5th Annual Top 25 Shmups of All Time! - Discussion thread

Acid King · Post by **Acid King** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:41 am

professor ganson wrote:
Are you playing the DC version? I have that one and the PS2 follow-up. I have spent very little time with either, but I fully intend to at some point.

It's not really worth much single player but it is a good game to play with people who otherwise don't play shooters. You'll get one of three responses; "This is the gayest thing ever", "Oh my god this is great" or "I have no idea what the hell is going on."

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:07 am

professor ganson wrote:24 games on my list. Must find one last shmup that is worthy. Hmmm...

Have you considered Nexzr and Recca? Or maybe one of the Soldier games, for instance Soldier Blade. Or since you like PS1 games, how about Einhänder?

ahnslaught · Post by **ahnslaught** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:34 am

professor ganson wrote:Are you playing the DC version? I have that one and the PS2 follow-up. I have spent very little time with either, but I fully intend to at some point.

I've played it to death on mame and recently paid for the PS2 version. From what I can tell, the PS2 version has the same gameplay, remixes of the some of the old music, and some new characters, along with the obvious graphical change. If you like one, I reckon you'll like 'em all, though.

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 2:46 pm

Acid King wrote:You'll get one of three responses; "This is the gayest thing ever", "Oh my god this is great" or "I have no idea what the hell is going on."

I usually get some combination of the latter two, heh heh.

If you like one, I reckon you'll like 'em all, though.

Yeah, the gameplay hasn't changed much at all, which is both a good and bad thing, I suppose. The main thing in the PS2 version's favor is the fact that its "Best" re-release is a good deal cheaper than any of the other versions: otherwise it's more or less a tossup.

professor ganson · Post by **professor ganson** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 4:30 pm

Ceph wrote:
professor ganson wrote:24 games on my list. Must find one last shmup that is worthy. Hmmm...
Have you considered Nexzr and Recca? Or maybe one of the Soldier games, for instance Soldier Blade. Or since you like PS1 games, how about Einhänder?

I used to have Einhander on my list. I let it drop because I got annoyed about getting stuck in the game. Separate point: I also got annoyed about how hard it was for me to obtain a genuinely mint copy. I was having some bad luck. Now I'm afraid to touch my mint copy. Pretty silly, I know. I really should return to this excellent game. If I were to, it would probably return to my list.

As for Nexzr, Recca, and Soldier Blade, these are all games on my must-play list, and I do expect I'll like them from what I've heard. The cost of the first two has kept me from buying these, but I should try them via emulation. Soldier Blade is available via Nintendo's virtual console, so I've been thinking about downloading it. Thanks much for the interesting suggestions.

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:49 pm

Don't forget to vote, only 4 days left. Time for another shameless plug:

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:35 am

For those who have never seen Nexzr, here's a video of the normal game, recorded from the Summer Carnival edition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Pfpk6oxJM (omake mode, hard difficulty)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3inz3bB7bQk (level 1 and 2, slightly choppy)

Opening video from the regular edition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9DrxhiRTTU

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:10 pm

Cant vote for game I never play.

(and I am dumb ass sucker who was considering to pay $170 for the game

)

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 8:55 pm

Last day! After long deliberation I've decided to add this to my list, as Amiga shmup representative:

Z-Out's background collision dectection is pretty unforgiving, but it's a fine shooter nonetheless. Better than Apidya in my opinion.

jp · Post by jp » Sun Apr 15, 2007 10:38 am

If you don't have Nexzr on your list then you've obviously never played it.

professor ganson · Post by **professor ganson** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:19 pm

Thanks for the Nexzr videos, Ceph. I watched the first one and it was really impressive; quite manic really. Does it run pretty smoothly? I don't think I can emulate it with my set up, and I don't think I can justify spending so much. Still, nice to know more about this. It's been added to my list of games like Recca and Judgment Silversword-- games I'd love to have someday.

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 4:15 pm

The game runs very smoothly. The first video I linked to shows the highest difficulty (ひでーぜ,terrible difficulty), there are far less bullets in normal mode. I just linked to that one first because the other youtube video looks choppy (which the real game doesn't).

jp · Post by jp » Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:30 pm

Isn't the Nexzr Summer Carnvial edition fairly cheap though?

I dunno, all I know is that Nexzr was the best game I played on the PC-Engine Duo bar none.

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:41 pm

jp wrote:Isn't the Nexzr Summer Carnvial edition fairly cheap though?

There's a Summer Carnival edition in mint condition for $64.99 (buy it now) on ebay right now, that's not a bad price (if you buy it diretly in Japan you may be able to get it slightly cheaper). I'd say it's worth it since you get the normal game AND the Carnival modes.

jp wrote:all I know is that Nexzr was the best game I played on the PC-Engine Duo bar none.

By the way, it's been two years, you really need to buy another Duo. Now.

professor ganson · Post by **professor ganson** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:44 pm

Ceph wrote:
jp wrote:Isn't the Nexzr Summer Carnvial edition fairly cheap though?

I dunno, all I know is that Nexzr was the best game I played on the PC-Engine Duo bar none.
There's a Summer Carnival edition in mint condition for $64.99 (buy it now) on ebay right now, that's not a bad price. I'd say it's worth it since you get the normal game AND the Carnival modes.

Oh, so what's the really expensive item, then?

Glad to hear that one can find an affordable version. Looks like a must-have at that price.

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:49 pm

professor ganson wrote:
Ceph wrote:
jp wrote:Isn't the Nexzr Summer Carnvial edition fairly cheap though?

I dunno, all I know is that Nexzr was the best game I played on the PC-Engine Duo bar none.
There's a Summer Carnival edition in mint condition for $64.99 (buy it now) on ebay right now, that's not a bad price. I'd say it's worth it since you get the normal game AND the Carnival modes.
Oh, so what's the really expensive item, then?

Glad to hear that one can find an affordable version. Looks like a must-have at that price.

The regular edition (which was published before the Summer Carnival edition) is harder to find and more expensive. The one with the red robot on the cover is the regular edition. The Summer Carnival edition has a white cover. (Just look at the photos I posted).

ahnslaught · Post by **ahnslaught** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:55 pm

Prof G, I also saw an unopened Nexzr Summer Carnival at wolfgames.com for $79, if you were interested.

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 8:04 pm

ahnslaught wrote:Prof G, I also saw an unopened Nexzr Summer Carnival at wolfgames.com for $79, if you were interested.

There's even a regular edition (lacking spine) for $59. Good prices!

Ceph · Post by **Ceph** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 10:57 pm

Will Dodonpachi make it to the top again? Will cigsthecat manage to vote in time? Will Recca be among the top 25? Soon we'll know.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:28 am

Ceph wrote:
ahnslaught wrote:Prof G, I also saw an unopened Nexzr Summer Carnival at wolfgames.com for $79, if you were interested.
There's even a regular edition (lacking spine) for $59. Good prices!

which version you think is best in your opinion? Carnival edition or regular edition?

Shmup of the century:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5HwtewqLXI

cigsthecat · Post by **cigsthecat** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:42 am

Ceph wrote:Will cigsthecat manage to vote in time?

lol

I did it!

jp · Post by jp » Mon Apr 16, 2007 3:02 am

Ceph wrote:
By the way, it's been two years, you really need to buy another Duo. Now.

I know.

As soon as I return to my old job and my gaming budget goes back to $400+ per month and I tie up some loose ends with the Saturn the PC-Engine Duo is my next stop.

roker · Post by **roker** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:19 am

I finally had a chance to play some Ketsui, Ibara Black Label, Futari, Pink Sweets, and ESPGaluda II yesterday

I would have put it on my list, but thought it'd be unfair since I didn't spend any REAL time on them

but god damn, if I owned Galuda II or Ketsui, I'm pretty damn sure they would've cracked my top 5 and ditto on the list overall if they ever released some ports.

The other games were great also (Ibara Black Label > PS2 Arranged mode), but those two just "clicked" with me right away.

Limbrooke · Post by **Limbrooke** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:44 am

Holy shit. I as submitted my Top25 I found out that the poll for voting ends on April 15th, and I posted it at 11:22pm. Talk about a damn fluke.

CIT · Post by **CIT** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 7:18 pm

Turnout wasn't that big this year, was it?

I think Nexzr might actually stand a chance.

DJ Incompetent · Post by **DJ Incompetent** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:36 pm

CIT wrote:Turnout wasn't that big this year, was it?

I think Nexzr might actually stand a chance.

Zach from '05 wrote:# Number of Actual Voters: 106 (almost double last year's)
# Scaled Number of Voters: 81.84

'Counted about 78.

If "scaled" = "removed idiots" then it'll be more like 75...-ish..-esq.

szycag · Post by **szycag** » Tue May 01, 2007 6:18 pm

Results coming in any time soon?

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Tue May 01, 2007 8:31 pm

Voting thread says: by about May 15th.

Zach Keene · Post by **Zach Keene** » Tue May 01, 2007 9:33 pm

I'll be sending out the usual round of clarification PMs shortly, and the results will be ready as soon as they're all responded to or on May 15, whichever comes first.

In the meantime, here's the complete list of voted-for games as it stands now (328 titles at the moment):

Code: Select all

1941 (arcade)
1942
1943
1943 Kai
19XX: The War Against Destiny
Abadox
Aero Fighters
Aero Fighters II
Air Gallet
Airrade Air
Air Zonk
Aldynes
Aleste 2
Aleste / Power Strike
Alpha Mission II
Android Assault
Apidya
Area 2048
Armalyte (C64)
Armed Police Batrider
Asteroids Deluxe
Astro Smash
Astro Warrior
Axelay
Bangai-O
Bari-Arm
Batsugun / Batsugun Special Version
Battle Bakraid
Battle Garegga
Battle Mania 2
Battle Squadron
Beamrider
berserk
Bike Banditz
Biohazard Battle
Bio Metal
Black Widow
Blast Wind
Blazing Lazers / Gunhed
Blazing Star
Blue Wish Ressurection
Boogie Wings
Border Down
Brave Blade
Bullet Hell GBA
Cannon Spike
Carnival (The Sega Developed game)
Carrier Air Wing
Centipede
Chaos Field
chariot
Cho Ren Sha 68K
Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie
Cotton 2
Cotton Boomerang
Cybattler
Cyvern
Dangun Feveron
Darius / Darius Plus
Darius Gaiden
Darius II / Sagaia
Datastorm
Deluxe Galaga
Demilition Gunner
Detana!! Twinbee
Dimahoo / Great Mahou Daisakusen
DoDonpachi 2 Bee Storm
DoDonpachi
Dodonpachi Daioujou
Donpachi
Dragon Blaze
Dragon Breed
Dragon Saber
Dragon Spirit
Dropzone
Edens Edge
Einhänder
Elemental Master
Eliminate Down
Embodiment of Scarlet Devil (win)
ESPGaluda
ESPGaluda II
ESPRade
Exed Exes
Final Soldier
Fire Mustang MD
Fire Shark / Same! Same! Same!
Forgotten Worlds
Gaiares
Galaga
Galaga '88
Galaxian
Game Tengoku
Gaplus
Gate of Thunder
G.Darius
Gekirindan
Gemini Wing
Geometry Wars: Evolved
Giga Wing 2
Giga Wing
Giga Wing Generations
Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire
Gleylancer
Gokujyo Parodius
Gradius 2 MSX / Nemesis '90 Kai
Gradius Gaiden
Gradius Galaxies/Generation/Advance
Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou / Vulcan Venture
Gradius III
Gradius III AC
Gradius III SNES
Gradius IV
Gradius / Nemesis
Gradius V
Gunbird
Gunbird 2
Gundhara
Gun Frontier
Gun-Nac
Gun Ranger X
Gunroar
Gun.Smoke
Guwange
Gyara Puyo
Gynoug / Wings of Wor
Gyruss
Harmful Park
Hellfire
Homura
Hotdog Storm
Hybris
Hyper Duel
Ibara / Ibara Arranged / Ibara Black Label
Ikari Warriors (AC)
Ikaruga
Image Fight
Image Fight II
Imperishable Night
In the Hunt
Ironclad Bri'kinger
IS: Internal Section
Jets 'n' Guns
Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius
Judgement Silversword
Kamui
Katakis (C64)
Keio Flying Squadron
Ketsui
Kyuiin
Last Duel
Last Hope (DC version!)
Last Resort
Leathal Xcess
Lords of Thunder / Winds of Thunder
Macross Plus
Maerchen Adventure Cotton 100% (sfc)
Magical Chase
Mahou Daisakusen / Sorcer Striker
Mars Matrix
Metal Black
Mr. Heli no Daibouken
Musha Aleste / M.U.S.H.A.
Mushihimesama
Mushihimesama Futari
Nexzr
Night Raid
Noiz2sa
Nomltest
Omega Fighter
Out Zone
Over Horizon
Parodius Da!
Parsec47
Perfect Cherry Blossom
Phalanx
Philosoma
Pink Sweets
Planet Joker
Pop 'n Twinbee
Power Strike II
Prehistoric Isle 2
Prehistroic Isle
Prikura Daisakusen
Progear no Arashi
Protector Vectrex
Psyvariar 2
Psyvariar / Psyvariar Revision
Pulstar
Radiant Silvergun
Radilgy
Rafflesia
Raiden
Raiden DX
Raiden Fighters
Raiden Fighters 2
Raiden Fighters Jet
Raiden II
Raiden III
RayCrisis
Rayforce / Layer Section / Galactic Attack / Gunlock
RayStorm
Rayxanber III
Recca
Return of the Invaders
revenge of robot cats from mars
Robo Aleste
Robotron 2084
Robotron 64
rRootage
R-Type
R-Type Delta
R-Type Final
R-Type II
R-Type III: The Third Lightning
R-Type Leo
Saint Dragon (AMIGA)
Salamander 2
Salamander (ARC) / Salamander (PCE)
Salamander (FC) / Life Force (NES)
Salamander (MSX)
Satans Hollow
SCAT
Scion (AC)
Section Z (AC)
Sengoku Ace
Sengoku Blade / Tengai
Sexy Parodius
Shienryu
Shikigami no Shiro
Shikigami no Shiro 2 / Castle Shikigami 2
Shikigami no Shiro 3
Shippu Mahou Daisakusen / Kingdom Grandprix
Side Arms (AC)
Silpheed - Sega CD
Silpheed: The Lost Planet
Sispri Gauntlet
Siver Surfer
Sky Kid
Sky Shark / Flying Shark / Hishouzame
Skywolf
Slap Fight
Smash TV
Solar Fox (AC)
solar striker
Soldier Blade
Sonic Sisters
Sonic Wings 3
Sonic Wings Special
Soukyugurentai
Space Duel
Space Manbow
Spark Spectra
Spriggan
Spy Hunter
Stargate / Defender 2
Star Soldier (Gamecube/PS2 version)
Steel Empire
Steel Saviour
Storm Blade
Strikers 1945
Strikers 1945 II
Strikers 1945 III / Strikers 1999
Strikers 1945 Plus
Super Aleste / Space Megaforce
Super Fantasy Zone
Super Laydock
Super Star Soldier
SWAT (AC: Sega/ Coreland '84)
Swiv
Sylphia PCE
Tempest
Tempest 2000
Tempest X3
Terra Force
The Guardian Legend
Thunder Blade - Master System
thundercross
Thunder Force AC
Thunderforce II
Thunderforce III
Thunderforce IV / Lightening Force
Thunderforce V
Time Pilot '84
Time Pilot (arcade)
Titanion
TNK III, aka TANK (AC: SNK '85
Torus Trooper
Triggerheart Exelica
Trizeal
Truxton 2 / Tatsujin Ou
Truxton / Tatsujin
Tumiki Fighters
Twin Bee Yahhoo!
Twin Cobra II / Kyukyoku Tiger II
Twin Cobra / Kyukyoku Tiger
Twinkle Star Sprites
Ultimate Stage
Undead Line
Under Defeat
UN Squadron / Area 88 (ARC)
UN Squadron (SNES)
Uridium II
Varth
Vasara
Vasara 2
V-Five
Viewpoint
Viper Phase 1
Vulgus
Warning Forever
Wing Lancer
Wings of Death
W-Ring: The Double Rings
Xenon
Xenon 2
Xevious
Xevious Arrangement
Xevious: Fardraut Densetsu (PCE)
Xexex
X-Multiply
Zanac (MSX)
Zanac Neo
Zanac (NES) / Zanac EX
Zen-Ichi
Zero Gunner 2
Zero Wing
Z-Out

Turrican · Post by **Turrican** » Tue May 01, 2007 10:06 pm

I see two identical "xevious" entries Zach, I guess you missed an MSX in brackets.