Editing Shmups 101

Let's face it, we're regressing into a terminal casual state with exposure to current market trends. If the front page of /v/ is any indicator, people don't much care for developing skill anymore. Whatever happened to the games that tossed you to the wolves? Ones where you carved out your own achievements and goals instead of having them handed to you? The games where success wasn't equated to how much time you could throw at it, but through how well you could exercise ability? Unfortunately the world has moved on to new paradigms and these titles have been tossed to the bargain bins due to their rigid, complex texture. Shoot 'em ups may not be lauded in the same breath as fighters, twitch shooters or real-time strategy games due to the dynamic element of multiplayer, but it doesn't negate the fact that all of these games have astronomically high skill ceilings. It takes a lot of practice, willpower and skill to master a shmup, and infinitely more to display that mastery ''consistently''.

The challenge isn't the only reel shooting games have going for them. Truth be told, it's just a lot of fun blowing shit up. Not to mention the fact that you can pop a few credits in whenever you want instead of wading through tutorials and cutscenes, as there's a decidedly thin barrier between you and the gameplay. Most of these games have only 30 minutes to an hour of content, but reaching the end of that content legitimately is a lot harder than you'd expect, and you will probably be spending upwards of 30-50+ hours understanding the ins and outs of each game. Add in unlockables, multiple ship types/options and a multi-faceted difficulty system and it becomes easy to see why people spend so much time in STGs.

<center>[[File:Ikaruga - 1 Player - 2 Player game|450px]]</center>

See that? That could be you. Due to the quick pace and short levels all it takes is a few hours practice each week until you can pull off these things. Though the road to attaining this level of concentration and finesse is a solitary one, it's undeniably rewarding. When someone like this showed up in the arcade his presence was magnetic. Onlookers would crowd around to watch the relatively superhuman spectacle while others who played the game would observe how he carried himself, safe boss patterns and what scoring techniques he used. Though this rare occurrence fades out with the death of the arcade you're not completely left in the dark without a compass or recognition. With the advent of sites like Youtube, online leaderboards and lively STG forums you have more ways than ever to embrace the community and improve yourself.

It's up to you to stretch your own limits. The “one-credit rule” is a self-imposed one that instills the competitive spirit needed to fully immerse yourself in the shooting genre. '''Self-imposed''', key word there, as no one can enforce this hardcore mindset but you. Shmups will never hold your hand, but they sure won't cheat on you either. Every mistake and plateau you face will always come down to your ability as a gamer and your willingness to improve and overcome them. Ultimately it will define who you are: if you just play for fun, or if you play to ''win''. Even if you aren't keen on adopting this mindset there are plenty of [http://vsrecommendedgames.wikia.com/wiki/Shmups_101#Entry-level_games entry-level games] available to whet your appetite, but you should always be reaching higher as a gamer—and, more importantly, as a human being.

<center><big><big>'''GO PLAY A SHOOT 'EM UP.'''</big></big></center>

<br />

[[File:Dp gameover.png|300px|center]]

Due to their low production costs, ease of development and portability, shooting games are available on practically every platform in existence, though there are some platforms with more illustrious libraries than others. While it's possible to emulate nearly every shmup released before 2005 you'd do well to support your favorite (non-defunct) developers, as actually owning a game lets you develop attachment to it, further compelling you to beat it.

It would take a long time to compile every good emulator here. Just know that console emulation is a pretty good option with backups lasting a lot longer than physical media. There's also usually save state support, quite a few aesthetic options (e.g. scanlines, filters, etc.) and the ability to use a non-native controller via USB.

<u>'''Nintendo'''</u>:

*'''[[Wii]]''' -

*'''[[Gamecube]]''' -

*'''[[Gameboy Advance]]''' -

*'''[[Nintendo 64]]''' -

*'''[[SNES|Super Nintendo]]''' -

*'''[[Game Boy/Color Games|Game Boy/Color]]''' A nice handful number of shmups were available on this portable. Some were ports, others original, but you have to respect a well done shmup on this when you consider the limited hardware.

*'''[[NES Games|NES/Famicom]]''' -

<u>'''Sega'''</u>:

*'''[[Dreamcast]]''' - Short lived console that saw quite a few iconic STG exclusives. Due to its similarities with the Sega NAOMI arcade system board it was a bastion for arcade ports that ran on NAOMI/Capcom CPS-2 hardware.

*'''[[Saturn]]''' -

*'''[[Genesis|Genesis/Mega Drive]]''' -

*'''[[Master System and Game Gear#Game Gear|Game Gear]]''' - Lacks FM music, but had a few original shmups, though not alot.

*'''[[Master System and Game Gear|Master System]]''' - Surprisingly had some pretty fair arcade ports. Some content was removed, some added, and some even use the FM chip for some totally tasty tunes.

<u>'''Sony'''</u>:

*'''[[Playstation 3]]''' -

*'''[[PSP]]''' -

*'''[[Playstation 2]]''' -

*'''[[Playstation 1]]''' -

<u>'''Microsoft'''</u>:

*'''[[Xbox 360]]''' - The best modern console for shmups with a HUGE library. Inexpensive and intuitive dev kits make this the most appealing platform for shmup developers, in both cost and efficiency. XBLA's indie community is especially crowded with shmup goodness.

*'''[[Xbox]]''' -

<u>'''Other systems'''</u>:

*'''[[IPhone|iPhone/iPod Touch]] - '''The touch screen is good in that you have perfect control over your ship. In fact, it's so good, it almost feels like cheating with Cave's ports. Unfortunately, your thumb sometimes covers a wave of bullets speeding towards you.

*'''[[TurboGrafx-16|TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine]]''' -

*'''[[TurboGrafx-16#Turbo_CD|Turbo CD/PC Engine CD]]''' - Arguably, one could say this is this is to console shmups what Elvis is to rock n' roll. Hudson Soft championed this console with their shmups, but other companies had some nice inputs as well.

*'''[[MSX/MSX2]]''' - An oddball when it came to shmups. Due to scrolling issues, they had to make some creative compromises. One element of note is that some games have alternate stages and songs exclusive to their MSX versions.

*'''[[Arcade games/Shoot'em Ups|Arcade shmups]]'''

The arcades are a goddamn treasure trove of amazement. It has amassed the largest library of shoot 'em ups over its years, higher than that of any other platform. It may take a bit of searching to find a video arcade near you with even a handful of shmups, but you'll find that it's a very unique experience to behold. If you can't find the game you're looking for there's no shame in [http://vsrecommendedgames.wikia.com/wiki/Shmups_101#Arcade_emulation arcade emulation.]

For the average person it's simply unfeasible to buy PCBs or assemble your own cabinet due to the prohibitive expense and maintenance required. A single PCB ranges from $200 to $1000+, while building your own cabinet from scratch would take around $400 to $1200++ (not to mention an Engineering degree). If you aren't rich there are ways to make an all-in-one MAME cabinet by installing a PC instead of a printed circuit board. This is a lot less expensive due to its flexibility, as you can gut and repurpose any old arcade cabinet with a PC that can emulate MAME.

Check out [http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/how_build_kickass_mame_arcade_rig_old_pc_pics How to Build Your Own MAME Cabinet] for more information.

<p style="text-align: center;">[[File:Longhena_continues_medium.jpg]]</p>

Don't be discouraged by initial suckage when it comes to shmups. As you keep trying and keep practicing, your skills will improve. It just takes dedication.

One thing novices have trouble with is regulating bombs, in the majority of shmups that have them. Most people playing a shmup seriously do know that spamming bombs whenever something even remotely dangerous comes their way is not the best method to improving one's skills, but a lesser known truth is that sometimes, not bombing is almost as bad. Especially in games that provide you with a large number of bombs, like DoDonPachi or most Touhou games, knowing when the proper time to use life-saving bombs is part of being skilled at the game. Try to be able to quickly tell the difference between a situation where you can narrowly escape and a situation where you're certain to die, in order to bomb on the latter.

Another important factor to note is avoiding bullets. You don't want to look directly at your hitbox, nor even directly at the bullets. You want to look at where the bullets aren't, where they won't be, and move into that space. It's sort of strange to think about it, but you're not as much dodging the bullets as placing yourself where it will be safe.

Games that can be considered entry-level generally have a low resistance threshold or a myriad of arrangements (through alternate modes and options). Due to the nature of these games there is no such thing as an “easy” shoot 'em up. As such, this is more a compendium of games that serve as good starting points to understand the basics for newcomers to the genre:

|-

|[[File:Gunhed.jpg|150px]]

!scope="row"|Blazing Lazers / Gunhed

|One of the best shoot 'em ups on the TurboGrafx-16. Co-developed by Compile so expect an expansive arsenal and lengthy levels rife with bosses. There's ten levels in all, with each section boss rewarding you several extends. It also has one of the best weapons in a shmup ever: the THUNDER LASER, which utterly unmakes enemies (seriously, try all of level 8 with that weapon - you can even stunlock the boss!).

|TG-16, PSN,<br />Wii VC

|[[File:Gunhed01.jpg|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Bbakraid_Flyer.jpg|150px]]

!scope="row"|Battle Bakraid

|One of the last Raizing shmups, Bakraid features a more manageable Rank system from it's predecessors (Garegga and Batrider) which can be lowered by grazing bullets. It also features three difficulty levels (normal being the best for beginners) and a boss-rush mode where you are fully powered.

|Arcade

|[[File:BattleBakraidScreenshot.png|200px]]

|Freeware shmup with lots of options to ease your way in. Gameplay is centered around heavy patterns and bullet canceling with the difficulty ranging from casual (Heaven/Guard) to balls hard (Hell/Accel). Be sure to get ''Plus'' as it introduced a bullet slow option when the screen is full (that's not your GPU fucking up). Oh, what's that? You want [http://www004.upp.so-net.ne.jp/x_xgameroom/Works/works.html more free games like this?]

|-

|[[File:Darius_arcade_flyer.png|150px]]

!scope="row"|Darius (series)

|Is gunning for the top score not enough to motivate you to continue playing after your hard earned 1cc? how about the thrill of discovering a new way to play through the same game every time? that's Darius for ya, and almost all of them are at just the right level of difficulty to be challenging at first sight, but not too easy that you'll grow bored of them once you start to improve.

|Arcade, TG-16, Genesis, SNES, Saturn, PSX, PSP

|[[File:KingFossilDP.gif|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Dsmiles_box.png|150px]]

!scope="row"|DeathSmiles

|Take your pick from up to 5 adorable lolis (yes, the game calls them this) each with their own unique weapon and helpful familiar. Multiple layouts are available to help you find your best playstyle. From there play through the different levels to see the story and enjoy the beautiful art by CAVE studio. Deathsmiles also has the option of online co-op so you can chat with friends while playing and a clearly-visible hitbox (the little gold heart) to make life simpler for SHMUP newbies.

|Xbox 360, iOS, Arcade

|[[File:DeathsmilesScreenshot.png|200px]]

|-

|[[File:DoDonpachi Flyer front.jpg|150px]]

!scope="row"|DoDonPachi

|''DoDonPachi'' is one of the most refined experiences on the arcade. Silky-smooth controls, fluid animation, great level design - it has everything you could want. Sports a much more approachable learning curve than the original. While it's not the easiest game on the list, its first loop is generally regarded as a solid challenge for novice pilots. What better way to orient yourself than by playing the best of the best straight off?

|Arcade, PS1, Saturn

|[[File:DodonpachiScreenshot.png|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Dodonpachi_2_Flyer.jpg|150px]]

!scope="row"|DoDonPachi II: Bee Storm

|An entry level in the DoDonPachi series made by IGS, this one has a good difficulty curve, with initial stages being a cakewalk but getting progressively harder. Pay no attention to the haters, this one is as good as any other in the series.

|Arcade

|[[File:Dodonpachi2Screenshot.png|200px]]

|You play as fairies that can swap genders and manipulate time. Kakusei mode is powered by the green gems you collect and slows down time, turning enemy bullets into gold ingots when killed. Be careful with its use as once those gems are depleted you go into “Overmode” where bullets turn pink and accelerate. Incredibly fun when you cash in on huge bullet spreads and see numbers flying everywhere.

|[[File:EspgaludaScreenshot.png|200px]]

|[[File:Gradius_NES_box.jpg|150px]]

Any console version is good for beginners. You can start with the first game, though Gradius Gaiden and Gradius V are also good starts.

|[[File:GradiusScreenshot.png|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Harmfulpark.jpg|150px]]

!scope="row"|Harmful Park

|A very absurd shooter that was only released in Japan. Throw all manner of sweets to destroy your foes, with shot types of an ice cream laser, homing jellybeans and pie bombs - all of which can be leveled up! You can probably roll over Easy difficulty (the default option), so try it on Normal mode for a good challenge. It also included some silly mini-games on its disc.

|PS1

|[[File:Harmful Park.png|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Ibara_Black_Label_Flyer.png|150px]]

!scope="row"|Ibara Kuro Black Label

|A revision of the original Ibara, this one allows you to select the character and ships as well as change your equipped weapons on the fly. The best addition, however, is the rank bar which allows you to watch the game's rank, allowing you to adjust your tactics accordingly.

|Arcade

|[[File:IbaraBlackLabelScreenshot.png|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Untitledj.png|150px]]

!scope="row"|Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony

|A recently-released indie vertizontal with fairly good gameplay (with many difficulty levels), an entertaining story, and co-op multiplayer. Fantastic music as well. Unfortunately, it's local-only multiplayer.

|PC

|[[File:JamestownScreenshot02.png|200px]]

|[[File:Jss.jpg|200px]]

|-

|[[File:LordsOfThunder.png|150px]]

!scope="row"|Lords of Thunder

|<big>'''''MEEETTTAAAAALLLLL!'''''</big><br />So you're some god-knight, right? Now an oppressive empire is pushing your country's collective shit in. Are you gonna stand for that? '''FUCK NO.''' Are you gonna morph Ronin Warriors style and slap some shit to metal music? '''FUCK YEAH YOU ARE.''' Collect gems and buy power-ups in between levels, which can be tackled in any order. Sega CD version is a LOT EASIER due to how damaging the sword is, some bosses barely finish transforming before they die.

|Sega CD, TG-CD, Wii VC

|[[File:Lords of thunder.jpg|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Mushihime-sama futari.jpg|150px]]

!scope="row"|Mushihime-sama Futari

|It's a triumph in modern gaming when the most challenging shmup in existence is also the most accessible one. Features an array of difficulties: Original (standard game with fast bullets and a rank system that gradually increases bullet velocity), Maniac (more emphasis on scoring with slower, dense patterns) and the infamous Ultra mode (fast, dense patterns). You will have a lot of fun on Original and Maniac modes, as there is nothing quite like getting into the rhythm of its complex chaining/scoring system. Put simply: this game is gorgeous on all fronts. Region free, so pick this one up!

|Arcade, Xbox 360

|[[File:MushihimesamaFutariScreenshot.png|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Sentimental_Shooting_cover.jpg‎|150px]]

!scope="row"|Sentimental Shooting

|You like hentai girls? Well, now you can shoot down spaceships while trying to undress beautiful girls on the background. During the first phase you have to destroy the 100% of her dress to get to the second phase when you have to beat a boss and destroy the last parts to get the nudity. Hilarious and sexy at the same time. Also easy level it's not that bad for a starter to the genre who don't want immediatly fast-paced action (especially because you don't have only to survive and destroy enemies, but tear up the dress too before the end of the level).

|DOS

|[[File:Sentimental_Shooting.jpg|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Castleofshikigami2-1-.jpg|150px]]

!scope="row"|Shikigami no Shiro II

|Probably the best entry in the series, the game encourages grazing by powering up your attacks. Thankfully shot patterns are usually dense and slow enough to allow players to maneuver through them. The PS2 version was released in english, featuring one of the most hilariously atrocious localizations ever!

|Arcade, Dreamcast, PS2, PC

|[[File:Shikigami2Screenshot.png|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Soldier_blade_pce.jpg|150px]]

!scope="row"|Soldier Blade

|Last in Hudson's ''Star Soldier'' series. ''Soldier Blade'' is fast and frenetic from start to finish, with some impressive graphics that pushed the TG-16 to its limit. Weapon power-ups now come in the form of pods and can be sacrificed as high powered weapons. Much like the rest of the series you can take multiple hits so long as you're powered up. Great electronic soundtrack to top off the absolute best shmup on the TurboGrafx-16.

|TG-16

|[[File:Soldier Blade-2.png|200px]]

|-

|[[File:Space-Megaforce-SNES.jpg|150px]]

!scope="row"|'''Super Aleste / Space Megaforce'''

|Another good entry point for the ''Aleste ''series. You can switch between eight different weapons, which all have a function you can manipulate with the Shot Control button. Your weapon power acts as your health, and you'll only go boom if you're hit with 0 power. Usually you respawn from checkpoints, but certain items give you special lives that let you respawn without losing progress. It doesn't take an enormous effort to beat on Normal mode without continuing, and there's four harder modes to try if you want more challenge. Not enough time for a full game? No problem! The Short Game's only four levels long, and jam-packed with power-ups.

|SNES

|[[File:Super_aleste.gif|200px]]

|<span style="font-style: italic;">Thunder Force </span>''III'' is a refined, action-packed experience with impressive visuals (for its time) and a fuckawesome soundtrack. It's one of the easier installments due to weapon variety and how generously extra lives are doled out. Spawned two slightly modified versions: ''Thunder Force AC'' and ''Thunder Spirits'' on the Arcade and Super Nintendo, respectively.

|If you ever used Youtube, chances are you have probably bumped into Touhou without even knowing. ''Touhou 06'' was the first game on the Windows platform. It improved over its PC-98 predecessors (although past titles experimented with unique gameplay gimmicks) by introducing automatic power-up collecting and adding Spell Cards (phases with a unique bullet pattern) to bosses. Very relaxed pacing on lower difficulty settings that serves as a nice starting point for danmaku. Please excuse the bad art, even the creator is aware of how bad they are.

|Takes a much darker tone instead of the flowers, funshine and happiness seen in previous releases and introduces a clock and phantom system. Collecting time points is tied to your human-yōkai orientation gauged through a phantom meter, which is pretty intricate in and of itself. Adds some new spell cards to collect called “Last Words” that are more or less bonus rounds should you meet time objectives. Because of the relaxed penalties of this game, it's often considered an entry-level title for beginners.

|Arcade, PS2,<br />DC, Saturn,<br />Neo Geo CD

[[Category:Genre Lists]]