Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 29

Thread: List your Shmups!

  1. #1
    Banana (Level 7) klausien's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    1,504
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default List your Shmups!

    Having just listed my racing games, I figured I would start this thread to see what fellow shmuppers out there have in their collections. Shmups are probably my favorite genre. Forgive me if this topic has already been started. I am listing the very shmuppy Run 'N Gun games like Contra, Metal Slug, et all as well. Also including games like AfterBurner, StarFox, etc.

    Atari 2600:

    Air Sea Battle
    Asteroids
    River Raid

    NES US:

    Abadox
    Adventures of Dino Riki
    AfterBurner
    Air Fortress
    Alien Syndrome
    Alpha Mission
    Burai Fighter
    Cabal
    Contra
    Super C
    Contra Force
    Cybernoid
    Dragon Spirit: The New Legend
    Fantasy Zone
    Galaga
    The Guardian Legend
    Gun Nac
    Image Fight
    Jackal
    King's Knight
    Legendary Wings
    S.C.A.T.
    Section Z
    Sky Shark
    Sqoon
    Star Force
    Starship Hector
    Star Soldier
    Stinger
    Terra Cresta
    Thundercade
    Tiger Heli
    Zanac

    NES JPN:

    Raid on Bungeling Bay

    TurboDuo US:

    AeroBlasters
    Blazing Lazers
    Bloody Wolf
    Dragon Spirit
    Galaga '90
    R-Type
    SideArms
    Soldier Blade
    Space Harrier
    Super Star Soldier
    Veigues Tactical Gladiator
    Gate of Thunder (SCD)
    Lords of Thunder (SCD)

    TurboDuo JPN:

    CyberCore
    Final Soldier
    Gradius
    Nexzr (CD)
    Seirei Senshi Spriggan (CD)
    Super Darius (CD)

    SMS US:

    Cloud Master

    SMS EU:

    Sagaia

    Sega Genesis US:

    Air Buster
    Air Diver
    Arrow Flash
    Atomic Robo Kid
    Atomic Runner
    Battle Squadron
    Bio Hazard Battle
    Burning Force
    Contra Hard Corps
    CrossFire
    Dynamite Duke
    Elemental Master
    Final Zone
    Fire Shark
    Forgotten Worlds
    Gaiares
    Galaxy Force II
    G-LOC Air Battle
    Granada
    Grind Stormer
    Gunstar Heroes
    HellFire
    Insector X
    Mega Turrican
    Mercs
    M.U.S.H.A.
    Phelios
    Raiden Trad
    Ranger X
    Rambo III
    Red Zone
    Sagaia
    Sol Deace
    Soldiers of Fortune
    Space Harrier II
    Steer Empire
    Steel Talons
    Sub Terrania
    Super Thunder Blade
    Target Earth
    Task Force Harrier EX
    ThunderForce II
    ThunderForce III
    Lightening Force
    Trouble Shooter
    Truxton
    Turrican
    Twin Cobra
    Vapor Trail
    Viewpoint
    Whip Rush
    Wings of Wor

    Sega Genesis JPN:

    Fire Mustang

    Sega Genesis EU:

    Alien Soldier

    Sega CD:

    Android Assault
    Lords of Thunder
    Robo Aleste
    Silpheed
    Sol Feace
    Soul Star

    32X:

    Kolibri
    Shadow Squadron
    Star Wars Arcade

    SNES:

    Axelay
    Biometal
    BlaZeon
    Contra III: The Alien Wars
    Cybernator
    Darius Twin
    D-Force
    Super EDF
    Firepower 2000
    GunForce
    HyperZone
    Imperium
    Lock On
    Metal Warriors
    Operation Logic Bomb
    Phalanx
    Pocky & Rocky
    Raiden Trad
    R-Type III: The Third Lightning
    Space Invaders
    Space MegaForce
    Star Fox
    Steel Talons
    Strike Gunner S.T.G.
    Super Nova
    Super Turrican
    Thunder Spirits
    Total Carnage
    UN Squadron
    Vortex
    Wild Guns

    Sega Saturn US:

    Darius Gaiden
    Galactic Attack
    In the Hunt
    Panzer Dragoon
    Panzer Dragoon Zwei
    Sega Ages (AfterBurner II, Space Harrier)

    Sega Saturn JPN:

    Cotton 2
    Cotton Boomerang
    Darius 2
    DonPachi
    DoDonPachi
    Galaxy Force 2
    Gradius Deluxe Pack
    Metal Slug
    Radiant Silvergun
    Silhouette Mirage
    Sky Target
    Soukyugurentai Otokuyo
    ThunderForce V

    Sony PSOne US:

    Asteroids
    Atari Anniversary Edition Redux (various)
    Contra: Legacy of War
    C: A Contra Adventure
    Einhander
    Galaga: Destination Earth
    G Darius
    Gekioh Shooting King
    In the Hunt
    Jupiter Strike
    Konami Arcade Classics (various)
    Namco Museum Vol. 1 (various)
    Namco Museum Vol. 2 (various)
    Namco Museum Vol. 3 (various)
    Namco Museum Vol. 4 (various)
    Namco Museum Vol. 5 (various)
    Nanotek Warrior
    N2O: Nitrous Oxide
    NovaStorm
    Omega Boost
    Philosoma
    R-Types
    R-Type Delta
    The Raiden Project
    RayStorm
    RayCrisis: Series Termination
    Shooter: Space Shot
    Shooter: Starfighter Sanvein
    Silhouette Mirage
    Sol Divide
    StarBlade Alpha
    ThunderForce V: Perfect System
    Total Eclipse Turbo
    Viewpoint
    Xevious 3D/G+

    Sony PSOne JPN:

    Astro Trooper Vanark
    Galaxian 3
    Gradius Gaiden
    Gunners' Heaven
    Internal Section
    Metal Slug X
    Namco Museum Encore (various)
    Night Striker
    Strikers 1945 II
    Star Ixiom
    TwinBee Deluxe Pack
    ZanacXZanac

    N64 US:

    Robotron 64
    Space Invaders
    StarFox 64
    Star Soldier: Vanishing Earth

    N64 JPN:

    Bakuretsu Muteki Bangaioh
    Sin and Punishment

    Sega Dreamacast US:

    Bangai-O
    Cannon Spike
    GigaWing
    GigaWing 2
    GunBird 2
    Mars Matrix

    Sega Dreamacast JPN:

    Ikaruga

    NGPC:

    Metal Slug: 1st Mission
    Metal Slug: 2nd Mission

    Game Boy/GBC US:

    Gradius Interstellar Assault
    Nemesis
    Operation C
    R-Type DX
    SolarStriker

    Game Boy/GBC JPN:

    Sagaia

    Game Boy Advance US:

    Classic NES: Xevious
    Gradius Galaxies
    Gunstar Super Heroes
    Iridion 3D
    Iridion 2
    Pocky & Rocky with Becky
    Sega Arcade Collection

    Game Boy Advance JPN:

    Darius R

    Sony PS2:

    Contra: Shattered Soldier
    Neo Contra
    Gradius III & IV
    Gradius V
    GunGrave
    GunGrave Overdose
    Metal Slug 4 & 5
    Namco Museum (various)
    Rez
    R-Type Final
    Sega Classics Collection (various)
    Silpheed:The Lost Planet
    SkyGunner

    GameCube US:

    Ikaruga
    P.N. 03
    Space Raiders

    GameCube JPN:

    Star Soldier

    Microsoft XBox:

    Capcom Classics Collection (various)
    Metal Slug 3
    Midway Arcade Treasures (various)
    Midway Arcade Treasures 2 (various)
    Panzer Dragoon Orta
    Taito Legends (various)
    Tecmo Classic Arcade (various)

    Virtual Boy US:

    Red Alarm

    Virtual Boy JPN:

    Vertical Force

    Atari Lynx:

    Blue Lightning
    Gates of Zendocon
    Steel Talons
    Zarlor Mercenary

    Game Gear JPN:

    Gunstar Heroes

  2. #2
    ServBot (Level 11) roushimsx's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Oklahoma
    Posts
    3,030
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    I like pictures so here's what I have on hand that I can think of right now (somewhat older pictures, but I can't think of too much that's not in here)





    Didn't snap any run n gun stuff (with the possible exception of Assault Suits Leynos II. There's a fun one to classify as anything other than "balls to the wall action"), but I did include boarderliners like Galaxy Force II (but not PS2 Space Harrier or the Panzer Dragoon Games. Why? WHO KNOWS? OMG). I'll get around to updating these photos sometime

    (notable missing stuff from these pictures: all of my US Saturn and NES games)

    Also didn't include any borderline stuff like Neo Contra, which still kicks ass but like most run n guns, offer a bit too much freedom for me to really classify them as shmups. But hey, Fantasy Zone for PS2 kicks mad ass.

    edit - oh lord, i included the most excellent but not hardline shmup Shooter Starfighter Sanvein in there! I HAVE NO STANDARDS

  3. #3
    Bell (Level 8) CosmicMonkey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    1,790
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    Dreamcast -
    NTSC-J
    Border Down
    Mars Matrix
    Trizeal
    Ikaruga
    Chaos Field
    Psyvarier 2
    Zero Gunner 2
    Shikigami no Shiro 2
    Giga Wing 2
    Gun Spike
    Radilgy (preorder)

    PAL
    Gunbird 2
    Giga Wing

    Saturn -
    NTSC-J
    Cotton 2
    Cotton Boomerang
    Radiant Silvergun
    Battle Garegga
    Thunder Force V
    Detana Twinbee Yahho! Deluxe Pack
    Parodius Deluxe Pack
    Layer Section
    Assault Suit Leynos 2
    Donpachi
    DoDonpachi
    Blast Wind
    Kingdom Grandprix
    Soukyugurentai
    Strikers 1945
    Sengoku Blaede
    Macross
    Darius Gaiden

    NTSC-U
    Panzer Dragoon
    Panzer Dragoon Zwei

    PSone -
    NTSC-J
    Harmful Park
    Cotton Original
    Gaia Seed
    Einhander
    R-Types
    R-Type Delta
    Gunners Heaven
    Kyuiin
    Gradius Gaiden

    PAL
    Strikers 1945 2

    NeoGeo -
    Pulstar
    Blazing Star
    Last Resort
    Metal Slugs 1 - 6
    Prehistoric Isle 2
    Strikers 1945+
    Sonic Wings 2
    Sonic Wings 3
    Zed Blade
    ASO II
    Twinkle Star Sprites
    ViewPoint

    PC Engine -
    NTSC-J
    Super Star Sldier
    Soldier Blade
    Final Soldier
    Star Parodia
    Magical Chase
    Gate of Thunder
    Winds of Thunder
    Side Arms Special
    Twinbee
    Dai-sen-Pu Custom
    R-Type I
    R-Type II
    Dragon Spirit
    Final Blaster
    Darius Plus
    Spriggan
    Cotton

    Megadrive -
    NTSC-J
    Thunder Force III
    Thunder Force IV
    Gunstar Heroes
    Gynoug
    MUSHA Aleste
    Gley Lancer
    Twinkle Tale
    Contra: Hard Corps

    Mega CD -
    NTSC-J
    Silpheed
    Sol-Feace
    Dennin Aleste
    Keio's Flying Squadron
    Bari-Arm

    PAL
    Lords of Thunder

    I think that's all of them. Bit of a shooter fan, as you can probably tell. Need to get a CPS2 consolized for some Progear action.

  4. #4
    drowning in medals Ed Oscuro's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    16,556
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    3
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    1
    Thanked in
    1 Post

    Default

    SHMUPS - Ugh, this is a genre I like more as time goes along, but haven't messed with it much so far.

    I know the original topic lists Contra and such (hey, I've got two of the rarest Contras ever made - Hard Corps Mega Drive/Jp and Super C on PC), but I'm not going to get into this. These sorts of person-based action game I like more than spaceship shooters but I don't have the time to list them so...nope.

    SG-1000
    Zoom 909 (Space Harrier format game, my favorite SG game so far, with Sega Ninja, Girl's Garden and HERO somewhat farther behind).

    Atari 2600
    Space Invaders and, uh, some other stuff.

    FM Towns
    Viewpoint

    x68000
    A-Jax
    Gradius II
    Phalanx
    Salamander
    Space Harrier
    Thunder Force II
    *bunches of other shooters/Imperial Arms (I think) that I don't remember the names of or haven't had shipped go here*

    Genesis
    Galaxy Force
    ???

    Mega Drive
    Thunder Force II (I think)

    NES
    Air Fortress
    Defender II
    Jackal (one of my favorite NES games)
    Life Force
    Don't have Crisis Force

    PC-Engine
    Space Harrier

    Saturn
    PD Saga (import)

    PlayStation
    Sol Divide (yuck!)

    Hmm, that list's pretty small!

    I do have some pretty awesome non-game items for SHMUPS, though: the Japanese guide for G-Darius (PlayStation release) and the Darius LP (!!)

  5. #5
    Keeper of the Terror Mask
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    West Mansion
    Posts
    3,895
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts
    Xbox LIVE
    therealdire51

    Default

    NES:

    Gradius
    Gradius II
    Life Force

    SNES:

    Gradius III
    Axelay
    U.N. Squadron
    Super R-Type

    Genesis:

    Truxton
    Thunder Force II
    Thunder Force III
    Thunder Force IV (not calling it Lightening Force, damn it)
    Forgotten Worlds
    Phelios
    Gaiares
    MUSHA
    Air Buster
    Insector -X

    PSX:

    Gradius Deluxe Pack
    Gradius Gaiden
    Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus
    Thunder Force V Perfect System

    PS2:

    Gradius III & IV
    Gradius V

    plus some on several assorted PSX and PS2 comps.

    Wow, I used to have a lot more than this...

  6. #6
    Pear (Level 6) TurboGenesis's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Detroit
    Posts
    1,371
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts
    Xbox LIVE
    Sonic R 0
    PSN
    SONICr

    Default

    Ok here it goes:

    NES:
    Stinger
    Gradius
    Life Force
    Zanac
    The Guardian Legend (use password TGL )
    Abadox
    Alpha Mission
    Star Force
    Image Fight
    Sqoon
    Dragon Spirit

    SMS:
    R-Type
    Cloud Master
    Bomber Raid
    Aerial Assult

    Turbo/PC Engine:
    Blazing Lazers
    R-Type
    Fantasy Zone
    Dragon Spirit
    Galaga '90
    Ordyne
    Deep Blue
    Super Star Soldier
    Aero Blasters
    Psychosis
    Veigus Tactical Gladiator (well it's labeled as a shootie )
    Sinistron
    Raiden
    Dead Moon
    Soldier Blade
    Air Zonk
    Magical Chase
    Final Zone (CD Graphics shooting game :P )
    Gate of Thunder
    Lords of Thunder
    Cotton
    Terraforming
    Rayxanber II
    Rayxanber III
    Gradius II Gofer
    Darius Plus
    Aldynes

    Genesis:
    Arrow Flash
    Whip Rush
    Gaiares
    Vapor Trail
    Forgotten Worlds
    Truxton
    Thunder Force II
    Thunder Force III
    Lightning Force
    Elemental Master
    Bio Hazard Battle
    MUSHA
    Insector X
    Sagaia
    Battle Squadron
    Raiden Trad
    Fire Shark

    SNES:
    Gradius III
    Axelay
    UN Squadron
    Darius Twin
    Blazeon
    Earth Defence Force
    Phalanx
    Strike Gunner STG
    Space Megaforce
    Super Nova
    R-Type III

    Neo Geo AES:
    Ghost Pilots
    Alpha Mission II
    Andro Dunos

    Saturn US:
    Galactic Attack
    Darius Gaiden

    Saturn JP:
    Soukyugurentai Otokuyo
    Radiant Silvergun
    Twin Bee Deluxe Pack
    Shinryu
    Gekirinden
    Sonic Wings Special
    Super Dimension Force Macross
    Thunder Force Gold Pack 1
    Blast Wind
    Hyper Duel

    Playstation US:
    Total Eclipse
    Viewpoint
    In the Hunt
    Zero Divide (Phalanx )
    Eihander
    R-Types
    R-Type Delta
    G Darius
    Raystorm
    Gekioh: Shooting King
    Mobile Light Force

    Playstation JP:
    Gaia Seed
    Harmful Park
    Geppy-X
    Zanac X Zanac
    Thunder Force V

    N64:
    Star Soldier Vanishing Earth

    Dreamcast US:
    Giga Wing
    Giga Wing 2
    Gunbird 2
    Mars Matrix
    Bangai-O
    Armada

    Dreamcast JP:
    Mars Matrix
    Ikaruga
    Border Down
    Psyvariar 2
    Chaos Field

    Gamecube:
    Ikaruga
    Chaos Field (soon!)
    Star Soldier (JP)

    Playstation 2 US:
    Gradius III & IV
    Gradius V
    Silpheed: The Lost Planet
    R-Type Final
    Mobile Light Force 2
    Castle Shikigami 2

    Playstation 2 JP:
    ESPGaluda
    Mushihimesama
    Twinkle Star Sprites: La petite Princess
    Giga Wing Generations
    Psikyo Collection 3: Sol Divide/Dragon Blaze
    Raiden III

    I didn't list rail shooties such as Space Harrier, Rez, Aftrerburner etc.

  7. #7
    Late to the party DigitalSpace's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Portland, OR
    Posts
    10,626
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    I've got a decent list, if somewhat small.



    Star Soldier



    Contra Hard Corps
    Final Zone
    Granada
    Gunstar Heroes
    Mega Turrican
    Mercs
    Sub-Terrania
    Thunder Force II
    Truxton



    Axelay
    Darius Twin
    Firepower 2000
    Gradius III
    Phalanx
    R-Type III
    Realm
    Soldiers Of Fortune
    Space Megaforce
    Star Fox
    Super R-Type
    Super Smash TV



    Gekioh: Shooting King



    Castle Shikigami 2
    R-Type Final

    Plus a few on these compilations:

    Activision Anthology
    Atari Anthology
    Capcom Classics Collection
    Midway Arcade Treasures
    Midway Arcade Treasures 2
    Namco Museum
    Taito Legends



    Alien Hominid
    Ikaruga



    Nemesis
    Operation C
    Solar Striker



    R-Type DX



    Strike Force Hydra
    Xevious (Classic NES Series)

    Plus a few on these compilations:

    Activision Anthology
    Konami Collector's Series: Arcade Advanced
    Namco Museum

    Collection List | Twitter
    Check out the new N64 Rumble Pak. See how it feels to feel what you see.

  8. #8
    Cherry (Level 1) Eternal Champion's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Area Code 666
    Posts
    392
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    Oh, baby. Well, I can't add anything, but how about arcade? Raiden II kicks all ass combined; you can't beat the toothpaste weapon. Was there a DX version, or am I thinking of Raiden DX?

    Is this on any home system? This should be a GBA game. I think I like it more than Space Megaforce...maybe.

  9. #9
    Pear (Level 6) Xexyz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    1,239
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    ^ Raiden Project, a launch PS1 title. it's a longbox only title, contains arcade perfect ports of both Raiden & Raiden II, and is quite rare and worth a bit of mula.

    Also, just curious, but why are people listing Contra, Gunstar Heroes, Bangai-O etc. as shmups? Maybe Bangai-O, but they're not really shmups, more like borderliners.

  10. #10
    Pear (Level 6) TurboGenesis's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Detroit
    Posts
    1,371
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts
    Xbox LIVE
    Sonic R 0
    PSN
    SONICr

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Eternal Champion
    Oh, baby. Well, I can't add anything, but how about arcade? Raiden II kicks all ass combined; you can't beat the toothpaste weapon. Was there a DX version, or am I thinking of Raiden DX?

    Is this on any home system? This should be a GBA game. I think I like it more than Space Megaforce...maybe.
    Raiden DX is available on the Playstation (Japanese).

  11. #11
    Vic Viper Bloodreign's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Next door to Bayou Billy
    Posts
    649
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    2
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts
    PSN
    Bloodreign75

    Default

    I can't compare as my collection has just begun, but here's what I have thus far:

    PS 2 Gradius V
    PS 2 Gradius 3/4
    PS 2 R-Type Final
    PSX Raystorm
    GBA Gradius Galaxies
    PS 2 Taito Legends (has some shmuppy goodness on it, but TL2 will have more)
    SNES Contra 3
    Genesis Contra Hardcore (but the Contras are borderliner shmups)
    PS 2 Capcom Classics Collection (forgot about that one)

  12. #12
    Bell (Level 8) whoisKeel's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Posts
    1,705
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    - NES -
    Gyruss
    Galaga
    Gradius
    Lifeforce
    Tiger Heli
    1972
    Xevious
    GunSmoke
    Zanac
    Image Fight
    Star Force
    Star Soldier

    - SNES -
    Gradius III
    Raiden Trad
    Darius Twin
    Super RType
    RType III

    - GENESIS -
    Twin Cobra
    Air Buster

    - PCE -
    Galaga '88
    Dragon Spirite
    Blazing Lazers

    Gate of Thunder
    Lords of Thunder
    Gradius II

    - PSX -
    G Darius
    RayCrisis
    Konami Arcade Classics
    Einhander

    - SATURN -
    DoDonPachi
    Soukyugurentai

    - DREAMCAST -
    Bangai-o
    Mars Matrix

    - GC -
    Ikaruga
    Midway Arcade

    - PS2 -
    Gradius V
    Castle Shikigami 2
    Capcom Classics

    - GB -
    Gradius Galaxies

  13. #13
    Strawberry (Level 2)
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    469
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    so this is what this genre is called! lol I need to get a library of these games I love playing raiden in the arcade.


    The only one I got is an R-Type for SNES

  14. #14
    Apple (Level 5) Retsudo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    SC
    Posts
    1,178
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts
    PSN
    kz5ive

    Default

    Gradius 3
    Phalanx
    Tiger Heli
    Darius Gaiden
    Galatic Attack
    Capcom Classics Collection

  15. #15
    Cherry (Level 1) Eternal Champion's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Area Code 666
    Posts
    392
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by CYRiX
    so this is what this genre is called! lol
    Back in the day I just called them "space games". I first heard "shmups" 2 years ago.

    So why are Contra or Gunstar Heroes not shmups? What exactly is the definition of shmup?

  16. #16
    Ladd Spencer (Level 17) Captain Wrong's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    twiddle your ball sack Indiana
    Posts
    9,092
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts
    Xbox LIVE
    Captain Wrong
    PSN
    Captain Wrong

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by whoisKeel
    - NES -
    ...
    1972
    ...
    Is that the one where you drive around in a VW Microbus shooting "the man"?

    I'll get around to listing my stuff eventually. I don't have much really exciting though other than my Armed Police Batrider PCB. 75% of my favorties never got a home port, and I've been rather lazy (and poor) about tracking the boards down.

  17. #17
    Banana (Level 7) klausien's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    1,504
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Eternal Champion
    Quote Originally Posted by CYRiX
    so this is what this genre is called! lol
    Back in the day I just called them "space games". I first heard "shmups" 2 years ago.

    So why are Contra or Gunstar Heroes not shmups? What exactly is the definition of shmup?
    If you go to http://www.shmups.com, the guy who runs the site, Malc, has a nice definition of what is considered a "shmup", obviously short for shoot 'em up. Here is some of what he has to say:

    "Shmup is SHORT for Shoot 'Em Up, not different than it. I have always felt that the definition on this site in the FAQ is good for explaining "What is a Shmup?", but is a bit limited and too exclusive for me to except as completely definitive.

    I personally feel that any game in which you have LIMITED CONTROL OF MOVEMENT, whether it be on the X, Y or Z axis, and within which the goal is to BLOW THINGS UP while DODGING FIRE constitutes a "SHMUP".

    Under this umbrella, there are various TYPES:

    Vertical: Raiden, Strikers, Ikaruga, etc.
    Horizontal: Gradius, ThunderForce, R-Type, etc.
    Free-Directional: Robotron 2084, Fantasy Zone, Smash TV, Bangai-O, etc.
    Free Directional Run 'N Gun: Mercs, Bloody Wolf,
    Horizontal Run 'N Gun: Contra, Gunstar Heroes, Metal Slug, etc.
    Z-Axis: Space Harrier, AfterBurner, Panzer Dragoon, Rez, etc.

    FPS's like Quake, Simulators like Ace Combat and Colony Wars, and Car Combat games like Twisted Metal have shmup qualities at times, but are not Shmups.

    In all the examples of shmups above, the basic premise is the same: Fire Continuously and Dodge, Dodge, Dodge. THAT is what makes a SHMUP. The manner in which you do it can vary, but being limited to 8-directional movement, no matter which way you scroll, all while mashing (or holding) a fire button to destroy targets with a stream of gunfire is what it's all about. Having to jump doesn't take the shmup out of a game in my eyes. Having to worry about moving in 3D SPACE takes things out of the running. It is all about where the main focus of the gameplay lies. The Mega Man series, though incredibly shmuppy is not a shmup because the game is more about plaforming than shooting. Contra on the other hand is focused on the shooting.

    I could defend or refute any game as to it being a shmup. I think everyone out there, though they have there own opinion, can at least understand where I'm coming from."


    I agree with this for the most part, but personally consider games like AfterBurner, Space Harrier, Panzer Dragoon, Rez, etc. to be "shmups". On the shmups forums, there is an extensive argument over this every so often. Most disagree with Malc on the idea that Run 'N Guns like Contra are shmups. Has to do with the Jump button.

    Like most things, everyone has their own opinion.

  18. #18
    drowning in medals Ed Oscuro's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    16,556
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    3
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    1
    Thanked in
    1 Post

    Default

    Contra isn't about platforming? How far did this guy play it? It's less of a platformer than Mega Man, sure, but it's still got lots of platforming to do.

    What about Chelnov? Fixed scrolling speed, you basically bounce up and down (dodge) up and dowards.

    I think one element of the games known as "shmups" is that you can move more or less freely in those 8 directions. In Contra or Chelnov (as well as in Mega Man) you jump up and then you come back down. A spaceship, jet, or the biplane in Prehistoric Isle in 1930 *usually* can defy gravity, and by default move in eight directions freely. In Contra and Chelnov you can't, even though there is lots of dodging to be had.

  19. #19
    Banana (Level 7) dreamcaster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Perth - Australia
    Posts
    1,543
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    I'd say his definition is a bit too open.

    I define traditional shmups as horizontally or vertically aligned scrolling that is forced, and the player takes control of a vehicle of some description, and is forced to shoot waves of oncoming enemies.

    This would classify such traditional games as Gradius, Darius, R-Type, Radiant Silvergun etc. as pure SHMUPS, as they fit the description to the letter.

    However, from this core defintion, we can expand into other areas which are based on this definition, but have key elements changed.

    There are many titles which could be classified as non-traditional shmups. Fantasy Zone and Bangai-O being primary examples. They both embody every traditional aspect of a shmup, yet they do not have forced scrolling. As such, they are an untraditional shmup.

    You can then expand into the 3D Shmup, a genre that is essentially a shmup presented in 3D - primary examples being Panzer Dragoon and StarFox. They employ every convention of a shmup, and merely represent it in 3D. N.B. whilst I have classifed this as a sub genre, I personally rarely associate these titles with the term 'shmup'.

    This is as far as I would go however. 'Run and gun' games like Gunstar Heroes, Metal Slug and Contra are NOT shmups. Aside from pumelling your enemies with bullets, they have little in common with traditional shmups and are too much of a stretch to include them. I personally classify these titles as 'action platformers', as they are based on the humble platforming game, and add shooting and explosions to the mix.

    However, at the end of the day, this is just another opinion, though I would like to say it's a little more logical and reasoned.

    Anyway! Now for my shmup collection (traditional and untraditional):

    GameCube
    Ikaruga

    PlayStation
    R-Type Delta
    RayStorm
    Sonic Wings Special
    Strikers 1945 II

    PlayStation 2
    Gradius III & IV
    Gunbird Special Edition
    R-Type Final
    Steel Dragon EX
    XII Stag

    Atari 2600
    River Raid II

    Dreamcast
    Bangai-O

    Master System
    Bomber Raid
    Fantasy Zone
    R-Type
    Sagaia

    NES
    Gradius

    Mega CD
    Silpheed

    Super NES
    Axelay
    Darius Twin
    R-Type III
    Super R-Type
    U.N. Squadron

    Mega Drive
    Thunder Force IV

  20. #20
    Apple (Level 5) Lord Contaminous's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Perth Amboy, NJ
    Posts
    1,036
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    NES
    -----
    1942
    1943
    Stinger
    Top Gun
    Heavy Barrel
    Contra
    Super C
    Contra Force
    Dragon Spirit
    Zanac
    Tiger Heli
    Guerilla War
    Thundercade
    Isolated Warrior
    S.C.A.T.
    Guardian Legend
    Image Fight
    Ikari Warriors
    Ikari Warriors II: Victory Road
    Magmax
    Gradius
    Jackal
    Alpha Mission
    Cabal
    Captain Skyhawk
    King's Knight
    Legendary Wings
    Star Force
    Star Soldier

    Famicom
    ---------
    Galg
    Gradius II
    Dragon Spirit
    Star Luster
    Star Force
    Super Star Force
    Handful of nice shooters on my ###-in-1 pirate Famicom multicart such as B-Wings, Volguard II, Argus, Macross, Twinbee, Exed Exes/Savage Bees, and Transformers

    Master System
    ----------------
    Aerial Assault
    Astro Warrior
    Action Fighter

    Turbografx 16
    ---------------
    R-Type

    PC Engine CD
    --------------
    Red (Last) Alert
    Final Zone II

    Sega Genesis
    ----------------
    Earth Defense (Unlicensed)
    Bio Hazard Battle
    Raiden Trad
    Forgotten Worlds
    Ranger X
    Gunstar Heroes
    Midnight Resistance
    Rambo III
    Dinosaurs for Hire
    Thunder Force II
    Turrican
    Mega Turrican

    Sega Mega Drive (Japanese)
    Master of Weapon

    Sega CD
    ---------
    Silpheed
    Robo Aleste

    Game Boy
    ----------
    Solar Striker
    Nemesis

    Neo Geo
    ---------
    Last Resort

    Super NES
    ------------
    Thunder Spirits
    Gradius III
    Contra III
    Super Turrican
    Time Slip

    Super Famicom
    ------------------
    Kidou Soukou Dion (AKA "Imperium")
    Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie

    PS2
    ----
    Gradius III & IV
    Gradius V
    Gungrave: Overdose

Similar Threads

  1. Shmups New VS Old
    By Retrocade Fantasia in forum Modern Gaming
    Replies: 26
    Last Post: 01-04-2013, 01:51 PM
  2. Co-op shmups
    By Gunstar Hero in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 10-21-2012, 06:45 AM
  3. 360 shmups?
    By Oldskool in forum Modern Gaming
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 02-20-2012, 06:44 PM
  4. Neo Geo Shmups?
    By Richter Belmount in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 12-29-2009, 04:58 PM
  5. Why We Love SHMUPs/Your Fav SHMUPs
    By RegSNES in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 87
    Last Post: 07-24-2006, 02:34 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •