Best Shmups?
 

So I'm in the mood to shoot some shit.

Can you all recommend some Shmups for me to get my hands on? It would be a plus if the premise was something other than space ships (like Phelios), but I'm up for those too.

Systems I need suggestions for are GBA, SNES, and Genesis.

For GBA try Astroboy and Gunstar Super Heroes.

No space ships in either of those and both top-notch Treasure shooters.

shmups? Shoot 'm Ups?

Ikaruga would be a good start (not too expensive if you can find it for Gamecube). Raiden 3 just came out for PS2, $30 and a decent shmup.

Gunstar Heroes.

I tried looking for Ikaruga a while back but had no luck finding it. I'm getting rid of my PS2, so not buying anything new for that, and I don't think the Xbox had many shmups.

Ikaruga is coming to the Live Arcade.

You need an import-capable PS2 to enjoy modern shooters. Raiden III and Castle Shikigami 2 were released stateside for PS2, though. Shikigami is good, but I've yet to play Raiden III.

If you're willing to do a little config work on a PC, set up MAME and play shumps to your heart's content. DoDonPachi is my favorite.

Not much for GBA...unfortunately the screen is a bit too small for shmups IMO.

For SNES, the big 3 IMO are:

Space Megaforce (amazing game)
Axelay
R-type 3

Unfortunately, you'll pay a premium for all 3 I think.

None of the Genesis shooters ever really grabbed me, unfortunately.

Space Megaforce video...a bit grainy, but gives a general idea...most diverse power up system ever...and one of my favorite games ever...a bit on the easy side for the shmup vet...but still a blast to run through.

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Did anyone else think of the schmoopsy Seinfeld episode when they read the thread title?

If you like Space Megaforce, you need to try Musha (Aleste) and Robo Alsete for Genesis and Sega CD respectively. I'll give you a hint as to why: Space Megaforce was called Super Aleste in Japan. Also, some other great shooters from Compile are Zanac, Zanac Neo, Gun*Nac, Guardian Legend, Blazing Lasers and Spriggan.

Ever played Lightning Force (Thunder Force IV)? That one is awesome.