History of SHMUPs?
Here’s a few that I think should make it if they haven’t already
-Recca (1988): SHMUP that’s as fast as Thunder Force IV, arguably pioneered bullet hells but I disagree because it lacks the bullets
-Batsugun (1993): Toaplan’s last game, ACTUALLY the pioneer of bullet hell games. The developers would then form CAVE
-Donpachi (1995): First bullet hell franchise and one of the most prolific, has gone forgotten besides its small fanbase due to being Japanese only to this day, but many games in its genre take inspiration. It’s the Asuka 120% of SHMUPs.
-Gradius (1985): One of the more recognizable SHMUPs that actually was a full game when it’s competition was stuff like Space Invaders. Spawned many installments and spinoffs like Parodius, Nemesis, Salamander
-Blue Revolver (2016): Despite being incredibly niche still, it brought some eyes back to the genre, as gateway shmups that are a lot more forgiving have become a lot more popular in the indie scene. Has a lot of reverence despite the obscurity.
-the PC Engine in general: SHMUPs were this console’s bread and butter, Star Soldier was the flagship franchise of the console and the franchise died with the PC Engine. An N64 entry was released but it’s extremely forgotten.
Footnotes, but worth mentioning
-Senko no Ronde (2005): while being a footnote in the history, it being a SHMUP fighting game is worth talking about
-Ikaruga (2001): One of the Dreamcast’s bestsellers and reviewers LOVED it. Its prequel, Radiant Silvergun, would see worldwide release two decades later.
-Chaos Field/Radirgy/Karous/Illmatic Envelope: experimental cel-shaded shmups that are very irrelevant in terms of popularity, though Karous’s claim to fame is the fact that it’s the last officially released Sega Dreamcast game.
-Einhander (1997): 2D SHMUP with cutting edge graphics and music. Notable because would you believe me if I said that the RPG famous SQUARE ENIX developed this game?
-Tempest (1981): Technically a SHMUP, but a unique one
-the rare 3D SHMUPs that pop up
-subgenres like rail shooters
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