Shoot the Core! - Gaf Shoot ‘em Up (aka Shooter/SHMUP) Reference Thread

The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard- is currently 80% off.

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Woah ... so fast, frantic and busy. Good stuff!
 
I remember looking at the Fact-File layouts between Whip Rush on Genesis, Psychosis on TG-16 and Curse on Mega Drive (never came out in NA) and seeing similarities in the BG graphics.


Maybe it was just my own...

xjDw2Um.jpg


:P

Early 90s 16-bit shmup glut!
 
XYDONIA IS ON KICKSTARTER with a surprise!

From the page:
"We teamed up with Scarlet Moon Productions in order to have some authentic videogame music legends compose original tracks for the game!

If XYDONIA gets funded, Shinji Hosoe and Keishi Yonao's tracks will be automatically part of the soundtrack!

And that's not all, if we break through the base funding and reach the proper stretch goal, Ayako Saso and Yousuke Yasui will join the fray!"

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/breakingbytesgames/xydonia-action-packed-japanese-inspired-retro-shmu?ref=nav_search

Edit: They just added the PS Vita goal. Difficult to reach but there's still 28 days to go :)
 
went to the chicago shmupsmeet a couple weekends ago and had a blast. progear score still remains uncontested, and one of our attendees of course blew away the battle garegga high score (tho I predicted a letter score and he was slightly under). he also grabbed the dodonpachi high score which bumped me off of the score card above the machine :(

which sorta brings me to this: has anyone been playing mecha ritz? I saw it for the first time at the meetup and I was drawn to it.

I nabbed it yesterday and threw in a few 1CCs and it's a blast. now to crank the rank in the 100s and blast through a sick clear ;)

the theme is hilariously based on starbucks and it's a rank-based game but unlike yagawa style games that force you to kill yourself to maintain rank so you can continually medal chain and milk, rank is actually tied in with higher scoring so you want to crank the rank as high as you can. lower ranks make bullets disappear fast and high ranks of course increases the density and difficulty. bullets are manic style and the soundtrack is fantastic. I think I'm going to spend time trying to rank on the shmups leaderboards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdY-zdM34IA
 
went to the chicago shmupsmeet a couple weekends ago and had a blast. progear score still remains uncontested, and one of our attendees of course blew away the battle garegga high score (tho I predicted a letter score and he was slightly under). he also grabbed the dodonpachi high score which bumped me off of the score card above the machine :(

which sorta brings me to this: has anyone been playing mecha ritz? I saw it for the first time at the meetup and I was drawn to it.

I nabbed it yesterday and threw in a few 1CCs and it's a blast. now to crank the rank in the 100s and blast through a sick clear ;)

the theme is hilariously based on starbucks and it's a rank-based game but unlike yagawa style games that force you to kill yourself to maintain rank so you can continually medal chain and milk, rank is actually tied in with higher scoring so you want to crank the rank as high as you can. lower ranks make bullets disappear fast and high ranks of course increases the density and difficulty. bullets are manic style and the soundtrack is fantastic. I think I'm going to spend time trying to rank on the shmups leaderboards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdY-zdM34IA

The things I'd do to play an actual Garegga cabinet...

I've been quite vocal about my love for Mecha Ritz in the past months, the game is amazing! And you know what's even amazing-er? Its updated version!
It offers so much more content than the original (more ships, more stages, a neater presentation), and it also has an uncapped rank from the beginning, which as you can imagine rewards good plays with an unbelievable amount of lighting speed bullets.
 
XYDONIA IS ON KICKSTARTER with a surprise!

From the page:
"We teamed up with Scarlet Moon Productions in order to have some authentic videogame music legends compose original tracks for the game!

If XYDONIA gets funded, Shinji Hosoe and Keishi Yonao's tracks will be automatically part of the soundtrack!

And that's not all, if we break through the base funding and reach the proper stretch goal, Ayako Saso and Yousuke Yasui will join the fray!"

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/breakingbytesgames/xydonia-action-packed-japanese-inspired-retro-shmu?ref=nav_search

Edit: They just added the PS Vita goal. Difficult to reach but there's still 28 days to go :)

This looks FANTASTIC. I really want to make a project of my own. lol Who is down with me?
 
The things I'd do to play an actual Garegga cabinet...

I've been quite vocal about my love for Mecha Ritz in the past months, the game is amazing! And you know what's even amazing-er? Its updated version!
It offers so much more content than the original (more ships, more stages, a neater presentation), and it also has an uncapped rank from the beginning, which as you can imagine rewards good plays with an unbelievable amount of lighting speed bullets.

I've been playing that updated version ;)

I love how the higher rank you get, the stronger your weapons are, the faster the level scrolls, the better your time bonus gets, the more enemies you have potential to spawn, and the faster/more plentiful bullets become. I saw a thread on another forum praising it but I pretty much dismissed it based on how it looked and after I saw it first hand I realized the mistake I made.

I still haven't unlocked the TLB on a 1CC but I'm trying!
 
Looks great - console stretch goals are a little too far off for me to bite right now, but will jump in if they get close.
This looks FANTASTIC. I really want to make a project of my own. lol Who is down with me?

Thanks for your support! Here is good news!

Xydonia new demo just RELEASED!

You can download it from GameJolt link here: XydoniaDemo_V2
From official KS page:

"Here's what we included in this demo:
  • Three playable characters (Blade / Bull / Yoko)
  • Two stages (00 and 1B)
  • Boss encounters for both stages (WIP)
  • The new 3-weapon system
  • A taste of the new scoring/medal/ranking system
  • Improved assets and interface
  • Full YM2151+Sega PCM soundtrack

Being an alpha, it's still a bit rough around the edges and some bugs could be encountered, however it should give you an idea of how the game has progressed until now and keep you busy for a while!

You can reset the game by pressing R, if anything weird happens!

Let's see who gets the highest score!"
 
Thanks for your support! Here is good news!

Xydonia new demo just RELEASED!

You can download it from GameJolt link here: XydoniaDemo_V2
From official KS page:

"Here's what we included in this demo:
  • Three playable characters (Blade / Bull / Yoko)
  • Two stages (00 and 1B)
  • Boss encounters for both stages (WIP)
  • The new 3-weapon system
  • A taste of the new scoring/medal/ranking system
  • Improved assets and interface
  • Full YM2151+Sega PCM soundtrack

Being an alpha, it's still a bit rough around the edges and some bugs could be encountered, however it should give you an idea of how the game has progressed until now and keep you busy for a while!

You can reset the game by pressing R, if anything weird happens!

Let's see who gets the highest score!"

Just took it out for a quick spin. I really like it - the feel is just right - chunky and proper 90s - reminds me of Blazing Star. I think I'm in for the 100 tier.
 
Update from KS page of Xydonia, they just posted some details of the "star map" (stage select screen)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/breakingbytesgames/xydonia-action-packed-japanese-inspired-retro-shmu/posts/1624041

"CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY

To reach planet Xydonia, you must explore every nook and cranny of the galaxy, as any clue on its coordinates could be hidden anywhere!

There's also the fact that you just can, so why not?

Your adventure will begin with a classic space walk, but will lead to who knows where!

WI99Vig.gif


Everytime you get to a GAME OVER screen, the game will show you a quick recap of your extraordinary adventure.

The same screen will be used for the Stage Select mode, where you'll be able to train on single stage runs!

You won't be able to visit every stage in a single playthrough obviously, so restarting the game multiple times to find new routes, using different characters, will be highly encouraged!

MYSTERY AWAITS

The Star Map may give you hints on finding hidden stuff through your exploration. Adjacent stages will be visible when reaching certain points of the map, and other weird manifestations could appear...

dZ2JxqI.gif


Did we mention time before?.

Whatever, it sure doesn't have anything to do with this stuff.

Right?"
 
Just a new update from Xydonia KS page, a message from Shinji Hosoe !!

"A MESSAGE FROM GUEST STAR COMPOSER SHINJI HOSOE
XYDONIA & MEGATEN JOIN FORCES

Remember all those days and quarters spent shmuppin' on Namco's Dragon Spirit and Dragon Saber? WE CERTAINLY DO!

And what about those adrenaline-pumping tunes that kept you going stage after stage? Be it unnecessarily extreme drifting in Ridge Racer or solving mysteries in the Zero Escape saga, there's one guy we can thank for that: Mr. Shinji Hosoe!

Although being super busy, Hosoe-sama wanted to share his excitement for being able to work on XYDONIA's soundtrack and here's proof!"
Link:
https://youtu.be/MZYumKuPxSQ
 
So I kinda recently got a monitor that can rotate, I was wondering what the best Tate shmups on steam (or that can be run on an emulator) are? I already have:

Crimzon Clover
Ikaruga
Mushihimesama
Jamestown

And some more niche ones I got from bundles (not sure if they're any good):
Danmaku Unlimited 2
Exceed 1-3
Kamui
RefleX

I'll probably pick up Deathsmiles when it has a sale, but aside from that I don't know what to keep my eye on. Also, any word on some of those last Dreamcast shmups getting ports, like Under Defeat and Border Down?
 
So I kinda recently got a monitor that can rotate, I was wondering what the best Tate shmups on steam (or that can be run on an emulator) are?
- ESCHATOS
- JUDGEMENT SILVERSWORD - Resurrection -
- DELTAZEAL
- EXZEAL
- XIIZEAL
- Zenohell
- Zenodyne R
- Hitogata Happa
- Raiden IV: OverKill
- Vector Strain
- Space Moth DX

Especially ESCHATOS is a must have.
 
So I kinda recently got a monitor that can rotate, I was wondering what the best Tate shmups on steam (or that can be run on an emulator) are? I already have:

Crimzon Clover
Ikaruga
Mushihimesama
Jamestown

And some more niche ones I got from bundles (not sure if they're any good):
Danmaku Unlimited 2
Exceed 1-3
Kamui
RefleX

I'll probably pick up Deathsmiles when it has a sale, but aside from that I don't know what to keep my eye on. Also, any word on some of those last Dreamcast shmups getting ports, like Under Defeat and Border Down?

Raiden IV on Steam is probably the big tate STG you're missing.

Emulation is... Dense. The best games in the genre are gonna be arcade games and you can run a ton of classic masterpieces in MAME. I'd check maybe shmup forum top lists. Or just check out Armed Police Batrider for a random great start.
 
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo

can you tate this? I've been playing it on horizontal but I haven't found a way to tate it yet.

played it again all weekend and it's by far my GOTY at this point. been sticking with ship 2 and been trying to figure out how people are pulling 8-14mil scores for 0 rank. might have to start studying that jaimers video.
 
Does rotating the Windows desktop with CTRL-ALT-ARROWKEYS work?
The hotkey stuff is usually baked into the GPU utils of your driver.

Intel and AMD allow to rotate the screen with CTRL-ALT-ARROWKEYS.

Nvidia's driver alone only allows rotate via its GUI, no hotkey. There are third party tools though. I use this tiny tool: display and trigger it with autohotkey
 
New big update from Xydonia KS page! A crossover with STARR MAZER !
Link here!

"TRANSMISSION: ANOMALY DETECTED, A NEW CHALLENGER APPEARS FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION!

NOT JUST ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

Team X-BURST is always busy doing their pirate stuff while following their main mission: getting their hands on planet Xydonia's coordinates.

But something's amiss... a ship that's nowhere to be found in their database just flew right in front of them, without even giving a signal!

Harrison Blade, being particularly susceptible to flight rules violators (he was in the army after all!), quickly breaks formation and engages in pursuit of the unidentified vessel, while hacking into its radio frequency and giving its pilot a not-so-friendly greeting.

The unknown pilot quickly responds.

"Hey man, gimme a break! I just got spit out of a wormhole!"

And then goes on explaining what brought him to this part of the universe and why. He goes by the name of Brick M. Stonewood, and is determined to unlock the secrets of his past. Could planet Xydonia hold the key?

There's only one way to find out...

XYDONIA X STARR MAZER CROSSOVER! YAY!

gDaRfn5.gif


We're happy to announce that Brick, Starr Mazer's protagonist, will be part of XYDONIA's playable character roster along with his ship, the Starr Wolf[!/B]

He'll get his own custom gameplay mechanics, option system, story and ending, like any other character in the game!

Vf6NAP1.gif


This also means that Starr Mazer will get some funky XYDONIA stuff going on! Stay tuned for more info and make sure you check them out too!
 
New big update from Xydonia KS page! A crossover with STARR MAZER !
Link here!

"TRANSMISSION: ANOMALY DETECTED, A NEW CHALLENGER APPEARS FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION!

NOT JUST ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

Team X-BURST is always busy doing their pirate stuff while following their main mission: getting their hands on planet Xydonia's coordinates.

But something's amiss... a ship that's nowhere to be found in their database just flew right in front of them, without even giving a signal!

Harrison Blade, being particularly susceptible to flight rules violators (he was in the army after all!), quickly breaks formation and engages in pursuit of the unidentified vessel, while hacking into its radio frequency and giving its pilot a not-so-friendly greeting.

The unknown pilot quickly responds.

"Hey man, gimme a break! I just got spit out of a wormhole!"

And then goes on explaining what brought him to this part of the universe and why. He goes by the name of Brick M. Stonewood, and is determined to unlock the secrets of his past. Could planet Xydonia hold the key?

There's only one way to find out...

XYDONIA X STARR MAZER CROSSOVER! YAY!

gDaRfn5.gif


We're happy to announce that Brick, Starr Mazer's protagonist, will be part of XYDONIA's playable character roster along with his ship, the Starr Wolf[!/B]

He'll get his own custom gameplay mechanics, option system, story and ending, like any other character in the game!

Vf6NAP1.gif


This also means that Starr Mazer will get some funky XYDONIA stuff going on! Stay tuned for more info and make sure you check them out too!


Ug! Want to support this SO bad, but I'm console only unfortunately.

Looks awesome BTW - good luck!
 
http://steamcommunity.com/games/416380/announcements/detail/879709926452727691
The Hurricane of the Varstray - v3.50 Update Implementation of special score attack mode

v3.50 Patch Details

●Implementation of special score attack mode
It was implemented "Bitsummit 4th" special score attack mode that was published in the "Special Grooving Edition".
You can play from "CHALLENGE MODE".

Please experience the unprecedented fierce attack!

■Studio Siesta update information ( Japanese page )
http://studio-siesta.mails.ne.jp/var_update_inf.htm
Really nice post launch support!
 
Xydonia reaches its first goal!!!

It's over 20k, 4 days before the end of campaign!

To celebrate the event they just released a cool artwork of Yoko, made from the italian artist Giulia Carli.

HhSB6Xd.jpg
 
- ESCHATOS
- JUDGEMENT SILVERSWORD - Resurrection -
- DELTAZEAL
- EXZEAL
- XIIZEAL
- Zenohell
- Zenodyne R
- Hitogata Happa
- Raiden IV: OverKill
- Vector Strain
- Space Moth DX

Especially ESCHATOS is a must have.

Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo

Raiden IV on Steam is probably the big tate STG you're missing.

Emulation is... Dense. The best games in the genre are gonna be arcade games and you can run a ton of classic masterpieces in MAME. I'd check maybe shmup forum top lists. Or just check out Armed Police Batrider for a random great start.

Thanks so much for the recommendations!
 
13b/Specter's makes the best stuff. Nice to see them rereleasing some stuff that's really hard to find. I have their Pulstar, Blazing Star, Rayforce, MM, Viper Phase 1 and this R-Type one which I love:

R13-4.jpg
 
I've always wanted some of their kits. I wish there was a way to get ahold of their Storm Gunner from Metal Storm. I need that so much right now.
 
I had no idea there was a "Bio Metal 2". Hell, until yesterday I had no clue there was a series of games that lets you create STG's on various consoles. Fucking neat!

Btw, what's your favorite ship/craft in an STG?
 
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