IKARUGA

[Xer Xian]

Welcome to the IKARUGA hi-score thread !

Previous threads: 1 & 2. Thanks to Blinge and zakk for keeping up the good work thus far !


Scoreboards are now unified across all game versions, including XBLA (just a handful of sub-30mil scores were submitted for this version, and it is unlikely that any more will follow). I have added the platform info for every score (to be completed for older entries) so as to allow differentiation for anyone who is interested.

Scores are to be achieved on default settings (3 lives, no continues, first extend at 3 million mark then every 5 million). If possible, please provide a picture for every submission (strictly required if your score is over 30 million - applies to any game mode). Good luck !


Rank - Score - Player - Stage - Max Chain - Platform

ARCADE MODE - NORMAL

1. 35,763,270 - MAZ - ALL - 271c - Steam
2. 34,432,260 - Xer Xian - ALL - 236c - GC
3. 32,716,480 - Wes112 - ALL - 228c - Steam
4. 32,201,780 - Plasmo - ALL - 206c - DC
5. 31,891,330 - AST-POW - ALL - 207c - GC
6. 30,593,700 - Aventus - ALL - 213c - ?
7. 30,105,860 - Juju Kenobi - ALL - 187 - Steam
8. 29,587,080 - MrMonkeyMan - ALL - ? - ?
9. 29,561,890 - TWE - ALL - 182c - ?
10. 28,643,560 - NoboruWataya - ALL - 189c - ?
11. 28,495,730 - hail good sir - ALL - 172c - XBLA
12. 27,405,100 - ben.shinobi - ALL - 171c - ?
13. 27,198,330 - Blinge - ALL - 165c - ?
14. 27,112,360 - Kiken - ALL - 175c - XBLA
15. 26,719,320 - MaxX - ALL - 163c - ?
16. 26,341,780 - jpj - ALL - ? - ?
17. 25,763,420 - Erppo - ALL - 177c - Steam
18. 25,256,860 - username - ALL - ? - ?
19. 25,229,340 - Nils - ALL - ? - ?
20. 23,960,820 - bobrocks95 - ALL - ? - Steam
21. 23,500,100 - Zakk - ALL - 148c - ?
22. 22,588,390 - snap monkey - Stage 5 - 160c - ?
23. 21,404,830 - japtor - Stage 5 - 129c - ?
24. 21,073,600 - ciox - ALL - ? - Steam
25. 20,944,970 - InFireX - ALL - 105c - Steam
26. 20,751,350 - ~Kid Icarus~ - ALL - ? - ?
27. 19,832,080 - deexor - ALL - 103c - Steam
28. 17,858,370 - masterpaul - ? - ? - ?
29. 17,474,790 - sky-13 - ALL - 97c - DC
30. 17,459,550 - CRI - ALL - 138c - ?
31. 15,956,980 - Comico - ALL - ? - Switch
32. 15,072,150 - bydoslave - Stage 5 - 131c - ?
33. 14,143,090 - Mastermx - Stage 5 - 87c - Steam
34. 13,123,660 - crithit5000 - Stage 4 - 167c - ?
35. 12,288,300 - asmodeon - Stage 4 - ? - ?
36. 12,278,310 - pja - ALL - 88c - Steam
37. 11,871,840 - OmKol - ALL - ? - Steam
38. 9,012,680 - M.Knight - Stage 5 - ? - GC
39. 6,124,560 - msm - Stage 4 - ? - XBLA
40. ...

ARCADE MODE - EASY

1. 30,668,070 - AST-POW - ALL - 202c - GC
2. 30,511,270 - Plasmo - ALL - 202c - GC
3. 28,157,410 - Erppo - ALL - 194c - Steam
4. 27,092,350 - ben.shinobi - ALL - ? - ?
5. 26,736,470 - DKA - ALL - 173c - Steam
6. 23,914,610 - ~Kid Icarus~ - ALL - ? - ?
7. 19,364,640 - Ratikal - ALL - ? - ?
8. 18,162,800 - masterpaul - ? - ? - ?
9. 17,730,370 - winteR - ALL - 148c - ?
10. 17,650,240 - Neptas - ALL - ? - Steam
11. 13,341,370 - quizknows - ALL - 75c - ?
12. 12,397,400 - msm - Stage 4 - ? - XBLA
13. ...

ARCADE MODE - HARD

1. 28,973,870 - Xer Xian - ALL - 214c - GC
2. 26,158,150 - Plasmo - ALL - 183c - GC
3. 14,428,250 - AVE - Stage 4 - ? - ?
4. 2,009,790 - M.Knight - Stage2 - ? - GC
5. ...

PROTOTYPE MODE - NORMAL

1. 30,677,220 - Chico - ALL - ? - ?
2. 30,520,500 - AVE - ALL - ? - ?
3. ...

DOT EATER - NORMAL

1. 3,045,700 - Wes112 - ALL - Steam
2. 721,900 - Chaos Phoenixma - Stage 3 - XBLA
3. 691,800 - Blinge - Stage 3 - Steam
4. 334,200 - ACSeraph - Stage 3 - XBLA
5. 200,500 - ColonelFatso - Stage 2 - ?
6. 91,900 - EmperorIng - Stage 2 - Steam
7. 15,300 - LordHypnos - Stage 1 - ?
8. ...

DOUBLE PLAY - EASY

1. 32,801,610 - Neptas - ALL - ? - Steam
2. ...

Resources

https://shmups.wiki/library/Ikaruga
https://shmups.wiki/library/Ikaruga/Video_Index
https://psnprofiles.com/guide/8224-ikaruga-trophy-guide
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gamecube/ ... faqs/23884

[Blinge]

Thank you sir.

May your chains forever be maxed

Edit: Hey, this thread looks much nicer

[Plasmo]

Thanks for taking over Xer Xian! Just for the sake of completeness: my Easy and Hard scores were done on Gamecube. Normal was indeed on Dreamcast.

[Xer Xian]

Just for the sake of completeness: my Easy and Hard scores were done on Gamecube. Normal was indeed on Dreamcast.

Oh I'd forgotten you started out on GC - thanks for pointing it out

Btw, if someone is willing to provide any missing info related to their entry, feel free to post here or send me a PM.

[Comico]

here's my modest contribution, just cleared, still shocked

Sig Cane - 15.956.980 - Normal ALL - NSW

[Xer Xian]

Hey congrats on the 1CC !

It wasn't all that difficult after all, was it?

[Comico]

Thanks! Maybe it's the lack of a proper training mode that makes it feel merciless at times.

[bobrocks95]

Do you all have any suggestions for practicing patterns/chaining? It's getting a bit tedious on stage 1 to chain really well and then get to the diagonal movement before the trains and have a 0% success rate lol. I am reminded why I don't typically play shmups for scoring...

Looks like the Gamecube version has a better practice mode than the Steam version, but I don't have an easy way to hook my stick up to it. If I go the emulation + save states route should I go with the Naomi version or something else? No clue how Naomi or Dreamcast emulation are going these days. Maybe just emulate Gamecube so I don't get used to slowdown? Or are all the pros above practicing individual patterns

[Wes112]

I used the Dolphin emulator to practice on the gamecube version w/save states and its in-game slowdown options. I'm fairly certain MAZ (an actual pro) does this as well?

[Xer Xian]

Do you all have any suggestions for practicing patterns/chaining? It's getting a bit tedious on stage 1 to chain really well and then get to the diagonal movement before the trains and have a 0% success rate lol. I am reminded why I don't typically play shmups for scoring...

If you're trying to implement the best strats right off the bat chances are you'll stay on Ch1 for a dozen hours and then give up scoring at all or just quit the game altogether. I'd suggest starting out with basic routes (for example, but have fun making your ones as well) and then moving up gradually to more advanced ones should you want to push further. Little by little you'll get better at controlling the ship and feeling the game in general which is required in order to pull off advanced strats (mind you, they will never be easy that's for sure).

As for the better version to practice, Steam is ok but the lack of a restart option is annoying for sure. The DC/Naomi emu scene doesn't seem very popular so Dolphin is probably the way to go if you want to use save states.

Feel free to create a topic in the Strategy section if you want to discuss specific patterns/routes

[bobrocks95]

Thanks, sorry for mucking up the high scores thread but I'll get Dolphin set up and give it a shot. Already at S rank for stage 1 but that video's helpful for a simplified final section.

My goal's just S++ for steam achievements, it's just that you've really gotta push the first stage for that and it eases up a bit on the later levels, from what I understand. Not trying to top any leaderboards so it's a matter of simplifying things where I'm struggling and learning where I have to focus my time.

[Rastan78]

I think Xer Xian gave great advice.

Set smaller goals at first and just focus on learning and improving your skill at the game overall.

Don't get psyched out by those achievements and end up banging your head against the wall in training mode. (It's called restart hell!) Mix up your practice with full 1cc runs. And don't go for the risky high level strategies until you're truly ready.

I would think of the S++ ranks as something you come by naturally if you so happen to become an expert player. Don't put the cart in front of the horse.

[bobrocks95]

Wish I'd taken that advice, because I did in fact beat my head against a wall for around 7 hours today, but y'know if I was actually having a bad time I would've quit and done something else, it's very satisfying to chain just right in it and the appeal managed to maintain itself. Until I find out that I don't bother learning another stage ever again because it turns out I burnt myself out... We'll see lol thank you all though.

[MAZ]

Sorry for the long absence from the forum. Not due to lack of gaming activity, but got stuck for 4 months grinding an 8m Chapter 3 as some of you may already know.
But now I am back at grinding full runs
Small PB increase but still a PB:

Steam - Normal - MAZ - 33.985.110m - 237c



Run VOD: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1620770975

[Xer Xian]

Oh those sweet, sweet 237 chains.
Impressive run right there.

I guess u kind of, like, no longer suck that much maybe..

[MAZ]

Slowly transitioning from "Sucker MAZ" to "Decent MAZ"

The Master has spoken, thanks XER!

For Wes112: sorry for the late answer. Yes, I use Dolphin emulator for save-state practice. Reminder for everyone, make sure to use a NTSC-J or US rom (since the PAL rom runs at 50hz)

[MAZ]

Steam - Normal - MAZ - 34.994.540m - 233c

Last bonus rows at the end of Stage 1 failed to trigger - Silly chain break during 3-1 - Costly chain break at the bonus enemies in stage 3 (Bunretsu) EDIT: Shigi+Bunretsu section was actually a bit underwhelming but pretty fine overall, more about it in the video description) - Four missed chains at 4-3 -Horrible death at the Snake Heads (nerves+brain shutting down)

Other than that, my best run by far, with a scoring increase of 1m from my previous PB. New score goal will be to break the 35m barrier and hopefully go deep into 35m region. Probably this goal will require further months of grinding, and I am not 100% sure it will ever happen, but I will give it my best shot. I will upload the run in the next few days

Watch the run: https://youtu.be/AnQKWg1lLvs

[DMC]

Nice score, Maz! Really enjoyed the shmup slam demonstration, and looking forward to the replay of your new PB.
Ikaruga hi score replays are really a work of art.

[Xer Xian]

Hail to the new king !!

I knew you'd get there eventually but I was NOT expecting you to breeze through the 34 million threshold like that ! I got stuck in there some 15 years ago but you made it look easy.. what can I say? Watching your progress over the last couple of years from beginner to world-class player has been incredible.

Waiting for the upload now, and for even greater achievements

[MAZ]

Thanks DMC! Replay just uploaded, enjoy!

XER, I knew something big was upcoming, in little more than a week I had 3 runs entering "The Flower" at 18m and getting destroyed by nerves during the complex section. While in other runs, approaching Stage 4 with less score but no pressure, I was chaining the Chapter pretty well. But I was not expecting such an PB leap so soon at all, even in my wildest dreams!
You wrote "watching" but you must read "tutoring". The single most important factor in my improvement over the last two years was getting in contact with you. Otherwise, I would have probably left the game after getting to 30m. Thanks for the kind words as always, and hopefully the community leaderboard will get another update... in a not so distant future

[bobrocks95]

Saw your Youtube upload MAZ in the tab I keep open (I only have Chapter 4 remaining to S++ your tutorials are a blessing) and thought the score looked awfully high so I came here- congratulations! Does that reflect a Western/English speaking high score I'm guessing? The 5 scores above you on the Steam leaderboards seem legit

[MAZ]

Thanks bobrock85! Glad to know the good old tutorials are useful to players willing to learn scoring for Ikaruga

Speaking of western record, the top scorer is Ipm with 35.016.
Moreover, give a look at Treasure official leaderboards for modern Ikaruga ports combined (Nesica, XBox, Steam, NSW, PS). My score is 13th, but if we do not consider multiple entries by players with different nicks on multiple platforms, I am ranking 8th (or maybe 7th, I suspect TRE1362 may be the MSK's Nesica nickname)
https://treasure-inc.co.jp/ranking.html

Good luck with Stage 4!

[Wes112]

Time to work on improving in chapter 3

Steam - Normal - Wes112 - 31,069,330 - All - 207


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQO1UxAzVa4

[Xer Xian]

Hey congrats on getting 31 million ! You deserve extra credits because you could have retired with honour from the game after your previous 30mil no-miss, instead you're still at it and pushing for more so kudos for that !

I agree that Ch3 is where you could still improve without to much effort - just nailing the up-down ships without breaks and routing the white wave on the bonus enemies (no need to go for a full clear either) would give you like one more million

[Wes112]

Ha! I'm sure I will always find some reason to keep coming back. I think this time it was due to spending too much time watching MAZ's twitch streams

The up - down section has always intimidated me and I've been putting off learning to chain it properly all these years. Guess I have no choice now lol.

[MAZ]

Steam - Normal - MAZ - 35.216.370m - 209c

The run was ridden by 3 chain breaks between stages 3 and 4. Plus some missed bonus chains. At the Stone Like second phase I totally panicked as usual but a pair of crazy dodges saved the day this time. The old, long standing Ipm score has been beaten!

Watch the run: https://youtu.be/4s0qmUzAn8g

[Xer Xian]

Hail to the new king.. AGAIN

Yep, this should be the new western record !

Well deserved to the man that has faced various trials and never did back down

[EmperorIng]

Just wanted to 'pop in' to say that I watched the run and it's magnificent! That stage 4, all that extra work to absorb every spare bullet during the death flower, the stage 3 midboss and zako. Even with the few dropped chains this run is fantastic! A score well-deserved from all the hard work put into it. Congratulations!

[bobrocks95]

I submit my Steam 23,960,820 1cc I finally got after several months of watching MAZ's videos (hey it's higher than MAZ's first one lol). Not sure how to get the screen on the Steam version to show the chains for each level though...

Spoiler

[Xer Xian]

Congrats on the 1CC and good to see you following up your posts here with a hiscore - I kinda thought that you'd burned out on chasing those S++ but I'm glad I was wrong and that's a damn worthy submission too, just 40k away from another extend and 24,5 million ! Way to gooo