Tempy wrote:

My favourite modern shmup is Zero Ranger (only on steam I think) because it leans into the abrupt narrative stylings present in the genre to create what I can really only say is the shmup equivalent to NieR: Automata. Criminally underplayed game.

Been meaning to play that ever since you mentioned it and it also featured highly in the shmup.org top 25.  Was going to get it as soon as I got myself a Steam Deck.  Alas, I spent all my money so no Deck for me for a while.

I'm all for Davy's technical skills. Ooops wrong thread.

Tempy wrote:

My favourite modern shmup is Zero Ranger (only on steam I think) because it leans into the abrupt narrative stylings present in the genre to create what I can really only say is the shmup equivalent to NieR: Automata. Criminally underplayed game.

Have only dipped my toe but it seems nice too - alternative routes if you get stuck.

Darius Gaiden is probably the easiest game to "beat" - ie get to the end with no continues. The game has an Outrun style level progression structure so you can pick a route to the end. There is an "easy" route.

You can also use auto rapid fire which makes the game extremely manageable.

There are two extra lives to be picked up which are at the same place every time and there are plenty of screen clearing bombs to pick up.

It also has a shield system - so it's not "1 hit and you are dead". And your firepower isn't set back to the start either - you get a downgrade but it isn't game ending.

Along the easy route there are maybe 2 or 3 sticky parts - but get those mastered and you are well on your way to beating the game.  

1. Get to the 2nd level without taking a hit and getting all the red power ups - if you don't manage that you are in a world of hurt.
The powerup you get just before the level 2 boss ensures a quick despatch (this is vital in this game as the longer the last the nastier their attacks become)

2. The level 4 boss is a game ender - Neo Light Illusion. Bomb the hell out of him and get past him - and while the bomb animation lasts you are invincible to point blank him during that  - you shots deal out more damage the closer you are.

3. Level 6 is a tricky one and it has a 1up - get through that without a net life loss and you are well set for beating the game.

It looks glorious too and it has a marvellous Zuntata (Taito in-house boys and girls) soundtrack.

Easy to access too. Has been MAMEable for years and it's now been ported to Switch and PS4 by port Gods M2.

That would be my recommendation.

Here is me beating it. Lost 1 life in this run.



It's horizontal so some might not like that but I feel horis are more accessible to beginners.

Re a vertical game , Futari is a strong shout but it isn't as easy to access. It runs in MAME - but I don't think it's anywhere close to being properly playable.  The 360 got a region free port and it isn't that expensive but that's a bit of a barrier if just testing the water.

There's Mushihimesama (Futari's predecessor) and its Novice modes - that would be a good starting place too. Available on Steam and Switch. (PS4 maybe ? not sure).

Glad to hear Futari feels fine - I only booted it up just to see it working but it looked a bit jerky to me. That could just be my aging PC though it runs Mushi in steam fine.

Anyhoo  - even without novice modes, MAME lets you save state for practicing sections so it makes it more accessible.

Futari does that Cave thing where you will progress OK with normal practice until the 2nd half of level 3 when it will kick your arse. That's when the game really kicks in.

The novice mode in Futari is made a bit too easy because it also has autobomb. If that had been a selectable option it would have been far better. I cleared it first go and that was back when I first started playing shmups.

Of course you can then play Novice Maniac which will be a bit more of a challenge - or even Novice Ultra. The 360 port is excellent and it has the Black Label DLC too - not sure if that is MAMEable yet. Black Label feels a bit easier and it's more a score attack game.

One other thing I will say about shmups if you are serious....well 2 things...

You need to sit close to the screen to navigate those bullet clouds.

You don't need an arcade stick - a good dpad is fine - but a decent stick will be better.

Satisfactory. Really dig YouTube videos of it, but I know it’d probably drive me insane.

Dariusburst ex is the ps4/5 version.
It's stupidly good and has stupid good amounts of content and modes.

Resogun would be my go to for anyone wanting to learn, the easy modes are real easy and it steps up nicely fro. There.
And it's still brilliant.

I’ve always wanted to get into Eve Online but that seems like a bit of a time sink.

I'd like to see a AAA shmup with a campaign mode - loads of levels and set pieces with save points. Would be backed up with a hardcore survival and score attack mode for the rest of us.

Was thinking Sine Mora after davys post too o/

The Sky Force games are good but the grind can fuck off.

@drew, good shout on city skylines

Please don't encourage moot/drew to share their vids it's still too soon

Sorry Drew I will strive to be better