West Texas CEO
GAF's Nicest Lunch Thief and Nosiest Dildo Archeologist
Figured I'd ask what schmups are everyone's favorites when rounding all the systems together for a big list.
Here are mine:
1. Radiant Silvergun - I liked this the most because the unique arsenal gave me many options on how I could play through the game each time I started, and I liked the idea of leveling up my ship as an alternative to power-ups (not that I mind those either
). Great production values for its time, and I just loved the epic boss battles!
2. Darius Gaiden - The Darius series has long remained one of my biggest favorites for its unusual enemy selection and level branching (adding much replayability), plus the power-ups that leveled up your attacks and shield were a nice touch. The best part to this game though? Definitely those bosses!
3. Raystorm - The first schmup I ever bought myself, and the game is still a nice fit for me today. I loved the added emphasis for the lock-on lasers in this installment with more targets and a special lock-on attack if you can nail the same target at once. The levels were gorgeous for their time, and the soundtrack is Zuntata goodness all the way!
4. Thunder Force V - I've played Thunder Force titles before this one, but TFV was the first game in the series I owned and beat. The weapons get a nice boost in this game, and the game's difficulty is absolutely punishing as I tried going through the whole game with my Free Range weapon. The boss battles were very fun in this game too, and I always laugh at the boss in the fourth level that tried to blow you away after you think you've destroyed it.
5. G-Darius - I know, another Darius game! But seriously, everything I liked about Darius Gaiden was brought back with an added bonus of capturing regular enemies to fight bosses with, and the option to turn them into a giant beam to nail the level boss with! (try a beam duel with the boss for added effect!)
6. Robo Aleste - A great introduction to the Aleste series for me, this game had some very creative art direction and enemy design. The weapons were very unique as well, and the story elements were cool to witness too!
7. Sokyugurentai - Easily one of the greatest games I've played for my Saturn, this game is an underrated gem that deserves more attention. The lock-on system was unique in this game with two different options, and the ship variety was nice too. I really liked the graphics in this game too, as the approach was unique to other schmups I've played.
8. Gradius V - Freaking hard, but easily the most refined entry in the series as this game sticks to its roots and improves upon everything. The graphics in this game are still great by today's standards which says a lot.
9. Ikaruga - Insanely hard, but the color-switching system was a nice touch. This game isn't about avoiding gunfire, it's about adapting to it, and that alone makes it rather groundbreaking in its own right.
10. Galaga - A tried and true arcade classic that's always fun for me to aim for a new high score on!
Honorable Mentions: Thunder Force III and IV, Elemental Master, Galactic Attack/Layer Section, Keio Flying Squadron, Cotton, Metal Black, 1941, Mars Matrix, Space Invaders, Sengoku Blade 2, Aero Fighters II, Last Resort, In The Hunt, Zanac (and the sequel for PS1), Einhander, R Type, R-Type Delta, Raiden, Gunbird 2, Giga Wing, and Gaia Seed.
Future Schmup Purchases I'm Considering - Battle Garegga, Batsugun, Kingdom Grandprix, M.U.S.H.A., Cotton 2, Border Down, Under Defeat, Zero Gunner 2, Hyper Duel, and Blast Wind.
I am also open to any recommendations for quality Schmups out there as I'm willing to play more of them these days!
Here are mine:
1. Radiant Silvergun - I liked this the most because the unique arsenal gave me many options on how I could play through the game each time I started, and I liked the idea of leveling up my ship as an alternative to power-ups (not that I mind those either
). Great production values for its time, and I just loved the epic boss battles!2. Darius Gaiden - The Darius series has long remained one of my biggest favorites for its unusual enemy selection and level branching (adding much replayability), plus the power-ups that leveled up your attacks and shield were a nice touch. The best part to this game though? Definitely those bosses!
3. Raystorm - The first schmup I ever bought myself, and the game is still a nice fit for me today. I loved the added emphasis for the lock-on lasers in this installment with more targets and a special lock-on attack if you can nail the same target at once. The levels were gorgeous for their time, and the soundtrack is Zuntata goodness all the way!
4. Thunder Force V - I've played Thunder Force titles before this one, but TFV was the first game in the series I owned and beat. The weapons get a nice boost in this game, and the game's difficulty is absolutely punishing as I tried going through the whole game with my Free Range weapon. The boss battles were very fun in this game too, and I always laugh at the boss in the fourth level that tried to blow you away after you think you've destroyed it.
5. G-Darius - I know, another Darius game!
But seriously, everything I liked about Darius Gaiden was brought back with an added bonus of capturing regular enemies to fight bosses with, and the option to turn them into a giant beam to nail the level boss with! (try a beam duel with the boss for added effect!)6. Robo Aleste - A great introduction to the Aleste series for me, this game had some very creative art direction and enemy design. The weapons were very unique as well, and the story elements were cool to witness too!
7. Sokyugurentai - Easily one of the greatest games I've played for my Saturn, this game is an underrated gem that deserves more attention. The lock-on system was unique in this game with two different options, and the ship variety was nice too. I really liked the graphics in this game too, as the approach was unique to other schmups I've played.
8. Gradius V - Freaking hard, but easily the most refined entry in the series as this game sticks to its roots and improves upon everything. The graphics in this game are still great by today's standards which says a lot.
9. Ikaruga - Insanely hard, but the color-switching system was a nice touch. This game isn't about avoiding gunfire, it's about adapting to it, and that alone makes it rather groundbreaking in its own right.
10. Galaga - A tried and true arcade classic that's always fun for me to aim for a new high score on!
Honorable Mentions: Thunder Force III and IV, Elemental Master, Galactic Attack/Layer Section, Keio Flying Squadron, Cotton, Metal Black, 1941, Mars Matrix, Space Invaders, Sengoku Blade 2, Aero Fighters II, Last Resort, In The Hunt, Zanac (and the sequel for PS1), Einhander, R Type, R-Type Delta, Raiden, Gunbird 2, Giga Wing, and Gaia Seed.
Future Schmup Purchases I'm Considering - Battle Garegga, Batsugun, Kingdom Grandprix, M.U.S.H.A., Cotton 2, Border Down, Under Defeat, Zero Gunner 2, Hyper Duel, and Blast Wind.
I am also open to any recommendations for quality Schmups out there as I'm willing to play more of them these days!
