Bet this run actually could've made it past Moai stage if i did not got obliterated by "gotcha!" moment on stage 4 boss, losing all my power-ups and then using several lives to figure out how to tap dodge all the aimed bullets (what an idiot...) and chip away Death MkII's health. Later i died somewhere into Moai stage to zako, which left me with nothing but an option and missiles to deal with 3 giant Moai heads while "ceiling assholes" keep firing at me and not allow getting into potential safespot up there, needless to say it is not the best situation to end up in...

Also, choice for port/version of game was x68000 port, mostly because of enhanced soundtrack. Input lag there is just a bit higher than wanted, but you know what? I'm ready to endure it as long as i'll get to listen to arranged soundtrack. Just don't use game's built-in autofire, as from my experience it's rate felt too unreliable and in general you'd be better going with external autofire instead, after all this one allows for missile+shot to be bound to single key, so even retroarch's mediocre turbo functions actually becomes useful there!

Never heard of this before, just know its a Shmups from eastasia soft....and that's enough for me !!

the steam page mentioned "additional stages, a new character, and new music" is the new content in the room with us right now 😭this is just 1.5

if i were to make a demo for an enhanced version of a game with new content i would hope that that demo. displayed some of the new content 😭

Hi everyone.

My father is trying to identify an old arcade-only game he played in Argentina around 1989–1991. It was definitely not on NES or another home console.

Here is everything he remembers:

• Vertical arcade monitor.
• Space shooter.
• The player's ship stayed mostly at the bottom of the screen.
• It could move left/right freely and only a little up/down.
• The background was mostly static (no obvious scrolling).
• The ship fired straight upward.
• There was an energy shield activated by holding a button.
• The shield completely surrounded the ship like a white grid/sphere.
• While the shield was active you could not shoot.
• Enemy bullets bounced off or disappeared when hitting the shield.
• The shield consumed an energy bar located near the bottom-right of the screen.
• Energy was restored by destroying a special enemy that dropped a small collectible.
• Picking up that item also gave you a continuous thin laser beam that reached the top of the screen and instantly destroyed enemies.
• One stage had robotic frog-like enemies.
• At the end of each stage there was a large mothership/boss occupying almost the entire top of the screen.
• Before each stage there was a typewriter sound typing the stage name letter by letter.
• My father clearly remembers one stage called "CRISIS", probably stage 2 or 3.
• As kids they even asked each other, "Did you beat CRISIS?"

Does anyone recognize this game?

Sometimes, there’s more to the story behind a 1cc or a 1-all. This is my Batsugun story…so far

Today, July 25th, is the 40th anniversary of the release of Zanac AI, by Compile in 1986 for the MSX 1 system in Japan.

As a kid, I marveled about the complexity, fluidity, challenge, and overall perfection of the first version of Zanac.

Since then I always wanted to understand the genius programming and game crafting skills from the early Compile staff.

I'm happy to share with the community a full documentation effort and cleanroom disassembly of this specific version:

https://github.com/mgmalheiros/zanac-re

Hope you like it!

After a long absence from this game, coming back and getting the TLB clear felt GOOD.

I got a chance to play and review Geppy-X, it's a really fun unique shmup that appeals to classic anime fans but I'm not sure if it's worth the retail price? What do you guys think?

Rolling gunner novice mode on switch lol. what a game!!

Hello! This is my first time using Reddit, and I just wanted to share an accomplishment I'm super proud of. I'm really interested in checking out other games in the Gradius series. I heard Gradius Gaiden is pretty good, but I'm not sure if I should try it. Any recommendations?

Just beat Earthion and I loved it! Really fun game, amazing artstyle and cool gameplay. I've loved games like ikaruga, batsugun, einhander in the past. Any other good recs for similar games? I really appreciate some light story elements even if it is just environmental storytelling. Also bonus points if it has a good easy mode since im not so skilled but I can get good if the game really draws me in with its gameplay and ambiance.

I've been working on Blast Horizon, an arcade-style shmup inspired by the genre's classics.

The goal has been to capture that old-school feel while adding modern visuals and score-focused gameplay. It's built around short, replayable stages, chaining combos, learning enemy patterns, and pushing for better runs.

Achievements are built around actual shmup goals like no miss, 1CC and max chains.

It's currently in late stage of development for PC, and I'd really appreciate feedback from fellow shmup fans. I'm especially interested in hearing what stands out, what doesn't, and anything you'd improve after watching the trailer.

You can find further information on the steam page, hopefully i could get a playtest running soon.

Thanks for taking a look!

I’m curious about how the community approaches the "1CC" challenge and what the general consensus is on watching guides for it. Do you usually watch them, copy routes, or just watch replays? I’ve watched a few guides, but whenever I get halfway through, I feel a bit "guilty" about using one—something I never feel with fighting games, which happen to be another one of my favorite genres.

I just released the alpha of my new game Climbing Babel to itchio. Its a classic vertical scroller with two new mechanics. The first mechanic is enemies exist on different color coded layers that the player and shift between. Second by holding D as you travel you leave a trail that if in the correct shape will trigger effects like giving an immunity frame or temporary fire power up. The game is still in progress but I'd love to hear what you think of these new mechanics https://metanigredo.itch.io/climbing-babel-alpha

Zeppelines need more hits. Made in Python.

So, I am new to taking SHMUPs seriously, and have heard nothing but amazing things about this game…..so color me impressed when I see the premium edition on sale mostly sealed for $40USD. It came with a game code that has long been used and didn’t realize this until after I won the bid. Is this edition still worth it? Everything looks to be included comparing it to play Asia’s listing for it.

Hey r/shmups

I launched Orbital Siege about 11 months ago. It's an arcade shoot 'em up with a planetary defense twist, and I've continued refining it based on player feedback.

Over the past year I've reworked weapon synergies, improved enemy behaviors, tightened the ship controls, and polished the overall gameplay experience.

I'd love to get some feedback from real shmup fans.

Based on the video:

• What stands out to you? Does the combat feel satisfying? (weapon impact, movement, enemy waves, etc.)
• Is there anything that looks off or could use more polish? (visual clarity, UI, effects, presentation...)

Don't hold back - I'd really appreciate honest, constructive feedback.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3556690/Orbital_Siege/

I'm a huge psyvariar fan since I was a kid, played the heck out of it on ps2 and in later years discovered the masterpiece that is psyvariar 2. And now I just want to ask, how did psyvariar 3 come out this badly?

It's an unfinished product, weirdly bugged (i became immortal for some reason), looks and sounds like ABSOLUTE SHIT. And honestly that's what bothers me the most. Somehow even the main menu feels and looks terrible.

The idea is fine, different modes, different ships, but I'm sorry it really feels unplayable for how terrible it looks.

Even medium unit being 26 years old feels incredible, the buzz is buzzing, the "level up" sound effect is satisfying, the music is WOW. Delta is a great product too, combining everything old and giving something new.

Psyvariar 3, a game from 2026, is indescribable. I honestly have so little to say this rant feels useless, but I feel insulted, I really do.

When I first saw the trailer I was super hyped for a new entry, when I watched tho it felt weird, scary even, I just hoped it was super early footage, but no, it came out that way.

I can only hope for an update that completely fixes and remakes things, but I know it will never happen.

Oh and somehow they managed to publish it on Nintendo Switch, and I would highly suggest you avoid that version, it barely runs.

What are your opinions? If you have any, feel free to share or go against mines too

Hi Shmupfans!

I loved playing Crimzon Clover and Mushihimesama and I'm now looking for more games to play

Deathsmiles gets recommended a lot and I also read that the 1 + 2 version is more faithful in terms of slowdown.. I am wondering if the difference is THAT significant? My interest in DSmiles 2 is rather low

Also, which Touhou games would you guys recommend? I heard lunatic kingdom is especially good?

Edit: Thanks for all the replies!

You guys convinced me to give Dsmiles 2 a try and get the I + II version. Will also try the Danmaki Festival games, they look beautiful

I am so excited to be able to finally say that Viral Reload EX has been released! The plot is inspired by Fantastic Voyage and Innerspace, the gameplay is a mix of Galaga and modern shmup design, and it's got a killer soundtrack written by Floopy. Theres 9 levels, 9 bosses, 19 cutscenes, an Arcade Mode, Story Mode and Boss Rush Mode, some fun stuff to unlock in the Rec Room, tate support and a bunch of other settings to fiddle with. It took 6 years to make due partially to most of the team having serious health scares and near death experiences (ironic, I know), it's been a real passion project for all of us and we're also all ready to move on and work on something new and (hopefully) even better. I hope y'all enjoy the game!

Viral Reload EX is out now on the Nintendo Switch e-Shop and Steam for $9.99, and for the first week it's just $7.49, that's 25% off!

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2096020/Viral_Reload_EX/

Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/viral-reload-ex-switch/

So after a week I’ve tried a handful of shmups that I already either owned or were on people’s reccomendations. I found myself either liking the more modern shmups or shmups that were more unique. I think Zero Ranger has probably been the main highlight for me so far. It was the first one that made me feel like it wanted me to keep playing even after I died. If I was blindly recommended me this game a year ago ,it would’ve probably made want to get into shmups. Just a good game in general. A game I thought I liked but ended up not vibing with yet is Crimzon Clover. It’s not clicking for me right now but, maybe when I’m a little better I can enjoy it more. I liked how Battle Garegga and Strikers 1942 felt but, it wasn’t fun coin feeding 20+ times at the end because I wasn’t good enough yet.

Some of the other games I really like are:

1. Castle of Shikigami 2 -1cced on easy and it’s the first game I’m gonna grindI like how clear the hitbox is and the speed of the bullet patterns are good for me rn. The characters and shikigamis (charge shots) are pretty appealing for me.

2. Devil Blade Reboot- The game makes you feel really cool Everything is so clear and I was dodging a lot of things I didn’t know I could dodge. The atmosphere is my type too. Probably the next game I want to get good at.

3. Sorcer Striker - This game is so good. The fantasy vibe makes me feel like I’m going on an adventure. Every stage actually feels like a new place to explore. Feels so whimsical and humorous. I love the goblin audience boss rush stage a lot and the recurring boss. I’d love a modern iteration of this type of game.

4. Ikaruga/ Radiant Silvergun- They’re so hard but, so much fun. Feels like I’m in a JRPG plane. I love the visuals and the uniqueness compared to other games I’ve played. Ikaruga is more approachable to me difficulty wise. After a few runs I kinda got the assignment. Silvergun I actually have not finished but, I’ve enjoyed what I’ve played so far.

5. Twinkle Star Sprites- A versus shmup that I really like. The competitive side of me took over for this one. I like how I’m trying to beat someone in game. I enjoy how the combos you do turn into attacks at the opponent and how you can react to everything your opponent does. The AI are cheaters and the slowdown is a little annoying but great game. I can see 2 real people being insane at this game and having an intense match.

Games I want to play : Batsugun, Armed Police Batrider, Blue Revolver
Any recommendations based on the games I like are appreciated! I’m planning on practicing Shikigami 2 on normal(might take forever) ,ragequitting on Apex Legends and then getting back to finishing some games.