The best Shmups across GB, GBA, PAX & Co

Y’all know what shmups are, but just in case: a “shmup” is short for “shoot 'em up”, a genre of video games where the player controls a character or vehicle, often in a two-dimensional setting, and fights a large number of enemies while dodging their attacks. The genre traces its roots back to the golden age of arcade gaming with pioneering games like “Space Invaders” and “Galaga”. Shmups often demand quick reactions, precision, and strategic use of special abilities to survive against overwhelming odds. They often have various sub-genres like “bullet hell” featuring screen-filling attacks, “run 'n gun” with on-foot characters, or “cute 'em up” sporting a less serious, more whimsical aesthetic.

Now, here are some of the best shmups across different retro platforms:

1. Game Boy (GB)

   • SolarStriker - A classic vertical scrolling shooter with basic yet enjoyable gameplay; medium difficulty; simplistic 8-bit graphics; known for its tight controls and clear level designs.
   • R-Type DX - A collection of the first two R-Type games; highly challenging; decent monochrome 8-bit graphics; it stands out for its strategic gameplay with a detachable “force” pod.

2. Game Boy Advance (GBA)

   • Iridion II - A top-down space shooter with impressive graphics for the platform; medium to hard difficulty; praised for its balanced mechanics and addictive gameplay.
   • Gradius Galaxies - An entry in the classic Gradius series; challenging gameplay; nice 16-bit-style graphics; stands out for its upgradeable weapon systems.

3. Sega Genesis

   • Thunder Force III - A side-scrolling shooter that allows players to select the play order of the first stages; medium difficulty; great 16-bit graphics; known for its multiple playable ships and great soundtrack.
   • MUSHA - A vertical shooter in a techno-fantasy setting; high difficulty; beautiful 16-bit graphics; it’s special due to its unique aesthetic and power-up system.

4. ** SNES**

   • Axelay - A shooter that alternates between horizontal and vertical scrolling levels; medium to hard difficulty; impressive Mode-7 graphics; known for its variety in level design and weapons.
   • R-Type III: The Third Lightning - Another challenging entry in the R-Type series; beautifully rendered 16-bit graphics; stands out for its new force pods and charging system.

5. PlayStation (PSX)

   • Einhänder - A horizontal shooter with a unique weapon stealing mechanic; high difficulty; superb 32-bit 3D graphics; distinctive for its dark, futuristic setting.
   • Raiden Project - A compilation of the first two Raiden games; medium difficulty; enhanced 2D graphics; its notable feature is the two-player cooperative mode.

6. Neo Geo

   • Blazing Star - A horizontal shooter with six unique playable ships; high difficulty; beautiful 2D sprites and animations; known for its ‘chaining’ system for scoring.
   • Pulstar - A horizontal shooter heavily inspired by the R-Type series; very high difficulty; gorgeous 2D graphics; stands out with its detailed art style and design.

7. PC Engine CD (PCECD)

   • Sapphire - A top-down shooter known for pushing the graphical capabilities of the PCECD; high difficulty; cutting-edge 2D graphics for its time; known for its anime-style cutscenes and its rarity, which makes it highly sought after by collectors.
   • Spriggan Mark 2: Re-Terraform Project - A horizontal shooter with a unique multiple-choice storyline; medium to high difficulty; strong 16-bit graphics and CD-quality audio; stands out with its power-up system and the ability to change weapons in the middle of the game.

Anything I missed? I love this genre, even though a lot of these a hard as nails, but save states and slow-mo mode sure make some of these a little more accessible, heh.