Your shmups predictions for next gen

[Oniros]

How do you think the arrival of "next gen" will affect the genre? I think that many of the big Japanese players of the past years will have to either adapt or fade away. The likes of Cave, G.Rev, Qute, and others will probably either fully embrace mobile or start bringing their games to other platforms (Steam most likely, like Treasure has started with Ikaruga). Also, I believe we'll see some impressive indie shmups popping up in consoles given how the big 3 want all the indies to develop for their respective consoles and they're handing dev kits and publishing licenses like candy. Their appeal won't just be restricted to the crowd that actively buy them (us) but some may even start getting more mainstream recognition (like Resogun). Finally, my wacky prediction is that by the end of its lifetime the 3DS will be home to an impressive shmup collection. Put all the NES VC releases (Gradius, Recca, Xevious) plus new interesting games coming out (Kokuga, Karous) and we'll probably have the best handheld shmup platform ever.

[yorgje]

I really want a shmup on the 3DS that is controlled by the gyroscope and accelerometer

[Pretas]

Also, I believe we'll see some impressive indie shmups popping up in consoles

And at least 75% of them will be analog twin-stick arena shooters that more closely resemble particle animation demos.

[Ed Oscuro]

I think that many of the big Japanese players of the past years will have to either adapt or fade away.

I think that this already happened with the appearance of the last generation, and especially with mobile devices that are the big market everybody wants (and needs) to pile on.

Whether this thinking has been too reflexive is a matter for some debate, but I think that on game consoles with physical media, for good or ill games that have an "old fashioned" style and a smaller size will not get the pride of place as the usual multi-million-dollar blockbuster wannabes that need to be advertised to the hilt. I couldn't say whether this dooms such games to relative obscurity though, because hopefully there's still a good deal of room for everything.

[Furry Fox Jet Pilot]

All I need is for MOSS to make Raiden V within the next few years, and I'll be satisfied. Hopefully it's like Raiden DX with multiple courses. That would be a next-gen dream come true for me.

[Sinful]

I really hate when gaming technology moves ahead too fast, as it's really complicating things for everybody. That's why I'm a fan of the portable systems. But even that last haven is almost gone too thanks to the Vita being pretty freakin advanced and the 3DS really seems to have killed off 2D? Wish the regular DS and especially PSP lasted a bit longer. But really, this doesn't really apply to shmups, since not to many shmups appear on portable systems, sadly.

[ratikal]

I sort of hope that newer console-exclusive STGs follow the same format as Ginga Force with its stage select. It's a really good system, just take out the grinding part.

[Pretas]

The PSP is experiencing a healthy second life right now as an otome game platform. Sadly, that's not too interesting unless you are a geeky Japanese girl who can't get a date.

I sort of hope that newer console-exclusive STGs follow the same format as Ginga Force with its stage select. It's a really good system, just take out the grinding part.

The grinding part is exactly what holds the interest of casuals and keeps them coming back for more when they don't care about score. I'm fine with it as long as they include a legitimate score attack mode.

[EmperorIng]

Small dev-teams and small budgets are what keep shmups profitable in the first place (ie, low overhead).
Next gen will have to keep that up if we want to see any 'official' shmup releases from respected companies. Especially now in a time of large-scale economic downturn. Shmups really grew up during the heyday of the 80s-90s boom, where even with stagflation people had a lot of money to throw around on consumer recreation.

That said, the shift is already there towards the doujin PC market, where there is less overhead and greater chance for profit (larger western audience, online markets, etc.).

Only time will tell if stuff like NESiCA continues to take off in the west, but my thought is that is probably the future of arcade shmup releases (again, needing that small team + small budget outlook).

[gs68]

Only time will tell if stuff like NESiCA continues to take off in the west, but my thought is that is probably the future of arcade shmup releases (again, needing that small team + small budget outlook).

Only chance of NxL making it to the West would be the three Round 1 locations in California (four once the San Jose location opens up next year), as they are part of a chain of Japanese amusement centers. I don't think the Western arcade scene (if any) is big enough to justify giving NxL an international run.

[Squire Grooktook]

Small dev-teams and small budgets are what keep shmups profitable in the first place (ie, low overhead).

What I'm hoping is that some kind of middleground can be found (for shmups and indie games in general) between Cave style high production values, and "beep boop look at me I'm retro" 8-bit indie games.

[EmperorIng]

I don't any of the most commercially-successful doujin shooters released in the last few years seriously got their buzz from the 'beep boop soooo retro' factor.

Jamestown received lots of positive press, and even the Alltynex Trilogy managed to raise ~$20,000 through its kickstarter. And in terms of domestic Japanese games, Crimson Clover has been very successful, and Akashicverse has won many admirers.

Only time will tell if stuff like NESiCA continues to take off in the west, but my thought is that is probably the future of arcade shmup releases (again, needing that small team + small budget outlook).

Only chance of NxL making it to the West would be the three Round 1 locations in California (four once the San Jose location opens up next year), as they are part of a chain of Japanese amusement centers. I don't think the Western arcade scene (if any) is big enough to justify giving NxL an international run.

I actually meant to say "take off in the east," but that's a good point all the same, no matter how much I'd like to see Nesica take on a more international flavor.

[Squire Grooktook]

Yeah, it's true. Indie shmups ironically seem to have much better aesthetics than many other indie games. I just hope that trend continues and we see more pixel art on par with Jamestown and whatnot.

[thelion1856]

I think next gen systems won't have as many STG's as the xbox360 had for it.

I'm predicting that if STG's even make a big appearance on next gen consoles then you will see the majority of the releases on the download section of xboxone or ps4 games. Also I'm predicting all of these releases will be of previously released games from generations past or previously released 360 STG's.

I think there will be less than 5 physical new STG releases between both the 360 and ps4.

I hope I'm wrong but I don't have much hope for next gen consoles and STG's. Also I think there is a greater chance a developer makes STG's for the current xbox360 rather than for a next gen console. Kinda like like the dreamcast STG's that came out after the death of the dreamcast.

[chempop]

Also I think there is a greater chance a developer makes STG's for the current xbox360 rather than for a next gen console. Kinda like like the dreamcast STG's that came out after the death of the dreamcast.

That would be great as far as I'm concerned!

[CMcK]

With self publishing on the new consoles and stuff like the free Unity license as part of the ID@Xbox scheme I'm hoping we see loads of stuff getting ported from the PC scene.
And surely the likes of NGDevteam will be looking closely at the new systems as well.

[royalfan84]

I think next gen systems won't have as many STG's as the xbox360 had for it.

I'm predicting that if STG's even make a big appearance on next gen consoles then you will see the majority of the releases on the download section of xboxone or ps4 games. Also I'm predicting all of these releases will be of previously released games from generations past or previously released 360 STG's.

I think there will be less than 5 physical new STG releases between both the 360 and ps4.

I hope I'm wrong but I don't have much hope for next gen consoles and STG's. Also I think there is a greater chance a developer makes STG's for the current xbox360 rather than for a next gen console. Kinda like like the dreamcast STG's that came out after the death of the dreamcast.

I like the sound of this...I can take only a small handful of new releases as long as games like Border Down, Zero Gunner. Progear, etc become readily available..as well as PC titles being converted to console....but then again I have a lot catching up to do. I would hope there is a solid amount of new material released for the players who have been with the genre awhile and have played almost everything worth playing already.

I also kind of have a gut feeling there will probably be as many new or re-released stg titles still to come on the 360 as there will be the new systems.

It would also be awesome for me if Batrider and Bakraid were ported eventually....dream a dream.

[R79]

Ideally, Raiden Fighters Aces will finally get a PAL release... same deal with ProGear, and many other shooters from Irem, Psikyo and Raizing etc.

Expecting big things on the retro side from XBLA Mk.II if either the parent companies or various affiliates can pick up the rights to these MIA games!

[Marc]

There won't be any.

[alpachinko]

There will be some shitty mediocre western title with physics or something that will 'redefine' the genre in the eyes of the press on XBLA/PSN. Can't see this gen being big on the shmups to be honest. Fingers crossed tho.

[Neorebel]

The 3DS is a great little system and we just got a great 3D Space Harrier port. I just got Star Soldier from the VC on there too. Hope to see more in the near future. On the subject of Nintendo, the Wii U tablet seems like the perfect handheld way to play shooters because you could flip it for tate mode. Someone needs to get on making some good ports and new titles!

One last comment - The PSN of course could use some more love when it comes to shmups. Would be amazing if some Cave games were digitally released on there. I have never been a fan of the Xbox.

[Formless God]

Rift support on everything

[KAI]

Next gen doesn't like arcades.

[Kollision]

Gradius VI
Axelay 2

[Pretas]

Next gen doesn't like arcades.

Except that Namco's System 478, which Gundam Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost will run on, is essentially a PS4.

[Sugar Rush Games]

A little off topic, but I expect the Dreamcast to continue to receive a few homebrew Euroshmups as we move into next gen.

[piginapoke]

Looking at the next gen console releases. The only one I saw that had genrrally positive reviews was a shmup Resogun on PS4. At least you know where you stand with old skool shmups even if they are in next gen gorgeous packaging

[Neorebel]

I think there's something ironic about the fact that the best game on PS4 exclusive out right now is Resogun. Could have easily been a 9.99 PS3 digital release.

[Pretas]

Microsoft has said the 360 will only be supported for three more years. I'm concerned whether they'll decide to pull the plug on it entirely after that time has expired, as they did with the original Xbox, and XBLA games/patches/DLC will no longer be available.

[Milspex]

360 support is dead already imo.

What was the last great arcade port that was released for it?