Best 2d Shooters?

[Klatrymadon]

along with the likes of Darius games

Whoa there! Fair enough, the first couple of games are more memorable for their soundtracks than anything else, and the SNES games are pretty terrible, but Darius Gaiden and G-Darius are both incredible achievements. They'd probably be among the first games I'd use in introducing somebody to the genre.

Honestly, mate, if you haven't had a good go of Gaiden, pick up a cheap Japanese copy for the Saturn. I'll refund your money if you don't get on with it.

[Baseley09]

Whoa there! Fair enough, the first couple of games are more memorable for their soundtracks than anything else, and the SNES games are pretty terrible, but Darius Gaiden and G-Darius are both incredible achievements. They'd probably be among the first games I'd use in introducing somebody to the genre.

Honestly, mate, if you haven't had a good go of Gaiden, pick up a cheap Japanese copy for the Saturn. I'll refund your money if you don't get on with it.

Darius Gaiden is a great game for sure, genre regardless.

[Kubrick]

Whoa there! Fair enough, the first couple of games are more memorable for their soundtracks than anything else, and the SNES games are pretty terrible, but Darius Gaiden and G-Darius are both incredible achievements. They'd probably be among the first games I'd use in introducing somebody to the genre.

Honestly, mate, if you haven't had a good go of Gaiden, pick up a cheap Japanese copy for the Saturn. I'll refund your money if you don't get on with it.

Heh, no need, mate, its on one of the Taito compilations so I already have it. In fact, thanks to those I think I have access to most, if not all of the arcade releases, and I don't mind them. They are indeed good games and the one that's presented in super-widescreen will always have my admiration, but they're still only second-tier games to me since there's a dozen other horis I'd rather play.

[Team Andromeda]

I still say nothing and noone as ever come close to RAIZING awesome SOUKY onthe Saturn, Some of my other favs would be

Xenon 2 - Amiga
Last Resort
Battle Squadron (MD)
Super R-Type
Tiger Helli
Gynoug
Thunder Force IV,V
Batsugun
AeroBlasters - MD
Darius Gaiden
layered section
Gradius V
RSG
Battle Garegga
Keio Flying Suad
Robo Aelste
Super Aleste
Axlay
Borderd Down
Bari-Arm

And there's about 20 more I've no doubt missed out

[Thor]

the PAL version of R-Types for the Ps1 is surprisingly good

[analog dog]

hi fellas
I've just got choaniki (JPN PS2) but have not got the faintest idea what I'm doing!!
I'm finding it hard-help pls!!

As for my list I would like to add these personal favs:

Esp-galuda (In my opinion the greatest of all time)
Trizeal (Addicted to this at the moment)
Raiden 3 (Not for everyone,but still very good)
Homura (criminally underrated)
Gradius V (Close to perfect)
Star Soldier (Superior Prog-rock soundtrack!)

[Atticus]

My fave shooters are pretty much all Saturn-based. Not an original looking list I'm afraid but Silvergun, Souky and Garegga are the 2d shooters that do it for me, all in their own unique way. I've only recently dusted my Saturn off after years in storage and I'm enjoying a bit of a renaissance at present (must pick up a CR2032 from Wilko's one lunchtime ).

[DeathAdder]

The last time this was asked I declared that I love the Parodius series, especially Sexy Parodius.

I was non-plussed when I was told that no serious shooter fan would consider Parodius a real shooter.

[moonwhistle]

The last time this was asked I declared that I love the Parodius series, especially Sexy Parodius.

I was non-plussed when I was told that no serious shooter fan would consider Parodius a real shooter.

Prepare to be non-plussed a second time. Parodius games aren't proper shooters imo. Thy've got cool music and presentation but the gameplay is super cheap and prehistoric even by shooter standards. All Konami's scrolling shooters are the same game with a different lick of paint and haven't really improved since the very first titles.

[DeathAdder]

On this occasion I am in good company, plenty of love for Parodius on the first page of this thread.

But anyway, what IS a proper shooter, if shooting things is not enough to qualify?

[gamelife]

what do people think about pop n twin bee on the SFC, this is one of my fav's 2d shooters ever...great soundtrack and lots of fun! konami at their best : )

[Leon Retro]

what do people think about pop n twin bee on the SFC, this is one of my fav's 2d shooters ever...great soundtrack and lots of fun! konami at their best : )

I always mention it. It's a great shooter. Excellent detailed visuals - with an amazing amount of charm. As you said, the soundtrack is fantastic. I haven't played it for a while, but the 2nd Level tune is awesome - if I remember correctly?

Some people go on about the snes library lacking depth, but when you actually sit down and go through the amount of good games the machine has, you realise there are loads.

Prepare to be non-plussed a second time. Parodius games aren't proper shooters imo. Thy've got cool music and presentation but the gameplay is super cheap and prehistoric even by shooter standards. All Konami's scrolling shooters are the same game with a different lick of paint and haven't really improved since the very first titles.

Parodius isn't a technical shooter, but it is a proper one. You fly along shooting things. What more qualification does it need?

Yeah... compared to the "Bullet Hell" .. shooters of the past 10years, the gameplay in Parodius is pretty sedate and easy.

Parodius offers a great experience. It's full of whacky visuals, funny ideas, and is fun to play. Lots of people like it - it's a classic game, that's still worth playing.

[Skull Commander]

I like paroduis a lot. Personally I don't really enjoy 'Bullet Hell' shooters that much. I like my shoot 'em ups old style. I'm really enjoying a lot on the pc engine at the moment, like Paranoia, Violent Soldier, Image Fight and Mr Heli. Also been giving Xevious on the PCE and various versions of space invaders on Tatio retro comps a lot of time. You don't get much more old school than them.

[samanosuke]

All Konami's scrolling shooters are the same game with a different lick of paint and haven't really improved since the very first titles.

Yeah, Gradius V is a right stinking pile of sh*te!

[gamelife]

the SFC lacked depth?? who would make such a crazy statement!

yeh, level 2 had a good tune, well all the levels did actually : )