Best horizontal series?

[MR_Soren]

I'm surprised that Gradius is beating R-Type by such a large margin, but I suppose it's more well known.

I think Deathsmiles should have been in the poll, but I'd still vote for R-Type.

[Captain]

Am i the only one that loves thunder force the most?

Sure they gameplay isn't the best (pretty solid on hardest difficulties though), but THE MUSIC, THE MUSIQUE MAN.

[Bydobasher]

I voted for R-Type (obviously...). But I do love the Gradius series. I like Darius (especially G Darius, and to a lesser extent Darius Gaiden). I could never get into Thunder Force.

The "Thunder" series (Gate of Thunder, Winds/Lords of Thunder) deserves a mention here, as does the "Star" series on NeoGeo (Pulstar and Blazing Star). And also Thunder Cross (even though I don't like the sequel, but the original Thunder Cross is terrific).

[chempop]

Am i the only one that loves thunder force the most?

Yes. The 10 other people who voted for it must have not understood the question.

[Captain]

Am i the only one that loves thunder force the most?

Yes. The 10 other people who voted for it must have not understood the question.

It currently has the lowest number of votes, next to Darius (how the hell is Darius this low either).

[Sugar Rush Games]

Am i the only one that loves thunder force the most?

Yes. The 10 other people who voted for it must have not understood the question.

It currently has the lowest number of votes, next to Darius (how the hell is Darius this low either).

I kind of expected Darius to be near the bottom.

I had guessed that R-Type and Gradius were equal in terms of popularity, with Thunder Force a close second and Darius a distant third.

[ZaKa-tokyobassist]

Gradius. It's not just because it's the original or whatever. It still unique as hell compared to other shmups that preceded it.

I do like the R-Type series in it's entirety. Gaiden and G were the only entries I liked in Darius but I haven't tried Burst yet so I can't comment. Thunder Force from 2 up until V: Perfect System was just downright badass. Thunder Force VI is so uninspired that it'd rather them just not even bothered releasing it.

Not really a series but I thought Border Down was badass. I know people will hate me for saying this but I just couldn't get into Metal Black. I don't dislike it but I'm just not really into the game for some reason.

[royalfan84]

Einhander

[opt2not]

Voted for R-type for it's slow pace and atmosphere as well.
I never got into the Darius series, mostly because I never gave it an honest chance. But the comments in this thread is making me want to revisit it.

[Sugar Rush Games]

Einhander

Unless there's a sequel I'm unaware of, that's not technically a series. Still a great game that deserves to be in the converation for best overall hori game.

[Captain]

Einhander

Series, not game.

[EmperorIng]

It's understandable for Gradius to be the most popular. It has arguably the highest number of bonafide shmup classics, or at least near universally-regarded great games. Certainly, Gradius games make the top 25 more often than any other of the hori series.

I voted Darius because beating a Darius game is actually possible. Many of the Darius games are classics in their own right, but it's understandable to see the appeal of R-Type and Gradius.

[Captain]

You....can't beat gradius?

I can't understand that, sorry.

[EmperorIng]

My only Gradius games are 3, 4, and 5, so you have to forgive me if I have a rough time of it.

[professor ganson]

I'm surprised that Gradius is beating R-Type by such a large margin, but I suppose it's more well known.

I think Deathsmiles should have been in the poll, but I'd still vote for R-Type.

I agree with all of this except: I've always thought of R-Type as the most famous shmup after Space Invaders. Hard to know, though.

[Sugar Rush Games]

I'm surprised that Gradius is beating R-Type by such a large margin, but I suppose it's more well known.

I think Deathsmiles should have been in the poll, but I'd still vote for R-Type.

I agree with all of this except: I've always thought of R-Type as the most famous shmup after Space Invaders. Hard to know, though.

R-Type is very well known / popular, but if you count spin-offs, it has way fewer entries than the Gradius / Parodius / Salamander / Otomedius series.

[professor ganson]

Yeah, I guess the Gradius series has a further reach. I was thinking more about the original R-Type. I don't think any particular Gradius game is quite as famous, but maybe that's mistaken.

[EmperorIng]

Gradius had a NES port, which is how most people are familiar with the series. Plus Gradius III being a launch title on the SNES. Both were big deals. R-Type is the shmup-fan's "most famous shmup," but most normal people don't know what R-Type is, outside of MAYBE playing the SNES games.

[professor ganson]

The original R-Type was released more times in the US than the original Gradius, so I don't buy that argument. (I'm including R-Type Dimensions and R-Types.)

[EmperorIng]

But they weren't released on the phenomenon that was the NES, and had far less exposure on that other, slightly lesser phenomenon, the SNES.

You really think R-Types made waves the way the ports of Gradius and Gradius III did? G III was supposed to prove the raw power of the SNES (regardless of whether it did or not). R-Types is an interesting curiosity by comparison.

Just because something is released on primitive home computers does not mean it gets a whole lot of exposure. The GBC ports barely count, and one can easily argue that they did little to increase R-Types' profile in the U.S.

[professor ganson]

You make a good point about Gradius III. I'm just thinking that there isn't that one Gradius game that has the name-recognition of R-Type. I could be wrong, though.

On further reflection, I'm not sure that R-Type got more releases than the original Gradius. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

[Sugar Rush Games]

But they weren't released on the phenomenon that was the NES, and had far less exposure on that other, slightly lesser phenomenon, the SNES.

You really think R-Types made waves the way the ports of Gradius and Gradius III did? G III was supposed to prove the raw power of the SNES (regardless of whether it did or not). R-Types is an interesting curiosity by comparison.

Just because something is released on primitive home computers does not mean it gets a whole lot of exposure. The GBC ports barely count, and one can easily argue that they did little to increase R-Types' profile in the U.S.

You're right about the NES port of Gradius, though I would argue that Super R-Type on the SNES was about equal in popularity to Gradius III. Both came out around and the time and both sold very well.

[chempop]

R-Type is more well known.

[Bloodreign]

Oh, and Namco is...Ordyne and Insector-X? D:

Insector X don't count, that's Taito.

I voted Gradius, but this one was a hard choice as I've played and own a lot of the games in the Gradius, Darius, R-Type vein, and a couple or three Thunderforce games. I extend that Gradius vote to Parodius as well, I love those even moreso than Gradius.

I do love me some Darius, R-Type and Thunderforce though, but only 1 selection could be made. <3

[FRO]

Gigandes series.

but seriously NMK series, please, just generally.

Too bad there weren't more horis from Psikyo - Sengoku Blade is awesome.

There's always Sol Divide

Let's never speak of it again - it shall heretofore be known as "the game that shall not be named"

I voted Gradius, because it has the most high quality entries - there really isn't a stinker in the bunch. As much as I enjoy the Thunderforce series, I must admit that until III, the games weren't quite as good, whereas the first Gradius game is still tons of fun to load up and play. Same with Darius, it's my close 2nd for best series, though I think there have been a couple lesser Darius games, whereas I think each game in the Gradius series (including the 2 portable exclusives) have been pretty top-notch.

[Sinful]

R-Type is more well known.

Yes, I agree. And not just more known with those new to genre or those who barely touch it or not at all, but also more popular as it fells more right + grabs your attention & interest better. Whenever people hear or think Gradius, they think Gradius syndrome ASAP too and stay away or use it as an example of how not to make a shmup or what not.

I too before I got into the genre was way more interested in R-Type then Gradius. In fact, I too despised Gradius for it's Gradius syndrome. At one point I was gonna make a post asking how can anyone like Gradius at all, especially with that dreaded Gradius syndrome?! But before I was gonna do that, I had to do my homework and at least put in some decent playtime for Gradius series so I wouldn't get caught with my pants down, so to speak. And, well, that's when the series eventually clicked with me, solidified me as an actual fan of the genre + made sure I was a forever fan of it. So yeah, my plan sort of backfired, big time.


I still recall my early thoughts on both these series. Even before I played these two series. I was well aware of them like I new about them + how they played and all. Like I was born with that knowledge. Weird? But yeah, as a stranger to genre, R-Type felt way more better and right. The force ball shield felt like a big help, and the charge shot just felt like a must in every shmup (and those that didn't have charge shots "What where they thinking?!" lol). Plus recoveries seemed way more reasonable.

One misconception I had about Gradius, and I'm sure all other newbs or those foriegn to genre think, is; that I didn't know difficulty rank drops when you lose all your powerups, thus not totally leaving you at a disadvantage. Had I known this, I wouldn't of looked down as much on Gradius & it's syndrome as I did. Sad but very true. As nobody finds out about rank or even know of it's existence in shmups/gaming off the bat.

[Master O]

R-Type is more well known.

One misconception I had about Gradius, and I'm sure all other newbs or those foriegn to genre think, is; that I didn't know difficulty rank drops when you lose all your powerups, thus not totally leaving you at a disadvantage. Had I known this, I wouldn't of looked down as much on Gradius & it's syndrome as I did. Sad but very true. As nobody finds out about rank or even know of it's existence in shmups/gaming off the bat.

If I'm not mistaken, Gradius was the very first shmup to have a (difficulty) rank system.

[R-Gray 1]

the advantage of gradius is being a konami game.
I think gradius is more for casuals and hardcores. R type is much more for hardcores.

Snes era has gradius III as a great game. R-type has Super R-type without checkpoints and R-type III a great game but i remember a stage that was boring to repeat. I think is the 4 or 5.

Gradius appears also in Parodious and in a little refference in Skullgirls
Gradius is soo classic that keeps repeating stages like moai stages, speed stages, boss rush stages, and others. Both are shmups icons.

I really enjoy gradius 1, 2,3, gaiden, 5
rtype 1 I played a little but i agree is very good, super r type, r type III, Rtype delta.

raystor...... ,,,,,Gradius of course

Wait, your fave in that series is RayStorm? As in better the RayForce & RayCrisis? If so, please explain. Was it the HD 360 remake that sealed the deal for you? It be sweat for sure & I wish RayCrises gets one + at least one more level too boot. Feels so short... but RayCrisis still might be my second fave after RayForce at #1.

Yes is my favourite because nostalgia that was the game i used to still playing some days when i practically quit videogames In the ps2 era. I really enjoy its music, the enemies that dont repeat patterns, the stage designs as the area 4 area 5 area 7. For me was relaxing playing this game.
I played 1 time Raycrisis and after finish it on emulator i never play it again :p I liked Rayforce on saturn emulator and was very fun. Even i downloaded Taito legends joukan to play it in ps2 also.

I can´t tell u much about hd 360 remake but here in shmups forum and other websites i read not good comments about the screen view. Anyway i think is a good purchase if u really liked a lot the game before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eWHOtFkkHw

[Wyrmnus]

Darius is my choice for it's mindtrip music style.

[Captain]

the advantage of gradius is being a konami game.
I think gradius is more for casuals and hardcores. R type is much more for hardcores.

Snes era has gradius III as a great game. R-type has Super R-type without checkpoints and R-type III a great game but i remember a stage that was boring to repeat. I think is the 4 or 5.

Gradius appears also in Parodious and in a little refference in Skullgirls
Gradius is soo classic that keeps repeating stages like moai stages, speed stages, boss rush stages, and others. Both are shmups icons.

I really enjoy gradius 1, 2,3, gaiden, 5
rtype 1 I played a little but i agree is very good, super r type, r type III, Rtype delta.

raystor...... ,,,,,Gradius of course

Wait, your fave in that series is RayStorm? As in better the RayForce & RayCrisis? If so, please explain. Was it the HD 360 remake that sealed the deal for you? It be sweat for sure & I wish RayCrises gets one + at least one more level too boot. Feels so short... but RayCrisis still might be my second fave after RayForce at #1.

Yes is my favourite because nostalgia that was the game i used to still playing some days when i practically quit videogames In the ps2 era. I really enjoy its music, the enemies that dont repeat patterns, the stage designs as the area 4 area 5 area 7. For me was relaxing playing this game.
I played 1 time Raycrisis and after finish it on emulator i never play it again :p I liked Rayforce on saturn emulator and was very fun. Even i downloaded Taito legends joukan to play it in ps2 also.

I can´t tell u much about hd 360 remake but here in shmups forum and other websites i read not good comments about the screen view. Anyway i think is a good purchase if u really liked a lot the game before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eWHOtFkkHw

I have to agree.

Raystorm is awesome and addicting.
Rayforce is unforgettable.
Raycrisis is....well done. But nothing about it makes you remember it or stick to it.