iPhone / iPad Comparison: Dononpachi, Phoenix, IG, etc.

[VJFranzK]

I'm doing a lot of reviews of iOS apps on YouTube,
and I thought I'd sum up my recent research for you -
(my channel is VJFranzK! Send me promos of apps to review)

Without further ado - let us itemize the major Shmups and Danmaku for iPAD!
(which actually is becoming a great platform! Because with touch control,
you can get really precise about dodging between the enemy shots.)


TRUE DANMAKU ARCADE STYLE:

DODONPACHI RESURRECTION
The King of Danmaku Shooters on iPad. M U S T B U Y .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Aw5MorksE
A worthy reincarnation of the series. I suggest "arcade mode" more

ESP GALUDA
The Queen? Also worth buying, nice fantasy graphics, different play action
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeAfuVQ_vcE

Maybe it IS time to buy that CAVE stock.


ABSTRACT DANMAKU SHOOTERS:

R ROOTAGE ONLINE
The Prototypical "Abstract Shooter" - Worth it for the IKAruga mode alone!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFl_kPqDRlg

ISUD
Another similar title, also worth having
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-de_H0kg2k

PHOENIX
Interesting new shooter from AMERICA(!) - worth a buy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQZOZPmPmhE
Very smooth rendered graphics, looks like Einhander somehow?


ARCADE STYLE SHMUPS:

SUPER LASER - The Laser Fighter
Like Salamander + Raiden. I like this a lot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yT-kKcTOTc
(my own review is on the way)
Somehow, the GFX look like an upgraded Genesis Shooter.
(Oh where is our iThunderForce??)

SPACE INVADERS - INFINITY GENE
A must buy.
It's strange! But you can get to like the minimalist graphics,
and the interesting new/old play action is definitely there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHzRB3o2wJY
Bullet action crosses over into actual "Danmaku" teritory
Try the "Gravity" ship, or the Black Fly for interesting strategies!
Cool references to other Taito shooters are now available as downloadable ships!
(I almost didn't mind paying extra! They are worth it, for extra types of action.)

1942 First Strike
This is a decent incarnation, I like it. Worth a buy if you like the series
Though programed in Europe, not Japan? and it shows.
(Still lags behind 19XX from main Capcom 10 years ago in play action!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_O1vFTC24c
(My own review coming soon.)
A little easy for us hardcore shooter fans, but there's a leader board.

IKARUS X
I don't like it. Nice 3d graphics, but play action is somehow wrong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6efCeoz8Gqo


RETRO EMU SHMUPS:

RTYPE
Emulation of a timeless shooter classic! It's still REALLY HARD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75TDiMFy ... re=related
So how about a next generation R-Type title for iOS?

TYRIAN
I'm sorry, but unless you were a fan in the PC days, it's not that great.

GRADIUS! / PARODIUS
I wish. Step up to the plate, Konami!
And need I say "TREASURE"! It's time for you to get into the action.

ANY I MISSED HERE?
Add a response to this thread.

[MX7]

Cool thread, cheers! Just downloaded Rrootage (which is pretty good) and ISUD (which isn't). If anyone can think of any more, please do tell!

[Jeneki]

I take it Phoenix is completely unrelated to the 1980 arcade game?

[Skykid]

Rrootage is mint, a nice bit of Kenta Cho on iphone.

Icarus X isn't that bad (better than 1942 I think) just seems a little tough initially, but works when you get a feel for it. My fave is Infinity Gene though, that's a special game.

Oh and you got the descriptions for the Cave game's backwards. Should be like this:

Espgaluda II = the king
Dodonpachi DFK = the queen

Can't comment between the actual full releases until I've spent more time with DFK, but on Iphone Galuda 2 is definitely a superior game cos the zesshikai implementation is even more flexible than it is on the PCB. Portable heaven.

[VJFranzK]

I take it Phoenix is completely unrelated to the 1980 arcade game?

Yes, completely unrelated.

It'd be interesting to see a sequel to the classic one!

Actually one of the first games to feature a true main boss!

Gorf did, but it was much less impressive.

[Drachenherz]

Didn't find a more suited thread than this one after a few minutes searching, so this will do.

Nice: 2 Cave Titles in the Metacritic top 25 iPhone Games 2010:

Espgaluda II on the 16th place and DoDonPachi Resurrection as Nr. 21.

http://features.metacritic.com/features ... s-of-2010/

Whoopie, that should get shmups of the bullet hell flavor a little push in the mainstream market!

[VJFranzK]

Just played through "Assault Sqadron" - a decent non Japanese semi-danmaku
that really reminded me of Philosoma (PS1) somehow

TREASURE! We now have an emulated Gunstar Heroes, BUT -
Where is our iOS 1. IKARUGA? 2. BANGAI-O?

[Nick420]

Great Post!!!
Thanks 4 this!