(advise) UN Squadron type SHMUP

[classicb]

I'm a big fan of the UN Squadron SNES game as well as Shmups in general. What I really liked about the UN Squadron game was all the options. Being able to select from different pilots, being able to pick your levels, buying different planes and weapons.

So are there any other Shumups with options like these. Imports are ok too.

http://www.classicgaming.com/shmups/reviews/unsquadron/images/begin.gif

[Crush Crawfish]

well, there's Carrier Air Wing, which is sort of like a spiritual sequel to UN Squadron. It doesn't have a port that I know of so you'll have to try it in MAME.

Also, Elemental Master for Genesis is an excellent shooter that lets you choose your level, though there's no weapon purchasing to be found.

And check out the Fantasy Zone games as well; they let you buy weapons and power-ups.

I can't seem to think of any other games that combine weapon buying and level selecting, though. :/

[Cantaloup]

Zarlor Mercenary (http://www.atariage.com/software_page.html?SoftwareLabelID=1867) for the Atari Lynx allows you to choose different pilots and buy and sell power-ups between levels. However, I don't think there's any difference between the pilots other than the power-ups they start with.

[Sotenga]

Not many shmups match up to the diversity of U.N. Squadron, particularly the SNES version. If it qualifies as a shmup, then Solar Jetman for the NES allows you to buy a nice stock of weapons and gadgets, and hell, there are even a few new ships for you to get as well!

Can't select your level, though... unless you count the password feature as a level select. Matter of fact, I'm not sure if SJ can be a shmup. It's part shooting, part exploration. Damn tough game too.

ADD: CRAP! I just thought of a perfect candidate: Lords of Thunder for the PC Engine CD and Sega CD! You're allowed to choose from six stages on the offset, and the final two stages will come after you've beat those. You're also allowed to buy powerups before you start each stage! Read all about it here: http://www.classicgaming.com/reviews/lordsofthunder/lordsofthunder.htm

[Ed Oscuro]

Hmm, I've gotta try out UN Squadron. Keep thinking it's some lousy millitary sim-ish game, but it's really Area 88, after a manga of the same name.

[Cauterize]

I'm a big fan of the UN Squadron SNES game as well as Shmups in general. What I really liked about the UN Squadron game was all the options. Being able to select from different pilots, being able to pick your levels, buying different planes and weapons.

So are there any other Shumups with options like these. Imports are ok too.

http://www.classicgaming.com/shmups/reviews/unsquadron/images/begin.gif

What about Aero Fighters/Sonic Wings for Neo Geo? you can choose pilots on that... (Definately the Second one anyways!)

[Ed Oscuro]

What about Aero Fighters/Sonic Wings for Neo Geo? you can choose pilots on that... (Definately the Second one anyways!)
No, that's not really unique ;)

Apparently the UN Squadron crew are actually just mercenaries for hire...much like the real UN, no? LOL

[fpbrush]

Gradius may have been the first "option" shmup :)

There are many different versions. Gradius III for the SNES is a good starting point .. and cheap! :)

The guys over at the www.shmups.com board will probably be able to help you even more--they are shmup-crazy!

[Lemmy Kilmister]

You can buy power ups and bombs before every level in the game Gun*Nac.

[pragmatic insanester]

forgotten worlds has shops scattered throughout the levels.

[classicb]

well I posted a similar subject over at shmups.com and I found some similar recomondations along with finding out that U.N. Squadron is rather unique with its options. So I'm going to work my way throught the recomondation list except for Gadius I already have most of them. I'm going to start with Forgotten Worlds and Zarlor Mercenary (been looking for a new lynx game to get). I also was at a record store recently and saw Solar Jetman for .99 so I picked it up. Not what I was looking for but a damn fun game. I don't think it counts as a shmup but it counts for another reason DP rocks. I love picking up a game I wouldn't normally pick up and have a great time with it. Solar Jetman is a blast once you get a handle on the controls. If anyone else has some recomondations keep them coming as I work through the list.

Also anyone who hasn't played U.N. Squadron yet you should do so asap. Or if you have some comment about U.N. Squadron here would be a good place as well.

[Lemmy Kilmister]

Semi bump:

Having just recently finished Macross 2036 for PC-Engine CD I can tell you that it also includes weapon purchases after every level. Magical Chase also includes random shops where you can by power-ups and hearts.

[bargora]

Namco's cartoony 1988 horizontal shooter Ordyne has shops where you can purchase various power-ups for your ship. You can play it on Namco Museum Vol. 4 for PlayStation.