomedius isn't, I can compartmentalize it easy). Is the level design really bad? How does it compare to the rest of the series?

[Alfred]

If anyone is buying a Xbox 360 for STG's buy a Japanese console.

[Friendly]

And fuck Otomedius. Jesus fuck, man.

Seriously. I almost instantly regretted that purchase.

I thought the first one (Otomedius G) was ok-ish, but the second one (Otomedius Excellent, which was also released in America) is really awful and should be avoided.

[Cagar]

J360 was the best gaming decision I've ever made.

[trap15]

J360 was the best gaming decision I've ever made.

[dinosaurjerk]

i used to own a j360 until mine started randomly freezing and then finally rrod'd (it was a really old model from like 2007 before the revision with on board memory and the slim models that aren't as prone to dying, allegedly), and it was cool a couple years ago when Cave were still iffy on localizing stuff, but i don't know if it's worth it now. if you're just looking for Cave games Ketsui, Daioujou, and the Ketsupatchi arrange aren't really that compelling for the increased cost of importing a j360, unless you feel a deep moral imperative to buy a used copy of ketsui off ebay, or something. the replays on the leaderboards were nice, but i ended up playing Ketsui and DOJ more in MAME once they were added, even before it broke

can't really comment on the other japan exclusive releases tho i really don't like Otomedeius or the first 2 Shikigami games, didn't really bother with any of the other region locked titles.

[Squire Grooktook]

Bumping this to say that it's my birthday and I'v decided on the U.S 360. I was actually leaning toward the Japanese one for a while but the price and my parents shooting down the idea immediately made me reconsider.

So anyway, I'm starting out by getting Espgaluda II, Dodonpachi DFK, and Insect Princess. Also getting for my birthday Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, but that's not shmups related or xbox.

My parents have agreed that for every semester that I get 50% A's in all my classes and no low grades, I can get another game heh.

Thank you all for your help, this thread and the threads and guides I'v been linked to have been a tremendous help.

Also I just wanted to ask a few game specific questions while I'm here:



Otomedius Excellent: Okay is this game bad or not? I keep hearing everyone has different feelings on it. I don't care about aesthetics, so how is the gameplay? Is the level design good? Does it play good? I'm a big fan of Gradius, so even if it's just a "decent" entry in the series, that's good enough for me.


The XBLA ports of Radiant Silvergun and Ikaragua: I know the Saturn and Dreamcast ports of RSG and Ikaragua are the best, respectively. But are the ports on xbla "legit" and worth playing?

[Zaarock]

The XBLA ports of Radiant Silvergun and Ikaragua: I know the Saturn and Dreamcast ports of RSG and Ikaragua are the best, respectively. But are the ports on xbla "legit" and worth playing?

Ikaruga (Nicaragua? ) has quite a few inconsistencies with the original version, but not really anything that would hurt the experience if it's the first version you play I think? Radiant Silvergun port lacks slowdown and has one or two more frames of lag but ben_shinobi thinks it's 99% accurate and got a new WR for Story mode in it so why should you care The higher res sprites and stuff look pretty nice too.

[Jeneki]

Watch some videos of Excellent to check out the level design. Personally, it'd be the last shmup I get for 360 (other than Gorgeous, but that's import only).

[Special World]

This isn't a board that hates Gradius, so I'd really reconsider getting Otomedius if your games are limited. I really haven't heard anything good about the game.

I'd also reconsider getting Dodonpachi DFK as one of your first three games, but that's just me.

[TrevHead (TVR)]

Modding, it works wonders.

I've been planning on doing this to my PAL 360 when MS stop supporting it, hopefully someone will work out a different way of breaking the region lock without JTAG.

EDIT

Bumping this to say that it's my birthday and I'v decided on the U.S 360.

Happy BDay, those games you've picked are good choices as it's better to import the Jap games that have a chance of going out of print.

[BulletMagnet]

Otomedius Excellent: Okay is this game bad or not? I keep hearing everyone has different feelings on it. I don't care about aesthetics, so how is the gameplay? Is the level design good? Does it play good? I'm a big fan of Gradius, so even if it's just a "decent" entry in the series, that's good enough for me.

It's not completely without redeeming value, but I still can't particularly recommend it. Get a good-sized hunk of other stuff first.

[Squire Grooktook]

Mkay, I'm thinking I might just skip Otomedius altogether.

I'd also reconsider getting Dodonpachi DFK as one of your first three games, but that's just me.

What's the general consensus of the games quality? I was thinking of swapping it out for Eschatos or Akai Katana. But it's a tough call.

*edit: Eschatos is out of the question for now. Way too pricey to buy with other games. I'll have to wait on it.

Radiant Silvergun port lacks slowdown and has one or two more frames of lag but ben_shinobi thinks it's 99% accurate and got a new WR for Story mode in it so why should you care The higher res sprites and stuff look pretty nice too.

I don't mind the lack of slowdown, but that extra input delay sounds painful. I might just stick with emulating in that case.

[Ed Oscuro]

Raiden Fighters Aces

Worth the money, but not cheap online at the usual asking prices. (Also bad print job in the US, lol)

I think I've probably still spent no more than $100 on the 360 total (although no proper arcade stick and not factoring in the Onza) but it's already been pretty enjoyable.

[Special World]

Mkay, I'm thinking I might just skip Otomedius altogether.

I'd also reconsider getting Dodonpachi DFK as one of your first three games, but that's just me.

What's the general consensus of the games quality? I was thinking of swapping it out for Eschatos or Akai Katana. But it's a tough call.

Radiant Silvergun port lacks slowdown and has one or two more frames of lag but ben_shinobi thinks it's 99% accurate and got a new WR for Story mode in it so why should you care The higher res sprites and stuff look pretty nice too.

I don't mind the lack of slowdown, but that extra input delay sounds painful. I might just stick with emulating in that case.

Wait, I got a little confused. By "Insect Princess" you mean Mushihimesama Futari, right? The original Mushi is J360 only, I think. At any rate, Futari is definitely the best pick, imo. Futari Black Label might be my favorite game ever :O

Personally I think DFK is pretty bleh, and I know some others agree with me. I don't really like it for survival or scoring, and it's very easily my least favorite 360 Cave game. I think Eschatos is amazing, especially since it comes with two other great games and feels so unique among 360 shooters. Otherwise you mostly just have Cave, Cave and more Cave.

My own personal favorites are:
Mushi Futari (amazing traditional Cave game with a ton of modes, and the downloadable black label is even better)
Eschatos (great game with a ton of modes and amazing music, plus the included Judgement Silversword and Cardinal Sins)
Muchi Pork and Pink Sweets (a Cave collection, but Pink Sweets feels totally different from any other Cave game while Muchi Pork feels like an in-between of the two styles)

But maybe you'll love the normal Cave style so much that you won't like or appreciate how different Muchi Pork and Pink Sweets are, and maybe Eschatos won't be flashy enough for you. I know that at first, I couldn't get enough of Cave's style. It's only now that I have all of them that I wish they were a little more diverse. And it really is important to go with your gut and pick the games that really appeal to you. Futari was just love at first sight for me, and it blew me away. Hopefully you see one of these games and know that it's the one you want. I don't want to make you second-guess your gut, because I hate it when that happens to me. I get all worked up and excited and then I think about changing my plans, because it is a really big decision.

I would basically say just get Futari (and the Black Label DLC if you can) and trust your gut and personal taste for the other two games you pick. I know you're going to have a great time either way, and absolutely no regrets.

ED: There's a budget price version of Eschatos for $40. I think that's how much you'll find Futari for as well. I suspect you can find Deathsmiles and Akai Katana for ~$20 though, as well as Raiden Fighters Aces. Those are all really great games as well.

[Squire Grooktook]

Wait, I got a little confused. By "Insect Princess" you mean Mushihimesama Futari, right? The original Mushi is J360 only, I think. At any rate, Futari is definitely the best pick, imo. Futari Black Label might be my favorite game ever :O

Yeah, definitely Futari. I'v heard so many amazing things about the game, I don't think I could excuse not getting it as my first xbox game.

Personally I think DFK is pretty bleh, and I know some others agree with me. I don't really like it for survival or scoring, and it's very easily my least favorite 360 Cave game. I think Eschatos is amazing, especially since it comes with two other great games and feels so unique among 360 shooters. Otherwise you mostly just have Cave, Cave and more Cave.

Alright then. I'll wait on DFK, and keep myself occupied playing DOJ via emulation.

But maybe you'll love the normal Cave style so much that you won't like or appreciate how different Muchi Pork and Pink Sweets are, and maybe Eschatos won't be flashy enough for you. I know that at first, I couldn't get enough of Cave's style. It's only now that I have all of them that I wish they were a little more diverse. And it really is important to go with your gut and pick the games that really appeal to you. Futari was just love at first sight for me, and it blew me away. Hopefully you see one of these games and know that it's the one you want. I don't want to make you second-guess your gut, because I hate it when that happens to me. I get all worked up and excited and then I think about changing my plans, because it is a really big decision.

Muchi Pork and Pink Sweets I definitely want to play, but I'm not a big rank manipulation person, so I'll wait until acquiring the stuff that's more in line with my personal tastes before diving into that. Also I'm over Cave's style, I more appreciate the solid gameplay. The idea of Eschatos really appeals to me though.

And don't worry, I'm just happy for the second opinions.

ED: There's a budget price version of Eschatos for $40.

That would be this, right?

http://www.play-asia.com/Eschatos_Wonde ... -4ojt.html

Play Asia says it doesn't know if it's region free, but I believe Qute said all their games are region free, correct?

Anyway, in that case it's really between Akai Katana and Eschatos. I'm interested in Akai Katana because I heard it's a really amazing game, and that some of the guys from Treasure were also involved with it. Eschatos I really like the idea of a game that bridges the gap between bullet hell and more traditional shooters, as I'v been told it does.

[Special World]

My version is region free, and I'm pretty sure the wonder price version is too. I'm sure somebody in the Eschatos topic has said one way or the other, so check it out. Eschatos is definitely the real deal. I love it. It feels so good on a fundamental level, with great, innovative patterns and satisfying shooting. It really does bridge a large swath of shooting history. And Judgement Silversword is A+ as well. Cardinal Sins is just good ;p

imo, Akai Katana has a great core system that's brought down by horrible, horrible bosses. They're my least favorite bosses in any Cave game, and just really bring down the entire thing for me. It's a great game otherwise, though I'm not sure about Treasure being involved.

[Squire Grooktook]

My version is region free, and I'm pretty sure the wonder price version is too. I'm sure somebody in the Eschatos topic has said one way or the other, so check it out. Eschatos is definitely the real deal. I love it. It feels so good on a fundamental level, with great, innovative patterns and satisfying shooting. It really does bridge a large swath of shooting history. And Judgement Silversword is A+ as well. Cardinal Sins is just good ;p

imo, Akai Katana has a great core system that's brought down by horrible, horrible bosses. They're my least favorite bosses in any Cave game, and just really bring down the entire thing for me. It's a great game otherwise, though I'm not sure about Treasure being involved.

ah, my mistake. It was a Yagawa game, not Treasure. No idea how I got them mixed up.

Anyway, I guess I'll try for Eschatos then. Sounds like something right up my alley. I'll probably still try Akai Katana, but maybe later.

I think my first 3 will be: Espgaluda II, Mushi Futari, Eschatos. Then I'll go for Raiden IV > Akai Katana > Pink Sweets & Muchi Muchi Pork > Raiden Fighters Ace > Death Smiles > whatever else comes to mind.

[Jeneki]

It might be just me being paranoid, but it may be a good time to get MMP/PS re-release, before the flippers snap them all up and jack the price again.

[Squire Grooktook]

Alright, so the orders for Galuda, Mushi Futari, Eschatos, and the 360 are now complete. Thank you all for your help.

[Special World]

Sounds like a great time. I hope/know you have a really great week/month/year/lifetime of gaming ahead of you

[Skykid]

Alright, so the orders for Galuda, Mushi Futari, Eschatos, and the 360 are now complete. Thank you all for your help.

That's a very well rounded line up, and you'll get an awesome retro kick from the Silversword stuff on Eschatos (2 free games essentially. )

Otomedius you can live without forever, you won't miss much, but I wouldn't write DFK off for a future purchase. It's got good beginner qualities and some of the most incredible eye candy.

[Squire Grooktook]

Sounds like a great time. I hope/know you have a really great week/month/year/lifetime of gaming ahead of you

Thank you, I look forward to it.

[Special World]

Tell me what you think of the games when you play them, and keep getting good grades!

(edited so I don't sound 80 years old)