What portable system is best for shooters?

[CIT]

So did I when I mentioned the GBA and, seriously, while the GG Alestes are killer games, both the Wonderswan and Game Gear are more lacking than the GB when it comes to shmup variety. The b/w GB has Nemesis, Sagaia, Parodius, Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, R-Type, R-Type 2, Space Invaders, Burai Fighter Deluxe, Solar Striker, Galaga/Galaxian, and Twinbee. GBC has R-Type DX, Project S-11, Space Invaders, Magical Chase, and SWIV. GBA has Gradius Galaxies, Steel Empire, Space Invaders, Iridion II, Time Pilot, Gyruss, Scramble, Galaga, Galaxian, Classic NES Xevious, Famicom Mini Twinbee, and Famicom Mini Star Soldier (with another version of NES Star Solder coming soon in a cart with two other NES shmups. List of GBA games includes games in classics collections). Wonderswan only has Judgement Silversword and Run Dim. Game Gear has Super Space Invaders, Halley Wars, Galaga '91 (a toned down Galaga EightyEight), and the two GG Aleste games. Seriously, the GB lineup has more in the way of shmups than either the Game Gear or Wonderswan, not just one or two quality games.

Also, the one shmup worth trying to seek out on the WS is not a common game. At least GG Aleste 2 isn't too hard to find at a reasonable price. More than a few of the better GB shmups can be found easily for cheap.

This may just be my bias, since I don't really like playing b&w games, but I do think WS JSS and the GG Aleste games are such good games, that they ultimately make these systems better for shmuppers than a GB, GBC, or even a GBA. I am of course only talking from an idealistic standpoint of "awesomeness of the game itself", and I realize these games may not be the most practical to try and aquire. So, yeah, you can probably fully satisfy all your handheld shmupping needs by getting a GBA. But, then again, why do some people choose to buy a BMW or a Porsche instead of a Corolla?

BTW, I haven't played Nemesis yet, do you think it's better than Gradius Generation?

[BrianC]

So did I when I mentioned the GBA and, seriously, while the GG Alestes are killer games, both the Wonderswan and Game Gear are more lacking than the GB when it comes to shmup variety. The b/w GB has Nemesis, Sagaia, Parodius, Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, R-Type, R-Type 2, Space Invaders, Burai Fighter Deluxe, Solar Striker, Galaga/Galaxian, and Twinbee. GBC has R-Type DX, Project S-11, Space Invaders, Magical Chase, and SWIV. GBA has Gradius Galaxies, Steel Empire, Space Invaders, Iridion II, Time Pilot, Gyruss, Scramble, Galaga, Galaxian, Classic NES Xevious, Famicom Mini Twinbee, and Famicom Mini Star Soldier (with another version of NES Star Solder coming soon in a cart with two other NES shmups. List of GBA games includes games in classics collections). Wonderswan only has Judgement Silversword and Run Dim. Game Gear has Super Space Invaders, Halley Wars, Galaga '91 (a toned down Galaga EightyEight), and the two GG Aleste games. Seriously, the GB lineup has more in the way of shmups than either the Game Gear or Wonderswan, not just one or two quality games.

Also, the one shmup worth trying to seek out on the WS is not a common game. At least GG Aleste 2 isn't too hard to find at a reasonable price. More than a few of the better GB shmups can be found easily for cheap.

This may just be my bias, since I don't really like playing b&w games, but I do think WS JSS and the GG Aleste games are such good games, that they ultimately make these systems better for shmuppers than a GB, GBC, or even a GBA. I am of course only talking from an idealistic standpoint of "awesomeness of the game itself", and I realize these games may not be the most practical to try and aquire. So, yeah, you can probably fully satisfy all your handheld shmupping needs by getting a GBA. But, then again, why do some people choose to buy a BMW or a Porsche instead of a Corolla?

BTW, I haven't played Nemesis yet, do you think it's better than Gradius Generation?

I personally think Nemesis is better than Gradius Galaxies. It doesn't have as many weapons and it's not as long, but the game is just more satisifing for some odd reason. Strangly enough, I like some aspects of Gradius: IA better, but something about the game just didn't seem to click like Nemesis. I really can't put my finger on it. To be honest, I haven't played enough of the GB Parodius Da! to really comment much on it.

There were some Europe/Japan only Konami collections for GB with some of the Konami shmups in them. It's probably the definitive way to play some of the games, though Twinbee Da!! and Track and Field are toned down compared to the original GB versions (though Twinbee is more intact than Track and Field and is only missing two player). The Japanese collections are SGB compatible. The European collections have wierd color pallettes for GBC, but no SGB support. Strangly enough, though the collections have the same games, the numbering order is different. I forgot the Japanese order

European Collection one has Nemesis (called Gradius in the collection in both Europe and Japan, despite the original name being Nemesis in all regions), Probotector (Contra/Operation C), Castlevania Adventure, and Konami Racing (called World Circuit Series in the US).

The second European collection has Frogger, Parodius, a halved version of Track and Field, and Block Game (Quarth).

The third European collection has Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon (a localization of the awesome first GB Goemon IN ENGLISH!!!!, not the crappy SGB compatible Goemon), Pop 'n Twinbee (European name, actually Twinbee Da!!), Bikers, and Guttang Guttong (known as Locomotion in US arcades).

The fourth European collection has Gradius II: Return of the Hero (yet another name change. Same game as Nemesis II Return of the Hero and Gradius: Interstellar Assault), Castlevania II Belmont's Revenge, Yie Air Kung Fu, and Anarctic Adventure (Penguins rock!).

I play games becuase they are good, not just becuase they are cheap. To me, that anaology means absolutely nothing. I still recommend picking up the Game Gear, though it has short battery life and is lacking in games (speaking generally) compared to GBA. I definatly recommend getting the battery pack for the Game Gear, even though it adds even more bulk to the system.

[Dylan1CC]

You can't go wrong with a TurboExpress/PCE GT. Think about it: You're on your dreary 50 minute work commute and you could be playing nearly arcade perfect Gradius and R-TYPE, not to mention a bunch of great Konami shooters such as Detana! Twinbee, Parodius, almost arcade perfect Salamander/Life Force. Another favorite that I like to play on my TE is the PCE rev of Kyukyouku Tiger. And don't forget the Star Soldier games, Air Zonk/PC Denjin, I could go on.

Just make sure the system is modded or that you have a converter too so you can play all those tasty Japanese Hucards and that you pack plenty of batteries or have a recharge pack (TE lasts 3 hours easily on AA's which is more than enough for your 50 min commute). Also, the TE/GT's screen KILLS the Nomad's. In fact, before the GBA and PSP, the TE still had the best screen of a mass market portable for many years.

[Dylan1CC]

I wanna make a correction, the TE/GT should last at least 4-6 hours on 6 AAs.

[Neon]

I wanna make a correction, the TE/GT should last at least 4-6 hours on 6 AAs.

There's always the edit button

Anyways, anything that can emulate Genesis. Not Nomad. You'd have to buy an expensive flashcart or else carry around a backpack of cartridges. I think PSP can do PC Engine emulation as well, so it seems that would be the handheld of choice.

[CMoon]

A NOMAD.

Who can resist the Genesis library of shooters at your finger tips? When I was in the hospital for 40 days, my Nomad is how I survived.

How many batteries did you go through?

I plugged it into the wall next to my bed.

A better question is how you endured the headache associated w/ the perpetual blur that is the Nomad screen.

Of course, I understand a few of the shmups do not blur too badly....

[pcb_revival]

I wish NEC would release a new PC Engine limited production handheld in 2007 celebrating the PCE twenty anniversary.

It would be a fitting tribute to release a new machine using latest screen and battery technology.

[Dylan1CC]

I wish NEC would release a new PC Engine limited production handheld in 2007 celebrating the PCE twenty anniversary.

It would be a fitting tribute to release a new machine using latest screen and battery technology.

That would be incredible. Unfortunately, NEC isn't that hip. Or assuming they did it'd probably be some stupid cell phone download crap.

[Stormwatch]

Laptop + MAME ...enough said.

[BrianC]

Laptop + MAME ...enough said.

Too bad joypads are awkward to bring with you and keyboard isn't the best thing for playing shmups. It's too bad the Neo Geo Pocket Color only has one shmup for it. The mini joystick it has is very well suited for shmups.

[superhitachi4]

I would say Game Gear, or Nomad (battery *should* last through a train ride :p) if you're not looking for emulation, or PSP if you're looking to emulate. Game Gear has GG Aleste, and you can pick up a Master System converter (R-Type anyone?). Nomad has the same shooter library as the Genesis / Mega Drive, so that's pretty good. (Thunder Force III, Thunder Force IV, MUSHA, Air Buster etc) Turbo Express is also pretty nice, although I've never owned one. PSP is really powerful for a handheld, and you'll be able to play a lot of classics on it through emulation. Anyway, good luck with a decision. It's hard to make a bad one.

[iatneH]

Anybody know if the GP2X pad is/will be microswitched?

I'm looking forward to seeing how MAME will turn out on that.

[highlandcattle]

Anybody know if the GP2X pad is/will be microswitched?

I'm looking forward to seeing how MAME will turn out on that.

I believe it's microswitched

[Dylan1CC]

Avoid the Game Gear like the plague! (sorry hitachi ) Its screen is so unbelievably fuzzy and blurry it will make your eyes sore. TE or Nomad are both much better choices both screen-wise and shooter selection wise. Nomad screen is sorta "blurred" but at least it's much clearer than the GG's.

[BrianC]

Avoid the Game Gear like the plague! (sorry hitachi ) Its screen is so unbelievably fuzzy and blurry it will make your eyes sore. TE or Nomad are both much better choices both screen-wise and shooter selection wise. Nomad screen is sorta "blurred" but at least it's much clearer than the GG's.

The GBC and GBAs screens don't get blurry and they have some quality shmups. Some sweet games with shmup levels like Astro Boy and Super Mario Land too.

[Thunder Force]

Anyone tried playing shmups on a GBMicro screen yet?

[Dylan1CC]

Anyone tried playing shmups on a GBMicro screen yet?

I haven't but FWIW James Mielke said in his 1up.com Gunstar SH review that it is one title you wouldn't want to play on a GB Micro. If that's the case I'd imagine other 2D shooting games with even smaller bullets like Gradius Galaxies surely wouldn't display well on it.

As an aside, I don't see a good reason for owning a Micro unless you're more casual portable gamer. What's the point of such a tiny screen?

[Thunder Force]

I don't see a good reason for owning a Micro unless you're more casual portable gamer. What's the point of such a tiny screen?

I thought it would be cool to have the world's smallest version of Galaga and Gyruss. I'm just not sure about that tiny screen.

[snap monkey]

I've heard that the tiny screen isn't that big of an issue. The extra clarity it offers more than makes up for any lost area. Haven't tried it myself, though.

[Dylan1CC]

I've heard that the tiny screen isn't that big of an issue. The extra clarity it offers more than makes up for any lost area. Haven't tried it myself, though.

I asked the manager at EB if I could try one out and he said no, unfortunately. For some reason our EB doesn't get new Nintendo demo units which is kinda annoying in a case like this.

[BrianC]

I haven't tried the GB Micro yet, but I heard the screen is a bit sharper than the previous, though I'm somewhat skeptical about the smaller screen. The fact that it doesn't play GB b/w or GBC games is a disappointment too.

[Thunder Force]

I haven't tried the GB Micro yet, but I heard the screen is a bit sharper than the previous

Just for kicks I bought a GB Micro today, and am going to evaluate it for shmup play. The screen is indeed an improvement over previous Nintendo handhelds - sharp and bright. I'm still curious about things like motion blur and how the small screen size and button layout will affect play.

So far I've done some casual tests with the GBA port of the horizontal scroller Phalanx, a shmup that in Hard mode throws around semi-manic amounts of tiny orange bullets all over the screen.

Initial impressions on the Micro are good - the high contrast screen makes bullet visibility no problem despite the screen size. The controls are similarly impressive, especially the Nintendo d-pad which is both responsive and relaxing at the same time, from my brief time with it so far...

Shoulder buttons and start/select are no longer instantly accessible though without some finger repositioning, so any games that rely on quick use of those keys run into some delays (changing weapons or speed settings in Phalanx for example).

Being able to carry a shmup around in your pocket literally anywhere is worth the price of admission though. Works great for RPGs too, of course

Additional details on GB Micro performance for Galaga and Gyruss will be posted in this thread in the coming days.

[BrianC]

Additional details on GB Micro performance for Galaga and Gyruss will be posted in this thread in the coming days.

Which GBA Galaga version, Namco Museum, or Namco Museum 50th Anniversary? I have a feeling that the latter will be better on Micro since it has tate and bigger full screen modes. The older GBA version is a bit small, even on a regular GBA.

[Super Laydock]

If you're looking purely from the perspective of what system has the best exclusive catalogue of officially released shooters, I would say Wonderswan and Game Gear are the best.

Wonderswan, as it has Judgement Silversword, the best handheld shooter made, and playable in tate!

Game Gear has GG Aleste II, the second best handheld shooter, IMO. As well as the technically most impressive Game Gear game (looks like it's on HuCard!).

Wonderswan only has one or two shmups, ....

If you get yourself a Wonderwitch player there are several more (some quite good) shmups for the Wonderswan. Especially worth a mention is the "sequel" (or update with new stages if you want) for Judgement Silversword, called Judgement Silversword: Cardinal Sins. Like the original this is an extraordinary good quality shmup. A Wonderwitch player should at least be easier to find than JSS. Nice thing is you play the games on your WSCrystal or Color just as the commercial carts, you just upload them on the Wonderwitch cart through your PC.

The Wonderswan may be far from the ideal choice for a portable shmup system (a GBA defenitely has more quantity and some very good games among them *cough* Gradius Galaxies *cough*), it has the by quite a distance best portable shmup available.

[metallica_tyler]

well, I'm going to a town 200 miles away from where I live for Thanksgiving and I just recently bought a GameGear just for the trip. I also can't wait to use it during the breaks between college classes.

I bought Halley Wars, Shinobi, GG ALesteII (!!), a couple Sonic games and Super Columns. I'v been reading all over about Aleste II and it seems really good I can't wait to get it!

The last time I played a Game Gear was back in 1993 when my buddy had one with SOR and Power Rangers. Good times..