GB/GBC/GBA Shmups + Other Worthy games

[broken harbour]

I tried searching, but if this has been asked, feel free to point me in the right direction...

Been thinking about getting a game boy player for my GC, what good GB/GBC/GBA shmups are out there? Any other worthy non-shmup titles I should consider? Most of these games are dirt cheap these days.

Also, are people actually using the tiny d-pad on the GC controller to play these games? I haven't tried, but the awkward placement of the d-pad + it's tiny size leads me to believe it's not really a viable option.
Are there other controller options out there?

[trap15]

Get one of these suckers. Best controller ever, dream to play Gameboy games with this. Also good for any d-pad centric GC game (Puzzle Collection comes to mind).

[Pretas]

Nemesis II GB and Gradius Generation are about the only GB STGs worth a damn. Iridion II is tolerable.

[opt2not]

Get one of these suckers. Best controller ever, dream to play Gameboy games with this. Also good for any d-pad centric GC game (Puzzle Collection comes to mind).

I considered getting the Hori controller, but after seeing they were average $100 everywhere I could find them (which seems to be only on fleebay), I decided to just get a SNES to GC controller adapter.
Retrousb.com used to have a pretty good one for sale, but they no longer have them in stock (only the NES to GC, which I have to play regular GB games on my GC Player).

I ended up getting these ones: http://raphnet-tech.com/products/snes_to_wii/index.php , and they work perfect, with no lag. He also has PSX-to-GC adapters too, if you prefer using a playstation controller. Equally as good.

As far as shmups and d-pad friendly games:
I've enjoyed playing Gradius Galaxies, Steel Empire, and the Iridion games. I've also read good things about Invader, but haven't tried it yet.
But you can also run regular GB games as well on the GC Player (which I guess you can run on an SNES Super Gameboy), and I've enjoyed playing Solar Striker, Mercenary Force, Burai Fighters, and ZAS.

As for none shmups that benefit from using my SNES pads: Astro Boy, all the GBA Castlevania's, and Ninja Five-O

[Pretas]

I forgot about Chikyuu Kaihou Gun ZAS. It's definitely the best non-Konami GB STG. Graphics are quite impressive for the time and hardware as well.

[JBC]

Mercenary Force for GB is good & very original. There are plenty more, but I'm only just now getting back into original GameBoy/Color stuff as I haven't had one since I was a kid. I'm picking up an Everdrive cart soon so I'll know what's worthy of purchase.

[ACSeraph]

Yeah keep in mind with the controller thing that the standard GC controllers have lag when used with the GB Player. No matter what you are going to need some sort of solution for that.

As for good shmups, I'll get behind Nemesis 1 and 2 for GB, Sagaia, and Gradius Galaxies. Those 4 are the ones I play the most. I would warn against Darius R.

[BIL]

Any other worthy non-shmup titles I should consider?

On GB, I've a handful that make nice complements to their console equivalents (Operation C, Ninja Gaiden Shadow), but Bionic Commando (not to be confused with the GBC's Elite Forces) is the most essential action game I've found on the platform. Despite sharing the NES version's storyline and weapons its level designs are 99% original and much more demanding of grappling hook technique. Accordingly, its grapple engine is far smoother and tactile than the functional but choppy NES iteration. Killer soundtrack too. If you like the NES game, or grappling hook action in general, get this.

[Pretas]

Yeah keep in mind with the controller thing that the standard GC controllers have lag when used with the GB Player. No matter what you are going to need some sort of solution for that.

I use an OG GBA via GBA -> GC link cable.

[ACSeraph]

That works? I had no idea...

Too bad my link cable is boxed up in the US somewhere :\

[Ghegs]

I bought one of the Hori pads when they were cheap 'n readily available, but I've always thought it's been overrated. The d-pad feels a bit too small to me.

For Game Boy Player action I use a PS2 Saturn-style pad, with a PS2->GC adapter. Works like a charm.

[MOSQUITO FIGHTER]

I think the GB had a pretty nice version of Twinbee on it if I remember correctly.

[Austin]

Iridion II and Gradius Galaxy were my favorites. Iridion is kind of like a Euro-shmup, but it has some good visuals and a decent enough firepower system (a mesh between traditional power-up style play, as well as a useful charge mechanic like in R-Type). The soundtrack is also pretty good and I can't think of many (if any) shmups that let you tinker around with the title screen tune on startup. Gradius Galaxy is a worthwhile Gradius game. It's colorful, has good music, and is hard.

Don't confuse Iridion 3D with Iridion II. Iridion II is a genuine isometric/vertically scrolling shmup. Iridion 3D is an on-rails shooter, think a repetitive 2D Star Fox. There's mild enjoyment to be had there if you like that sort of thing; the visuals and sounds are really nice, but the gameplay leaves a little (or a lot) to be desired. I did play it a lot though back in the day.

If you do importing or have a flash cart, Steel Empire seems improved over the Genesis/Mega Drive original. It's worth checking out too.

I recall Phalanx being ported to the GBA but I never tried it. I can't vouch for how the conversion fared. What I do know is you should pass on R-Type III. It was a pretty terrible port, unfortunately.

For GBC shmups, R-Type DX is worth it. Not too expensive, and it includes the color versions of R-Types 1 & 2, as well as the GB black and white originals (both of which ironically play better than the color versions included on the same cart).

1942 was ported to the GBC as well. I always wanted to try it but never got around to it. I have a feeling it's just a port of the crappy NES version, but if they smoothed out the framerate like they did with the NES port of Ghosts 'n Goblins to the GBC, it's probably worth trying.

[Obiwanshinobi]

The alleged GBP lag matter requires thorough examination.
Two portable shumps I own are Solar Striker and Gardius Advance/Galaxies/Generation. Both are good, but I found Gradius more playable on SP with a gamepad-shaped holder than on bare SP (another game like it is Kuru Kuru Kururin).
About PSX/PS2-to-'Cube/Wii adapter, the ones I own don't work (on Wii) with every PlayStation controller I have. I purchased many before I found two passable controllers to play SoulCalibur II with. (I had more luck with PSX/PS2-to-PC and PSX/Saturn-to-Dreamcast adapters.)

[God]

GBA
There's a gradius game. I think it's a little under rated. It seems every bit as good as all the classic games in the series. If you like gradius it's a must.

Other worth titles: 2 metroid games, 1 double dragon, 3 castlevania, 1 gunstar heroes

[ACSeraph]

Problem with Galaxies is that it's cheap as fuck imo. And in a much more blatant "fuck you." kinda way than even the older games. The fact that it has dead end paths that are a guaranteed death is fucking ridiculous imo.

[BIL]

1 double dragon

Fuck me, how'd I forget... Double Dragon Advance is essential. Basically an official revision of the first arcade game, radically expanded with lots of moves, stages and enemies from the AC and console sequels, as well as incorporating mechanics from other Technos brawlers like The Combatribes and Kunio-kun. Any fan of classic Technos violence should get this for sure.

[Sinful]

I think the GB had a pretty nice version of Twinbee on it if I remember correctly.

Wasn't this remade with better graphics for the PSP Twinbee Collection? I also heard it was very easy.

GBA There's a gradius game. I think it's a little under rated. It seems every bit as good as all the classic games in the series. If you like gradius it's a must.

I like Gradius games. But the GBA one is so different and unlike Gradius as I know it. So not a fan of it myself.

[JBC]

Gradius Galaxies is one of the best entries in the series.

[FRO]

One that hasn't been mentioned is the lesser known Project S-11 on GBC. It's kind of a euroshmup, has a lifebar, etc. but the C64-esque chiptunes are fun, and it's fun while it lasts. It is kinda cheap (gameplay wise) with some of the bosses, where some hits appear to be nearly unavoidable, but it can be 1CC relatively quickly. I bought it as a new release, and thought it was a good showcase of what the GBC could do. There's a really nice "warping" graphical effect when you transition from the main level to the boss fight that's quite impressive, given the hardware it's running on. I'd second R-Type DX, as well as echo Iridion II, Gradius Galaxies, the Nemesis port, and of course Gradius Interstellar Assault.

[God]

Problem with Galaxies is that it's cheap as fuck imo. And in a much more blatant "fuck you." kinda way than even the older games. The fact that it has dead end paths that are a guaranteed death is fucking ridiculous imo.

It definitely has cheapish spots. I've told this story before but the first time I 1cc it (first loop only) I make it past the last obstacle, only the brain is left so I'm celebrating, basking in the triumph...when the gate snaps shut. In all the other gradius it slowly closes so you can squeeze though. In this it kinda writhes for a bit then closes instantly. I was on the wrong side with 0 lives left. Victory denied.

But I wouldn't say it's worse than other gradius games for cheapness. #2 and salamander are standing out in my memory as having especially cheap spots. Even Gaiden has a couple.

I like Gradius games. But the GBA one is so different and unlike Gradius as I know it. So not a fan of it myself.

I'm surprised you think that. I kinda see it the opposite way. If I have a nitpick it's that things were in danger of becoming formulaic. That it was too similar to other gradius games.

[Squire Grooktook]

I don't really see what's so different about Galaxies/Generations.

Aside for a few cheap deaths that can easily be memorized, I think Galaxies is probably one of the better entries in the franchise. Pretty solid level design IMO.

[pegboy]

Gradius Galaxies is one of the best entries in the series.

If you can get by the absolutely atrocious music then it's a very good game.

[BrianC]

1 double dragon

Fuck me, how'd I forget... Double Dragon Advance is essential. Basically an official revision of the first arcade game, radically expanded with lots of moves, stages and enemies from the AC and console sequels, as well as incorporating mechanics from other Technos brawlers like The Combatribes and Kunio-kun. Any fan of classic Technos violence should get this for sure.

Slightly OT, but there was a Double Dragon related question under a catagory for people named Marian on Jeopardy today. The person who answered said "Twin Dragons" instead of "Double Dragon". Double Dragon Advance is definitely good stuff.

[Obiwanshinobi]

If you guys recommend anything, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say MotoRacer Advance is possibly the single most essential racer on GBA. Not only it's what it says on the box, but it's also one of too few games that don't look like any SNES or Genny title. More like Super Scaler games, but I think it might run at 60 fps. I admit F-Zero: Maximum Velocity looks prettier, but not quite the same generation as MRA.

Another one I'm not seeing mentioned is Game & Watch Gallery 4/Game Boy Gallery Advance - worth it not for the somewhat weary, souless remkes, but for the original versions ported as faithfully as you could ask for.
Sometimes I feel the best thing of all that videogaming was Game & Watch, best thing Nintendo - handhelds and best GBA thing - G&WGA. (Not thinking this right now; just sometimes.)

[Austin]

More like Super Scaler games, but I think it might run at 60 fps.

On a side note, speaking of Super Scaler games, I think the Sega Arcade Gallery is pretty recommendable. The conversions of OutRun and Super Hang-On were pretty respectable, and although far from arcade perfect, the GBA versions are still a lot of fun to go back to.

[Astraea FGA Mk. I]

The Hori gamecube digital pad is the best game-pad I have ever used. I suggest you buy that and a Wii.

[broken harbour]

The Hori gamecube digital pad is the best game-pad I have ever used. I suggest you buy that and a Wii.

Already have a Wii, prefer the GC for it's clearer output, that pad is a bit pricey, think I'd rather just buy the SNES to GC converters in that case. Might be good actually, as I found Viewtiful Joe to be borderline unplayable on the GC's D-pad, might be able to get back into those games with a SNES controller.

[broken harbour]

I really want a Silver GB Player to match my GC, which were Japan only, luckily they can be landed for less than $50 but Holy Zombie Jesus are GB Player startup discs expensive, $40+? FOR JUST THE DISC??? Anybody have a NA GB Player disc they want to sell me for cheap?

[Captain]

Sigma Star Saga is a shmup/rpg hybrid.

It's quite fun, might not appeal to elitists though.