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!Flyer
!Title
!scope="col" width="45px" | Year
!Description
!scope="col" width="160px" | Screenshot
|-
|[[File:19XX_game_flyer.png|150px]]
!19XX: The War Against Destiny
|1995
|Fourth in the ''19XX'' series. ''The War Against Destiny'' is arguably the best entry from Capcom. Its mainstay is the level ranking system which tallies your performance (boss clear time, miss percentage, medal catches) and grants levels based on how well you do. Holding shot and releasing on a bigger enemy locks on to it and fires homing missiles, whereas holding the bomb button charges them up to more destructive effect. Does away with the wing gunners seen in previous ''19XX'' games, things that needlessly added two extra hit boxes.
|[[File:19xx.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Afterburner_flyer.jpg|150px]]
!After Burner II
|1987
|Fly a plane and shoot other planes. INCREDIBLE in an actual sit-down arcade machine.
Rereleased all over the goddamn place. You'll more often see Climax at arcades, although it is also available on XBLA.
|[[File:Afterburner2.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Batrider_flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Armed Police Batrider
|1998
|A funky Raizing shooter with TONS of content and depth. Features nine standard hover bike riders (batriders) across three teams: Police, Psychics and Criminals. The player can select a team of 3 or hand pick their own (the button used in character select powers characters up differently, e.g. A = powers up shot, B = option). Has an extremely complex ranking and scoring system where firing or collecting '''anything''' raises difficulty, while grazing bullets and dying ''reduces'' difficulty. Also has a hilarious Australian announcer ("LUVUL AHP!").<br />Brotip: get (Korea, version B) for extra content. It has a boss rush mode, solo batrider option, and all of the secret characters unlocked from Battle Garegga/Mahou Daisakusen.
|[[File:Batrider.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Bbakraid_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Battle Bakraid
|1999
|''Battle Bakraid'' compounds the solid framework of ''Battle Garegga'' with the much needed neon flair of ''Armed Police Batrider''. Includes nine ships, half of which need to be unlocked by codes in versions other than Unlimited. Refines elements like the charged shot, grazing (by making hit boxes smaller), and dynamic difficulty present in most Eighting/Raizing shooters.
|[[File:Bakraid.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Bgaregga.jpg|150px]]
!Battle Garegga
|1996
|Holy fuck, this game. Get ready to flip some shit when you can't differentiate real bullets from debris. That's right: REAL BULLETS. None of that kawaii uguu~~ neon shit. Amazing art style aside, ''Battle Garegga'' is sure to hit the sweet spot for challenge seekers and enthusiasts alike. Has some incredible music that really gets your adrenaline flowing. Also features characters from Mahou Daisakusen after entering a combination similar to the Konami Code.<br />''Available on the Sega Saturn as a faithful port.''
|[[File:Garegga.png|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Boogwing_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Boogie Wings
|1992
|Also known as ''The Great Ragtime Show'', ''Boogie Wings'' is a comedic adventure set around the time of World War I. You pilot a biplane with a hook attached that can be used to pick up objects and drop them on enemies. Has a lot of silly levels, involving propelling a ferris wheel along a roller-coaster track and even a giant, mecha Santa. There's a ton of vehicles, destructibles, and on-foot portions where you're somehow hulk strong and spiking 2-ton crates on things.
|[[File:Boogie wings.png|200px]]
|-
|[[File:DFeveron_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Dangun Feveron / Fever SOS
|1998
|'''"FE~VER! ''Can you feel it?''"'''
Your body's not ready to behold the magnificent fusion of manic shooting and ''disco''. ''Dangun Feveron'' is an insanely fast-paced shooter from Cave. Before you roll into the club you're able to configure your ship's speed and weapons. Little dancing men appear when you dispatch enemies quickly and drift down the screen to serve as a score multiplier. The music for the levels is 80's disco, and your smart bombs harness the power of disco itself to blast enemies. What are you waiting for? Get dancing!
|[[File:Dfeveron.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Gmahoudai.jpg|150px]]
!Dimahoo / Great Mahou Daisakusen
|2000
|'''''ARE YOU GREAT?'''''
''Dimahoo'' is an outstanding, medieval/fantasy-themed shooter by Eighting/Raizing. Gameplay consists of intelligent use of the magical fire and ice polarity system to reap the most loot. Unleashing a charge on the opposite element will yield extra damage and produce loot, while bullets of the same element can't kill you but instead reduce your shot level. There are roughly a hundred unique treasures including secret boss drops, which adds to its replayability.
|[[File:Dimahoo.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:DoDonpachi_Flyer_front.jpg|150px]]
!DoDonPachi
|1997
|A brilliant, refined sequel to the original ''DonPachi''. Everything was improved in ''DoDonPachi'' (lit. "'''angry''' leader bee") -- the level design, the action and explosions, the sprites and sound -- making it truly one of Cave's most well known master works. Level layouts now complement the combo system (improved to 1s fade time compared to the 0.0001s timer seen in the original) and huge chains are not uncommon. Great game, go play this shit even if you have a passive interest in shmups.<br />''Ported to the Sega Saturn as well as PS1.''
|[[File:Ddonpach.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:DoDonPachi_Dai-Ou-Jou.jpg|150px]]
!DoDonPachi Dai Ou Jou
|2002
|Take everything that made ''DoDonPachi'' great, add in hyper items, crank the bullet spray up to eleven and you have ''Dai Ou Jou'' (lit. "peaceful death"). There isn't anything peaceful about this, however, as this game '''doesn't fuck around'''. Be prepared to get manhandled on the later levels/second loop. Black Label is markedly easier compared to White Label.<br />''The PS2/Xbox 360 versions are recommended as they have training and boss rush modes. Playable on MAME.''
|[[File:Dodonpach3BL.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Donpachi_flyer.jpg|150px]]
!DonPachi
|1995
|''DonPachi'' (lit. "leader bee") marked the beginning of one of the greatest shmup series of all time. It may look less action-packed when compared to ''DoDonPachi'' but you'll find yourself swamped in bullets with that relaxed outlook, as this game was the forerunner of the bullet hell (“danmaku”) subgenre. Its chaining is pretty shitty though with a split second combo timer. All things considered it's a rock solid game, with fluid sprites and amazing sound work, on par with that of ''DoDonPachi''.<br />''Ported to the Sega Saturn as well as PS1.''
|[[File:Donpachi_02.png|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Dragon_Blaze_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Dragon Blaze
|2000
|Choose one of four dragon riders (it's even got a dwarven thunder dragon rider named ''Rob'', where's my Thor?) and blast through a bunch of mythological bosses. Unique to this title is the use of your dragon. It works as a separate, invulnerable entity in that it can be shot like a piercing weapon causing high damage. Your dragon will stay where it was shot and collect coins, power-ups and fire on enemies until called back.
|[[File:Dblaze.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:EDF_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!EDF: Earth Defense Force
|1991
|You pick one of four main weapons for each level and gain experience as you shoot down enemies. Leveling up enhances your weapons and introduces new togglable formations for your secondary gunners. Has an amazing soundtrack which is especially resonant on the later levels; like something out of an RPG.
''Ported to the Super Nintendo with four more weapon types, but the music didn't quite transition intact.''
|[[File:Edf.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Esprade_02.jpg|150px]]
!ESP Ra.De.
|1998
|Set in a not-too-distant future Tokyo, ''ESP Ra.De.'' illustrates the rebellion of society against the oppressive rule of psychic subjugators known as ESPers. You play as one of three teenagers gifted with extraordinary psychic powers. Each character has a unique, quickly refilling piercing shot. Bombs, instead of clearing the screen, are now used as a chargeable, invincible shield that releases a high-powered beam. Extremely easy compared to most shooters.<br />One of the few Cave games to see no localization or ports whatsoever.
|[[File:Esprade.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Espgaluda.jpg|150px]]
!Espgaluda
|2003
|Fantastic feel good shooter. You're a pair of fairies on a warpath, blasting the shit out of robots, innocent bystanders and whatever-the-fuck-else is unlucky enough to get in your way. Gather gems to swap genders momentarily and burst enemy bullets into treats (no, really). Staying in Kakusei mode with zero gems initiates Overmode, where bullets turn pink and accelerate, and enemy deaths yield ingots. Score fetishist's delight. Spiritual prequel to ''ESP Ra.De.''<br />''Also available on the PS2 as an import and, more recently, MAME.''
|[[File:Espgal.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Fixeight_flyer.jpg|150px]]
!FixEight
|1993
|The sequel to ''Out Zone''. Upgrades the weapon system tenfold by introducing a third tier of power and adding multiple rainbow "change pads" throughout the level to cycle through your arsenal. Still requires a bit of strategy but not as intense as ''Out Zone''. It's even got multiple characters: Mike Tyson, Johnny 5, Doctor Manhat-das Gandhi, a ninja and a goddamn lizardman restaurant manager. How's that for variety?
|[[File:Fixeight.png|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Gigawing_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Giga Wing
|1999
|Notable for its ridiculous scoring system where scores in the hundreds of billions are commonplace. Has an ability known as Reflect Force that repels bullets back at enemy ships when the shot button is held, producing medals for all enemies hit. Features dynamic difficulty depending on where your first death occurs, something that can retard or severely increase the difficulty and volume of bullets.<br />''Ported to the Dreamcast along with Giga Wing 2.''
|[[File:Gigawing.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Gokujo Parodius arcade flyer.png|150px]]
!Gokujō Parodius! / Fantastic Journey
|1994
|A hilarious parody of ''Gradius'' and many other Konami shmups. Characters are all overloaded with cuteness (even the Vic Viper, d'awww) and have their own distinct shot types and options. Gameplay is completely absurd and never takes itself seriously (a Kitten Submarine? EXTREEEME!), which is good as it makes ''Parodius'' one of Konami's crown jewels.<br />''Rereleased on the PS1 and Sega Saturn.''
|[[File:Gokujyouparodius.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Gradius_Art_01.jpg|150px]]
!Gradius / Nemesis
|1985
|'''''"Shoot the core!"'''''<br/>One of the games that revolutionized the scrolling shooter genre, ''Gradius'' was Konami's spiritual successor to the arcade title ''Scramble''. You play as pilot James Burton aboard the Vic Viper on a mission to purge the universe of vile Bacterians. Features slow scrolling across several diverse levels with bacterion enemies, Moai heads and the iconic Big Core. Pay your respects; or nostalgia, if you're old enough for that kind of thing.<br />''Rereleased all over the place, including the Wii's Virtual Console and the PlayStation Network.''
|[[File:Gradius-1.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Gradius_II_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Gradius II / Vulcan Venture
|1988
|Second in the ''Gradius'' series, ''Gradius II'' improves upon the original in every way: better graphics, more enemies, more firepower and an unforgiving difficulty. One major change is having to choose your weapon set before taking off, choosing between an array of bomb types, double shot/tailgun, and the laser/ripple laser (incorporated from ''Salamander''). Relatively unknown as it was released in Europe as ''Vulcan Venture'' and never made available to North American audiences.<br />''Rereleased on the Wii's Virtual Console and as part of the Gradius Collection on the PSP.''
|[[File:Gradius-2.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:GradiusIII_J.jpg|150px]]
!Gradius III
|1989
|Third in the ''Gradius'' series, ''Gradius III'' is a step down from ''Gradius II''. While all of its usual elements are there, the arcade version is mind-numbingly hard. It also has a weird 3D stage where you maneuver through obstacles with no enemies. Despite its faults it did introduce more weapon types and the lovely Edit Mode, where you can tailor your own arsenal.<br />Play it only if you enjoy the antique arcade feel and challenge, otherwise pick up the much superior Super Nintendo version. ''Now with less 3D and sand lions!™''<br />''Rereleased on the SNES, Wii's Virtual Console and PSP.''
|[[File:Gradius-3.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Guwange_flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Guwange
|1999
|''Guwange'' is a relatively offbeat, stylistic and unique venture for Cave. Set during the medieval period of Japan, you play a handful of characters who must liberate themselves of the shikigami possessing their fates. Your character is entirely on foot while your shikigami can float through objects, hit distant enemies and slow bullets. Sports a punishing combo system that leaves no room for error. The game is entirely in moonspeak but no one really gives a shit about the story of arcade titles.<br />''Rereleased on XBLA with modes "Xbox 360" (very easy, dohoho) and "Blue" (masochists only).''
|[[File:Guwange.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Ikari_flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Ikari Warriors
|1986
|Ever wanted to be John Rambo? Want to put some hair on your chest? Well now you can! ''Ikari Warriors'' cashed in on ''Rambo'' and the ''Commando'' top-down run-and-gun craze of 1985. Unlike ''Commando'', however, the game features limited ammo, further emulating the resourceful Rambo mindset. There is no forced scrolling so you can carefully prey upon the hapless neo-Nazi soldiers at your leisure, JUST LIKE RAMBO! It also has tanks and multiplayer. Did I mention ''Rambo?''<br/>''Rereleased on the NES.'' and also had a few badass sequels.
|[[File:Ikari.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Ketsui_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Ketsui: Kizuna Jigoku Tachi
|2003
|Ludicrously hard shooter by the masterminds at Cave. The scoring system is somewhat of an acquired taste as it requires "point blanking". The closer you are to an enemy when it dies, the higher the value of its dropped cubes.
''Available on Xbox 360, MAME and DS (Boss Rush only)''
|[[File:Ketsui.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Smahoudai.jpg|150px]]
!Kingdom Grand Prix / Shippu Mahou Daisakusen
|1994
|''F-Zero'' in the form of a scrolling shooter. It's as good as it sounds. Tear through a dozen stages in typical shooter fare while maintaining the pole position. Prequel to ''Dimahoo''.<br />''Also available on the Sega Saturn.''
|[[File:Kingdomgp.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Mmatrix_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Mars Matrix
|2000
|'''''"Why can't I hold all these bullets?" ‒ You'''''<br/>It's a big disgusting sloppy mess. Of ''<font color=#a349a4>purple</font>''. Also features the Gravity Hole Bomb which can attract and repel bullets and destroy everything on-screen, should it be depleted. Horizontally-aligned with vertical scrolling, something unique to shmups, which allows more bullets than your anus has room for. '''<big>Go play Mars Matrix.</big>'''<br/>''Rereleased on the Dreamcast which adds a shop mode!''
|[[File:Mmatrix.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:MERCS arcade flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Mercs
|1990
|Capcom's top-down run-and-gun sequel to their own "Commando". One of the more badass Commando-likes (it's like itself, yes), and has pretty damn cool aesthetics on top of solid gameplay. Be sure to play co-op, if you can.<br/>Has a pretty cool Mega Drive port that has two modes, one being a remixed mode with some new stages and also weapon shops. In that mode, you can also switch between characters, somewhat similar to SNK's "Shock Troopers". Unfortunately, the port is one-player only.<br/>MERCS also had a sequel, "Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3", on PS3/360, but opinions are a bit mixed on that, so be wary before you give it a shot.
|[[File:Mercs arcade flyer.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Nitro Ball arcade flyer.png|150px]]
!Nitro Ball
|1992
|A truly insane combination: top-down shooting a la Mercs, mixed with... pinball?!
|[[File:Nitro Ball arcade screenshot.png|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Out Zone arcade flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Out Zone
|1990
|A challenging run and gun in which you're a cyborg soldier tasked to repel an alien invasion. You can swap between an automatic, all-directional rifle or fixed-forward spread. Knowing when to swap weapons is half the challenge. Has an improved sequel above, ''FixEight'', but it's still a good game with some very slick controls.
|[[File:Outzone.png|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Progear_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Progear / Progear no Arashi
|2001
|Cave's very first horizontal shooter. Choose one of two ships with differing speed and shot capabilities, powered by the self-propelling technology known as the "Progear". Ships are fitted with a loli gunner of your choice which fires a lock-on, piercing shot. At the end of each level you get a quick newspaper report and seemingly extraneous ACTIVE/SAFE/LOVELY data about your gunner waifu. Features a complex as fuck scoring system.
|[[File:Progear.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Pulstar_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Pulstar
|1995
|A prettier ''R-Type'' with usage of pre-rendered 3D. The level design is remarkably poor; a single death is usually unrecoverable as power-ups and options are few and far between. High powered weapons and intelligent use of the charged blasts are essential on the later portions of levels. Has an easier sequel known as ''Blazing Star.''<br />''Ported to NeoGeo and NeoGeo CD.''
|[[File:Pulstar.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:R-Type_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!R-Type
|1987
|One of the pillars of the arcade generation, ''R-Type'' innovated all over the original shmup formula. It introduced a shield known as a "Force" which can be attached to either side of the ship for protection and new shot types. It can also be shot like a piercing weapon where it stays in place continually damaging enemies; something that makes quick work of almost every boss.<br />''Re-released all over the goddamn place.''
|[[File:Rtype.png|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Rtypeleo_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!R-Type Leo
|1992
|READY? ''3.. 2.. 1, '''LET'S GO!'''''<br />Removes the charged shot and reworks your Force, now focusing its primary powers into your two side ships known as "Bits". Bits drastically improve your shot type and can fire in the opposite direction you move. They can also be fired where they will hunt enemies and revolve for a set duration, doing incredible damage, until called back. It's still a strategic challenge and well worthy of bearing the ''R-Type'' name.<br />''Exclusive to arcade.''
|[[File:Rtypeleo.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Rsilvergun_thumb.jpg|150px]]
!Radiant Silvergun
|1998
|Treasure's first venture into the chaotic realm of scrolling shooters, ''Radiant Silvergun'' shattered the mold by removing power-ups altogether. Every weapon is available from the start and level up with successive color chaining, making this more of a puzzle game than a shoot 'em up. The game rewards the player greatly when weapons are used intelligently for bonuses.<br />''Japan exclusive. Also on Saturn and XBLA.''
|[[File:Rsilvergun.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Raiden_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Raiden
|1990
|It's ''Raiden'', I ain't gotta explain shit.
|[[File:Raiden.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Rfighters_Flyer_E.jpg|150px]]
!Raiden Fighters
|1996
|''Raiden Fighters'' is a spin-off to the original ''Raiden'' series. It allows a lot more customization with ship select and random stage order. There's 5 standard ships, all with varying attack power, movement, rapid fire capabilities and weapon types. It also has the titular Raiden mk-II and the Judge Spear (from ''Viper Phase 1'') as unlockables who can use lasers and missiles simultaneously, at the expense of losing the charged shot.<br />''Ported to the Xbox 360 compilation title Raiden Fighters Aces.''
|[[File:Rfighters.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Rfighters2_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Raiden Fighters 2
|1997
|Second in the ''Raiden Fighters'' series. Same great laser wagglan, now with lots more ships and content. It has 14 ships in total: 7 standard, 7 unlockables. A few of the standard ships underwent aesthetic overhauls but no attribute changes. This game is actually incredible fun with two players as the game has what's known as a "hybrid attack". When flying next to one another you can unleash a supercharged beam in tandem which will destroy anything, even bosses, almost instantaneously.<br />''Ported to the Xbox 360 compilation title Raiden Fighters Aces.''
|[[File:Rfighters2.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Rfjet_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Raiden Fighters Jet
|1998
|Easily the best ''Raiden'' title in the entire series, and its polish shows. A lot of the ships from ''Raiden Fighters 2'' make an appearance. One of the biggest changes is the medal system. Airborne medals now follow your slave ships when they graze bullets. When the tethered medal comes into contact with other medals it grows in size, culminating in a gigantic 2 million point medal should you combine enough. Despite the brutal scoring system there are multiple secrets, level paths and endings to reward your efforts. Don't pass this gem up.<br/>''Ported to the Xbox 360 compilation title Raiden Fighters Aces.''
|[[File:Rfjet.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:RayForce_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!RayForce
|1993
|3D done right. Utilizes the background as an isolated field of battle which normal weapons can't reach. Lock onto distant enemies in the backdrop and annihilate them with your laser before they even reach you. Requires some solid strategy as your ship is slow as molasses, forcing you to deal with the ones you can't lock-on to in time up close.
|[[File:Rayforce.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:RayStorm_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!RayStorm
|1996
|Sequel to ''RayForce'', ''RayStorm'' features more believable 3D, scaling, and introduced a host of new content*. There's a new intermediate (and secret prototype model*) ship available and a special, all-out homing attack that charges with successive lock-on kills. Once you get out of Albion and beyond Stage 3 the space battles are simply amazing.<br /><small>(* Home extras only)</small> The PS1/Saturn ''RayStorm'' and PSN/XBLA ''RayStorm HD'' make the arcade version obsolete.
|[[File:Raystorm.png|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Salamander_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Salamander / Life Force
|1986
|A strongly divisive spin-off of the ''Gradius'' series, ''Salamander'' abandons the power-up system seen in the main series. Features horizontal/vertical scrolling, drastic region differences and some damn hard levels. A lot of the mechanical enemies seen in the ''Salamander'' JP/EU versions were given a cellular makeover for ''Life Force'''s US release to fit the reworked story. The poorly titled JP re-release ''Life Force'' returned the power-up bar.<br />''Ported to the NES, TG-16 and PSP.''
|[[File:Salamander_J.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Salamander_2_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Salamander 2
|1995
|''Salamander'' with glorious 3D elements! Weapons can now be overcharged when collecting weapon power-ups at max output and options can be fired as a homing laser. Has some bosses which are both terrifying and tough, like that final boss who will scare you like you've never been scared before! The announcer is REALLY into it, so get ready for some hilarious commentating.''Ported to the PSX, Saturn and PSP.''
|[[File:Salamander2.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Sexy_Parodius_A.jpg|150px]]
!Sexy Parodius
|1996
|What do you get when you mix risque themes with a PG-13 rating? Inanity. Now what happens when you let the monkeys at Konami mix those same elements? '''YOU GET A GODDAMN GOTY'''. Something unique to this title is the mission system, where failing or succeeding to complete objectives dictates your stage path and ending. You owe it to yourself as a gamer to experience ''Parodius'' at least once. ''Parodius'' is known for having sexy themes but this one dosen't really have any more than the rest unless corn and toilets turn you on.<br />''Rereleased on the PS1 and Sega Saturn.''
|[[File:Sexyparodius.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Smash TV arcade flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Smash T.V.
|1990
|BIG MONEY. BIG PRIZES. I LOVE IT.<br/>A game show where you're given the chance to earn millions of dollars, hundreds of thousands of toasters, VCRs, automobiles and enough vacation passes for ten generations. Sounds good, right? All it asks for is your QUARTERS! This is seriously overwhelming in solo play, but with two-players you are assured a great experience. Utilizes two joysticks, one for movement and the other to fire with. Totally inspired by ''The Running Man'', dude!<br/>''Rereleased as Super Smash TV on the SNES, and a bunch others.''
|[[File:Smashtv_gs.png|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Sokyugurentai flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Sōkyūgurentai''' / '''Terra Diver
|1996
|It's the future, and Earth's space mining colonies are at war. Shit's epic, yo. Has a laser-locking system to zap enemies on the background before they can come fly upwards to you, similar to ''RayForce''; some excellent graphics, although not quite on par with ''Radiant Silvergun''. Also on Saturn and PS1.
|[[File:Sokyugurentai screenshot.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:SpaceHarrier_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Space Harrier
|1985
|WELCOME TO THE FANTASY ZONE. GET READY.<br />Similar to After Burner, but you fly in 8 directions instead of steering. Good luck finding a sit-down machine, but you'll enjoy the hell out of it if you can.Best port is on the 32X
|[[File:Spaceharrier_arc.png|200px]]
|-
|[[File:S1945_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
! '''Strikers 1945'''
|1995
|Well known, standard fare shmup which serves as the perfect jumping-off point for newcomers to the genre. Set on the tail end of World War II, your "Strikers" squadron combats a secret, futuristic munitions supplier. In some versions, should you score gold medals on every level, you're rewarded with a topless photo of the female pilots when you complete the game. Ask yourself, ''[http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/vsrecommendedgames/images/4/4b/S45shin-12.png can you resist the alluring challenge?]''<br />''Rereleased all over the goddamn place.''
|[[File:S1945I.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:S1945II_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Strikers 1945 II
|1997
|We're not in Kansas anymore. ''II'' is a brick wall of difficulty meant to be chiseled out by dedicated players, quite unlike its entry level predecessor. Dozens of aggressive popcorn enemies, artillery and frenzied boss patterns will leave you inundated in bullets. You're not completely helpless though, as you can call in a wing squadron to soak up bullets in valiant sacrifice.<br />''Rereleased all over the goddamn place.''
|[[File:S1945II.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:S1945III_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Strikers 1945 III / Strikers 1999
|1999
|Moderate difficulty, then-modern planes (1999) equipped with lasers and napalm; what's not to like? ''III'' introduced a new tech bonus where orbs appear on a boss' weak points after certain patterns. Closing the distance and keeping proximity allows you to obliterate a boss quickly. Also no more pocket squadron clutch, some bombs requiring a whole second to detonate.
|[[File:S1945III.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:S1945Plus_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Strikers 1945 Plus
|1999
|Best in show, ''Plus'' takes ''Strikers 1945 I'' & ''II'' and turns them into glorious, horizontal bullet hells. Probably the easiest way to become accustomed to danmaku short of putting your balls in a blender. Almost all of the levels and bosses are identical. Super shots should be depleted liberally with certain ships as they recharge based on damage dealt.<br/>''Available on the PSP.''
|[[File:S1945P.jpg|200px]]
|-
|[[File:Truxton2.png|150px]]
!Truxton II
|1992
|If you've ever played the original Truxton, chances are you're having a mental breakdown at the very thought of an extra long, extra brutal shoot 'em up in the same vein. If you managed to truimph it with your sanity intact, congratulations! you're ready for Truxton II.
|[[File:R9FbR.png|150px]]
|-
|[[File:256px-TwinCobra_arcadeflyer.png|150px]]
!Twin Cobra
|1987
|This is the game where Toaplan really started to hit it's stride, and where vertically scrolling shooters really started to take off in general. Gameplay is just like Raiden except you don't have to worry too much about grabbing the right shot color here as you have a separate powerup to level up your guns.
|[[File:Twin_cobra_08.png|150px]]
|-
|[[File:V-five_japan.png|150px]]
!V-Five / Grind Stormer
|1993
|Plays and looks almost identical to ''DonPachi'' except that you have a ''Gradius''-style power-up bar and multiple shot types on a single ship.<br />''Ported to the Sega Genesis.''
|[[File:V-Five.png|150px]]
|-
|[[File:ViperP1_Promo.jpg|150px]]
!Viper Phase 1
|1995
|Pretty much ''Raiden'' in space. Introduced a bunch of things that have become staple in ''Raiden Fighters'', namely green napalm missiles, Blue Javelin and the goddamn Judge Spear. The original version features limited, maximum power secondary weapons, whereas the New Version (USA) has infinite ammunition that needs to be powered up. Your choice, really.
|[[File:ViperP1.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[File:Xevious_Flyer.jpg|150px]]
!Xevious
|1982
|Legendary scrolling shooter that pretty much defined the vertical play style from then after.
|[[File:Xevious_Arcade.png|150px]]
|}
[[Category:Genre Lists]]