Shmup/Fighters newb

[Kubrick]

Gradius V if you don't have it already

[Sabreman]

ZanacXZanac - Japanese PS1. Cracking stuff, and relatively easy on default settings.

Gradius Gaiden - Japanese PS1. Possibly the best in the series.

Einhander - Japanese or US PS1. Stylish and substantial hori shmup from Square.

[Spatial]

If you're into Shmup's I recommend some of the ones listed here

http://www.ntsc-uk.com/feature.php?f...brewShmupScene

[charlesr]

Psyvariar 2 is great, but goes against the grain by making you hit the bullets instead of avoiding. If you have a Dreamcast you are spoilt for choice. Something like mars matrix will keep you occupied for a few weeks.

[PeteJ]

I'm not a great fan of either genre, however Ikaruga and Psyvariar 2 are really enjoyable games.

Likewise, if you want an easy and pretty fighter, DoA3 is a good title. It lacks depth, but it is instant fun. Soul Calibur would be the better option, though.

[Goemon]

Gradius V is a good start - If I was lost on a desert island I'd go with:

Psyvariar 2 Ultimate Final - PS2
ESPgaluda - PS2 (my personal fav of the Cave shooters)

Virtua Fighter 4 Evo - PS2
Street Fighter 3 3rd Strike - PS2/Xbox (for LIVE)

[vertigo]

King of Fighters 99 on DC, which is an excellent conversion of arcade KoF98 and works just fine on a PAL DC booting into 60Hz using the Utopia disc.

Oh and get one or two (if you have one more friend than me) arcade sticks for that manly feel between your legs.

[Kotatsu Neko]

Shmups -

Ikaruga (DC)
Psyvariar 2 (DC)
Radiant Silvergun (Saturn)
Sokygerentai (Saturn)

Fists -

Street Fighter Zero 3 (DC)
Soul Calibur (DC)
Street Fighter Anniversary (Xbox)