Shooter recomendation needed

[Soi]

It is clear that some people on this board are seriously into shooters. The only ones I’ve seriously played are R-Type (Amiga) and R-Type Delta (PSone), and even then I hardly mastered either of them. There is a lot of talk of the greatness of Dodonpachi and Psyvariar etc, and I feel like I’m like I’m missing out on a whole genre that I could enjoy.

I don’t want to be overawed by an extreme difficulty level, but I am willing to practice to get good at a game. Can anyone recommend a relatively easy to get into shooter for the PS2 that would be good for someone new to the genre?

[dgnr7982]

Don't know any easy ones on PS2 - maybe get MAME and practice on one of the Strikers games - will sharpen the reflexes. Otherwise just go with Dodonpachi - start off on easy levels and which the videos for tips - its just a case of getting your timing/reflexes up to speed.

[Saurian]

If you have an Import or modded PS2 I suggest going for Psyvariar or the new Dodonpachi (both games come with a training DVD which is vital for getting to grips with the new style of play)
On the DC, try Gigawing 1 and 2 or Zero Gunner.

Others to try (emulated)
Dangun Feveron
Dimahoo
ESP Ra De
Gigawing (Final burn supports)
Strikers
Dodonpachi

Charles is passing round this weekend - you're in London ennit? why not come round and try some!

[Kirby]

Also i see the latest MAME WIP has added Vasara and Salamander 2

I wouldn't really recommend Gigawing 2 on the DC though as the slowdown is a complete pisstake. You could also try Mars Matrix (MAME and DC) but that is hard!

[Heckler&Koch]

HA! Dangun Feveron, I love it! Its such an original blend of disco inferno and manic shoot em up.

You could also try Mars Matrix (MAME and DC) but that is hard!

Why is Mars Matrix so hard?? I'd love to see someone 1 credit this.

[Soi]

Thanks, maybe I'll take the plunge an order Psyvariar for my Jap PS2.

Charles is passing round this weekend - you're in London ennit? why not come round and try some!

Yeah I'm in London and very temped to come round! I may be busy, but when and where?

[Saurian]

Thanks, maybe I'll take the plunge an order Psyvariar for my Jap PS2.

Charles is passing round this weekend - you're in London ennit? why not come round and try some!

Yeah I'm in London and very temped to come round! I may be busy, but when and where?

I live in Kilburn and some heads will be getting together for a sesh this Friday - (possibly still going on Saturday )

[dgnr7982]

Why is Mars Matrix so hard?? I'd love to see someone 1 credit this.

Lots of bullets and very fast - little space to dodge

[Heckler&Koch]

Tell me about it! Plus its so hard to level up.

[Geoff D]

Thanks, maybe I'll take the plunge an order Psyvariar for my Jap PS2.

Great plan - so much playability, so much fun

[charlesr]

I live in Kilburn and some heads will be getting together for a sesh this Friday - (possibly still going on Saturday )

If it's not still going on Saturday, I'm not coming.

[Valken]

The thing about Mars Matrix is knowing when not to dodge and absorb bullets instead.

The DC version has unlockable replays of people finishing the stages without getting hit... quite impressive to watch.

The best I can do is maybe stage 5 on a good day without losing a credit... not my finest hour

[koss]

hi! i don't think psyvariar is a good game for starters, you should try something more "old school" for improving your skill and pattern knowledge, as somebody said strikers 1945 2 (psx) is a really good choice, and you can find it cheap

by the way,i'm absolutely underwhelmed with dodonpachi da jou, there's simply too much slowdown, i think the psx version of dodonpachi is still the best choice

[geldra]

I'm not very good at Mars Matrix but i dont think its as hard as people make out. I think its quite learnable, you just have to approach it differently and watch the videos that you can unlock.

Whats XIIStag like?? I've seen a few peoples comments and they dont seem very positive...whats wrong with it?

Not sure if it got a PS2 release (I think it may hve got a shonky US release) but i'd recommend Gunbird2 as an easy to get into shooter. It may not be everyones cup of cha but i love it, very charming.

[Saurian]

(wrong secton)