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The SHMUP is such a vast genre, full of sub genres, including rail shooters, bullet hells, space shooters, and it’s debated by some that even light gun games should be included. For my part, of the games I’ve spent significant time with, I want to share my top few.
1 - Ikaruga
You know it, you MAY love it, it’s the classic bullet he’ll about matching your ship with enemy bullets: it’s Ikaruga! One of the early games that turned me into a lover of the Dreamcast when my faith in the system was at a low point, I’ve only ever played this via a burned copy. Even so, the game is brilliant. It’s hard, frantic, and epic. Even to this day, it’s one of the finest examples of the “arcade at home” that I’ve ever seen. I especially love how just a little bit of strategy goes a long way with this title, as it has very simple mechanics that are focused on and pushed to their limits. It’s a brilliant beast of a game and it’s one of my favorite games ever made.
2 - Star Fox 64
Should rail shooters count? Well, they do in MY heart, so I have to include this game. It needs no introduction, but it does need a reappraisal. The cheesy dialogue is part of what makes the game, but it’s the gameplay itself that really does it. Upgrading your ship is tremendously satisfying. Remembering how to perform the different routes of the game is deeply rewarding. The lock on explosions are to die for. And the multiplayer is a cherry on top of it all. I am not the biggest N64 nut. I don’t hate the system, but I do have feelings about it (especially the overhyped nature of its iconic status). Even so, when I sold my N64 for a PS3 back in 2019, it was Star Fox 64, F-Zero X, Episode 1 Racer, and Mario 64 that I ended up missing the most. The day Star Fox 64 came back home to me was a day of great jubilation. I had missed it so, and I think that’s the mark of a truly great game.
3 - Fantasy Zone 2
You knew a SEGA game had to be here, and I nominate the brilliant Fantasy Zone 2. The world is an explosion of color and surrealism that only this company could produce. The shop mechanic adds so much to the game, as you have to be sure to get the right tool for the job in the heat of gameplay. It has those lovable bullet hell elements that we all adore. And, it’s so cute! You know I love me some cute. This game is a must play for anybody and everybody. Shoutouts as well for the brilliant side game: Link Loop Land, which I arguably may love even more! I recommend either emulating the arcade game or getting this title on Switch nowadays. It won’t let you down!
4 - Cosmo Dreamer
Seeing a pattern here? Yeah, I like vertical bullet hells the most. But I also love super cute and dreamlike worlds! Cosmo Dreamer has them both, and it’s better off for it. The game is a brilliant modern example of the bullet he’ll genre, definitely taking much inspiration from Tohou shooters, but putting them in a much cuter package! The name of the game is simple: big points, lots of bullets, and intense control over your own play area. I won’t tell you there’s nothing else like it. But I will tell you that, in my opinion, nothing else is as good for the value. The game is rather cheap and is on modern platforms, so I highly recommend giving it a go!
5 - Panorama Cotton
How? How does this game exist? On base Mega Drive hardware, Sunsoft made a relatively smooth, super fun, forward scrolling rail shooter with secrets to find, worlds to explore, great music, and amazing gameplay. It’s only this low because the hardware, admittedly, does hold it back a bit. But I implore you to play this if you never have. One of the best games I ever discovered via emulation.
BUT ENOUGH ABOUT WHAT I LOVE! POST YOUR FAVORITE GAMES OF THE SHMUP GENRE BELOW!
1 - Ikaruga
You know it, you MAY love it, it’s the classic bullet he’ll about matching your ship with enemy bullets: it’s Ikaruga! One of the early games that turned me into a lover of the Dreamcast when my faith in the system was at a low point, I’ve only ever played this via a burned copy. Even so, the game is brilliant. It’s hard, frantic, and epic. Even to this day, it’s one of the finest examples of the “arcade at home” that I’ve ever seen. I especially love how just a little bit of strategy goes a long way with this title, as it has very simple mechanics that are focused on and pushed to their limits. It’s a brilliant beast of a game and it’s one of my favorite games ever made.
2 - Star Fox 64
Should rail shooters count? Well, they do in MY heart, so I have to include this game. It needs no introduction, but it does need a reappraisal. The cheesy dialogue is part of what makes the game, but it’s the gameplay itself that really does it. Upgrading your ship is tremendously satisfying. Remembering how to perform the different routes of the game is deeply rewarding. The lock on explosions are to die for. And the multiplayer is a cherry on top of it all. I am not the biggest N64 nut. I don’t hate the system, but I do have feelings about it (especially the overhyped nature of its iconic status). Even so, when I sold my N64 for a PS3 back in 2019, it was Star Fox 64, F-Zero X, Episode 1 Racer, and Mario 64 that I ended up missing the most. The day Star Fox 64 came back home to me was a day of great jubilation. I had missed it so, and I think that’s the mark of a truly great game.
3 - Fantasy Zone 2
You knew a SEGA game had to be here, and I nominate the brilliant Fantasy Zone 2. The world is an explosion of color and surrealism that only this company could produce. The shop mechanic adds so much to the game, as you have to be sure to get the right tool for the job in the heat of gameplay. It has those lovable bullet hell elements that we all adore. And, it’s so cute! You know I love me some cute. This game is a must play for anybody and everybody. Shoutouts as well for the brilliant side game: Link Loop Land, which I arguably may love even more! I recommend either emulating the arcade game or getting this title on Switch nowadays. It won’t let you down!
4 - Cosmo Dreamer
Seeing a pattern here? Yeah, I like vertical bullet hells the most. But I also love super cute and dreamlike worlds! Cosmo Dreamer has them both, and it’s better off for it. The game is a brilliant modern example of the bullet he’ll genre, definitely taking much inspiration from Tohou shooters, but putting them in a much cuter package! The name of the game is simple: big points, lots of bullets, and intense control over your own play area. I won’t tell you there’s nothing else like it. But I will tell you that, in my opinion, nothing else is as good for the value. The game is rather cheap and is on modern platforms, so I highly recommend giving it a go!
5 - Panorama Cotton
How? How does this game exist? On base Mega Drive hardware, Sunsoft made a relatively smooth, super fun, forward scrolling rail shooter with secrets to find, worlds to explore, great music, and amazing gameplay. It’s only this low because the hardware, admittedly, does hold it back a bit. But I implore you to play this if you never have. One of the best games I ever discovered via emulation.
BUT ENOUGH ABOUT WHAT I LOVE! POST YOUR FAVORITE GAMES OF THE SHMUP GENRE BELOW!
