Topic: Best Switch Shmups

Certainly looks like it. Cheers. Seems to be loads of different versions on there. I'll book mark this one. Thanks again 👍

You're welcome
Might grab one myself, even tho I mostly play my Switch on the go... let's see

So I grabbed Strikers 1945 II and it is the real deal, well pleased with it. It does not get any shmuppier than this! Now to do something about those pathetic scores, because even on the lowest difficulties it kicks my butt with ease (just the way it should...)

Yeah, Strikers 1945 II is certainly my favourite at this point as well. It's near perfection when it comes to an old school shoot em up as far as I'm concerned.

Now for some 80's classics, don't overlook Galaga and Galaga '88 on Namco Museum.
I was holding off for a physical release, but that doesn't seem to be coming so I grabbed it when it was on sale for 15 or 20€, I'm not sure.
The only bad thing I can say about it is that it really should have had Xevious on there at the very least.

I hope that one day we see a true Xevious collection on Switch with all the weird and wonderful, variations, ports and sequels that the series has seen throughout the years.

@RetroGamerAndrew @Lroy
Yes that's the same stand. I consider it an essential purchase for table top play. It folds up small and is easy to take on the go too. Hori makes a lighter plastic play stand which is nice, but these metal stands are sturdier and provide superior viewing angles.

@OorWullie
I don't know if I'll participate, but thanks!

On topic:
Now that Gunbird has reappeared on the eshop, I would rate it as one of the top 2 shmups on Switch, along with Strikers 1945 II. Gunbird really is fantastic, especially with Tate mode in table top.

Strikers 1945 II is free on iOS and it’s ok. Is this the same game and one on Switch?
Can you play Strikers 1945 II on touchscreen?
OMG I soooo miss Cave games on iOS. I guess they’ll never bother to update games for iOS 11 and probably they’ll never bring games to Switch.. 🙁

@CroRock
There is nothing better than a Cave shmup. I really hope they bring their games to Switch.

@SuperWeird
I’m browsing internet right now for good shmup on iPhone and just came to game AKA TO BLUE.. it’s made by former Cave developer and it looks very similar to other Cave games. Didn’t buy it yet but I think I’ll dive in soon

Maybe I'm a little OT but I have to say CAVE SHMUPS are top notch. Let's hope some of that crazy bullet-hell action will be ported to Switch eventually - even though I'd choose a good classic SHMUP over a modern danmaku any day of the week. I also hope to see some of Siter Skain/ Seibu Kaihatsu / MOSS productions on my portable wonder. KAMUI - Raiden III/IV/V on my Switch? That would be sick...

@RetroGamerAndrew
Absolutely. Cave games were the single reason why I even bought a 360 when a bunch of them were out and the hardware problems with the system were finally resolved.
Ended up buying a Japanese 360 as well and importing everything. And then did it once more when the Cave collection box came out. lol
Would love to see them all ported to Switch, and naturally get physical versions as well so it's easier to preserve them.
Hopefully someone there starts noticing that there's quite a bit of interest for shoot em ups on Switch.

Here are a few more details about what the ZERO GUNNER 2 - patch fixes. In case anyone was still on the fence about this game or hadn't yet gone back to it post-patch to see what has been improved.

https://nintendoeverything.com/zero-gunner-2-updated-on-switch/

Dustoff Heli Rescue II is a very enjoyable helicopter horizontal shmup in the vein of Choplifter.

I have heard a few good things about some of the more modern shoot 'em ups on Switch. I tend to veer exclusively towards the retro/arcade titles but would be willing to give a newer entry in the genre a try. I'm just hesitant as whilst they often boast of more modern gameplay mechanics - levelling up elements etc. - they often lack the charm and depth of level design present in arcade shooters from the 80s/90s. Happy to hear more recommendations in this vein though.

For example, has anyone tried the ACES OF LUFTWAFFE - SQUADRON co-op shooter which has been discounted for a good while now in the UK eShop?

Just noticed that RXN -Raijin- has been removed from the EU eShop. When did this happen? Has it disappeared from all stores.

Disappointed if gone for good as I wanted it but was waiting for a price drop as nearly £30 was a bit steep for me. Any reports of bugs or issues?

@OorWullie thanks for all the great recommendations! Can you recommend something that looks like this great pc game (xenon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNeveaZOhBY)???

I was so addicted to this game!!

Thanks

I've gotta say Hyper Sentinel is a really fantastic neo-retro space shooter. I almost passed it up because I wasn't sure I liked the looks of the gameplay, but it's actually a really fun and action-packed title, and well worth the $5. I think it's easily one of the best space shooters on the Switch.

Aero Fighters 3 is my most recent purchase and despite not having played any of the others in the series, this really feels like a great shmup. Also probably has one of the funkiest soundtracks I've heard this side of a Darius game.

I think that Blazing Star is a good game ruined by poor sound design. I enjoy the gameplay but hearing BONUS every few seconds is definitely grating. Really should have been an option to turn off voice SFX.

Long term for the Switch, I would like to see Ikaruga sell many copies and Treasure to port over Radiant Silvergun if possible. Dariusburst Chronicles would be great to get on the Switch too - portable and in a larger screen format than the PS Vita.

I just acquired space-shooter RXN Raijin (or is it RXN Raixin as my Switch menu displays), and it is almost completely awesome. It's on sale in the JPN eShop for roughly $10, down from $38.

The graphics, music and action are brilliant and intense and I LOVE that it uses the entire screen. There are three characters/mechs that can be used and leveled up. The in-action power-ups happen quickly and lead to some spectacular fire power. The game levels branch, but can be revisited for leveling up and for checking off a stage you initially bypassed. Word is that leveling up all 3 mechs is necessary for the later levels as each possesses unique skills/weapons.

So why the "almost"? The levels are stupid short, like one or two enemy waves. During that time, you can unleash your screen clearing weapon a couple of times. So while the action is frenetic, it is in short (mostly easy) bursts. Makes leveling up 3 mechs easier, but has really left me wanting more before hearing the "Stage Complete" victory horns.

Anyone else played this one?

Yes, i also strongly recommend that anyone interesed in shmups should take advatage of the RXN -Raijin- sale on the japanese eShop.

Further, i recommend Sisters Royale to anyone with a JP eShop account. It's a new and exclusive shmup from Alfa System, the creators of Castle of Shikigami.

@bluedogrulez
If you like the music, the soundtrack comes out in Japan this month (i guess that's also the reason for the sale). I ordered it from Play Asia.

Bit disappointed about Hyper Sentinel after playing the demo. The ship has no physics, no different speeds (apart from the turbo button), no sideways flying. It doesn't feel like an enhancement to 1986s Uridium, it's simpler. You don't even need to land on the dreadnaughts to set the bomb.
It has nice graphics settings and more forgiving gameplay but it's not the Uridium loveletter I expected.
Looks like the real thing, but doesn't play like it.