The humble shoot ‘em up has been a staple genre ever since the very beginning of video games when Spacewar! laid down the basic groundwork in 1962. No, that is not a typo; in the year that Marilyn Monroe died and The Beatles recorded ‘Love Me Do’, some boffins at MIT were busy inventing video games. Of course, it wasn’t quite Space Invaders – that wouldn’t appear until 1978 – but the point is that the concept of using a little ship to blast enemies has been with us virtually as long as video games themselves.
Perhaps the STG’s close relationship with the origins of the medium is one of the reasons for its extremely dedicated, hardcore following. Shmups require dedication to master and inspire a special sort of feeling, encouraging the player to achieve a flow state – to simply react rather than think too much – and that can be a significant barrier to entry if your brain is intent on parsing all the visual information in the busiest bullet hells. The trend of more forgiving mechanics found in modern games makes the hardcore shoot ‘em up genre ever more niche, but for those willing and able to invest the time and effort, there’s nothing quite like ‘em.
The genre is a vast one with many offshoots and blends, be it fixed shooter, tube shooter, rail, vertical or horizontal scrolling, multi-directional twin-stick, isometric, bullet hell – there’s a different shmup for every day of the week and Switch has become a natural home for them, for several reasons. For one, it’s a powerful little handheld with a good-sized screen that can handle all the classics as well as new entries in the genre with aplomb. Secondly, the ability to undock means it’s arguably easier to dedicate the necessary time to conquering some of these games.
However, it’s probably the console’s natural facility with Tate mode that makes it a favourite with shmup fans. ‘Tate’ – often in CAPS – is Japanese for ‘vertical’ and correctly pronounced tah-tay, although enough people rhyme it with ‘hate’ for the debate to have become a jif versus gif-style internet-based clusterbomb. Regardless, many arcade shoot ‘em ups were designed for an upended monitor in the cabinet and playing these vertical shooters on conventional TVs means either turning your TV 90° onto its side for portrait mode or enduring a much smaller picture with borders either side of your landscape screen. The former option was easier with a big chunky CRT in the ‘90s, but most modern paper-thin OLEDs wouldn’t survive the rotation.
Fortunately, Switch’s unique form factor provides the perfect handheld solution. The release of Flip Grip, a third-party ‘cradle’ that enables you to attach the screen and Joy-Con to each other in a vertical configuration, makes the Switch an ideal option for vertical shmup enthusiasts and those looking to dip their toe into a genre that can seem overwhelming and impenetrable to the outsider.
Below we’ve rounded up a taste of the best shoot ‘em ups on Switch, presented in no particular order. We’ll keep an eye on new releases and add to this selection as and when necessary. So, are you ready? Let’s go…
Ikaruga (Switch eShop)
It's not by chance that Ikaruga is so highly revered. It is the result of a combination of an incredibly talented team making the most of excellent hardware and bringing in the unique double polarity gimmick that stealthily introduces puzzle solving mechanics into a bullet hell shmup. It's no great surprise that it remains an incredibly compelling experience all these years since release and it should be at the very top of your shoot 'em up list on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Beyond portability, what truly elevates this version above all others is the possibility of throwing a Joy-Con to a friend for a spot of co-op play anytime, anywhere, as easy as your ship switches polarity. The old king sits once again on its rightful throne; the perfect shmup on the perfect system for it.
GALAK-Z: The Void: Deluxe Edition (Switch eShop)
Twin-stick space shooter GALAK-Z isn’t a game for everyone: its rogue-lite nature, high difficulty level and punishing policy on death (even in its easier Arcade mode) will infuriate some players who are just expecting a quick blast of non-stop action. Treat it like the slower-paced exploration and survival game it’s supposed to be, though, and your patience will be rewarded with some genuinely satisfying space combat and a wide variety of customisable parts (not to mention its brilliant mech upgrade), all wrapped up in a fantastic ‘80s style aesthetic.
R-Type Dimensions EX (Switch eShop)
If you’re an R-Type fan you already know that R-Type Dimensions EX is worth getting. Both titles included in this package (the original game and its sequel) are handled brilliantly, whether playing with the old-school sprite-based art style or the enhanced polygonal one. Interestingly, the gamers who may get the most out of this are those who generally struggle to do well in shoot ‘em ups: the brilliant Infinite mode makes a usually hardcore genre far more accessible, meaning everyone – regardless of skill level – can enjoy the satisfaction of beating the game, submitting their score to the online leaderboards and trying to improve next time.
AngerForce: Reloaded (Switch eShop)
While it lacks the arcade pedigree that makes other Switch-based shmups so popular, AngerForce: Reloaded has clearly been put together by a team that understands what makes this long-established genre so appealing. It offers tight gameplay, fantastic visuals and a stern challenge, but the addition of a rich Campaign mode – which rewards repeat play via a series of unlockable upgrades and abilities – extends the game's lifespan considerably. Fans of the genre should ignore the lack of a big-name IP and pick this up as soon as possible, while newcomers can be assured that the gently-scaling challenge of the story mode offers a perfect introduction.
SEGA AGES Thunder Force IV (Switch eShop)
While the debate about which Thunder Force entry is the best ever rages on through the decades, there can be no denying that this fourth title – the final one to launch on the Mega Drive – is one of the best shooters of the period and absolutely stands up today, despite the passage of time. The visuals are detailed and eye-catching, while the vertical scrolling still looks impressive by modern standards. It's a shame that more new content couldn't have been added, but if you're looking for the ultimate way to relive this classic blaster, then this SEGA AGES edition of Thunder Force IV from port masters M2 is your best option – even better than the original cartridge, thanks to the inclusion of that surprisingly addictive online ranking mode.
Steredenn: Binary Stars (Switch eShop)
Steredenn: Binary Stars is a fantastic release that does a great job of providing an experience that feels simultaneously classic and modern. An expanded version of the original 2015 game from French studio Pixelnest, its high difficulty, rewarding gameplay, endless variety, and beautiful presentation make this an essential buy for any STG fans, but we'd also give this a recommendation for those who aren’t. If you’re looking for a tightly made arcade-style game that can be played both in short bursts and for hours on end, look no further.
Psyvariar Delta (Switch)
Psyvariar Delta is an arcade shoot 'em up from the year 2000 and features an intriguing mechanic which rewards you for living dangerously. While you'll still have to avoid incoming projectiles (and there are a lot of them), your strength and score increase the closer you fly to the bullets. This Switch version truly is a comprehensive package that combines all the features from both Medium Unit and Revision, giving the player the chance to customise the experience in a way that has never been possible in prior releases. Add in the graphical upgrade, Tate support (which is perfect for the Flip Grip, by the way), an exclusive level, a new optional character to use and smooth performance either docked or portable, and this becomes a must-have for any Switch-owning shooter fan; however, casual players or those who simply aren't fans of the genre may find the focus on high scores and short length off-putting. Still, it's a fine shooter, and we can but hope the Sega Naomi-powered Psyvariar 2: The Will to Fabricate will eventually receive a similar deluxe treatment in the future.
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Tengai (Switch eShop)
Tengai is part of a distinguished niche in the shmup pantheon that we like to refer to as the ‘flying-person shooter’. It sits comfortably on top of other great examples of the genre such as Forgotten Worlds, Space Harrier, Lords of Thunder, Cho Aniki and Gynoug (aka Wings of Wor). It's not only one of the finest shoot 'em ups developed by Psikyo during its active years, but an absurd luxury to have on Switch at a very sensible price. It offers an arcade perfect, single- or two-player horizontal scrolling experience that still manages not only to pack a punch and a challenge, but make modern efforts look a little dull by comparison.
Strikers 1945 II (Switch eShop)
Strikers 1945 II is a lot like the first (already great) game, but this sequel improves on it thanks to its frantic gameplay and new approach to charged attacks. Two-player is a lot of fun whether played on the big screen or undocked in TATE mode with detached Joy-Con and trying to improve on your high score adds plenty of replayability. The game could benefit from an online high score board, but it's a joy to play through each time and it's quasi-historical WWII setting is a pleasant change from the usual future tech and fantasy common to the genre, although there are still plenty of mechanical sights that wouldn’t have been seen in 1945.
Dragon Blaze (Switch eShop)
Dragon Blaze is Japanese developer Psikyo on top form. You might be a little disappointed that this strays so very close to bullet hell instead of the more traditional games that made its name famous in this industry. However, the game remains a beautifully executed vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up with a unique gameplay gimmick that goes beyond having the titular dragons as eye candy, effectively making them a core part of the high score chasing experience. You may be able to clear the whole game loop in under 30 minutes, but we very much doubt you will play it once and never touch it again. It's quite simply brilliant, addictive and another must-have addition to your growing digital arcade Switch collection.
Comments (111)
What about Sky Force Reloaded? I love all the shoot em ups on your list, but Sky Force is the one I've actually played the most on my Switch. It's so addictive and fun, and has such beautiful graphics!
currently playing through Danmaku n yep it's hypnotic n phenomenal. I found Steredenn to be a bore n had this frequent game breaking bug. Psyvariar is incoming along with R type & Darius not too far behind. shmup it up!
I bought R-Type Dimensions Ex both physically and digitally. And also Steredenn: Binary Star physically. But i haven't gotten around to playing them yet. As their still in my 40+ game backlog. Hence my name!
Ikaruga is really good. I also play some R-type, but that's mainly nostalgia, I think.
Ikaruga is one of the finest shmups ever made by Treasure. Although I feel Radiant Silvergun is the better game, it isn't available on Switch...yet.
Some crackers on there (any of them got demos?) but I'd say that Gunbird is a nice shooter that's certainly worth a look at too
@BacklogBlues I’ve got over 200 physical switch games and similar digital...
I think you stole my name
Zed Blade, Pulstar, Devil Engine, Overdriven Reloaded (as far as I can tell this is the only 4 player shmup that runs at 60 fps on Switch), Gunbird 1 & 2, Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection (Salamander and Gradius are great!), Neko Navy (I love this game, and it is filling in for Parodius until Konami releases it on Switch!), Hyper Sentinel (awesome game!), Aero Fighters 3, Space Dave, Super Destronaut DX, Rival Megagun, Zerogunner 2, Xenoraid, Alpha Mission 2, Star Ghost, Neon Caves, Dimension Drive, Astro Duel Deluxe, Sine Mora EX (probably the most beautiful shmup on Switch), Debris Infinity (amazing game!), Samurai Aces, and Last Resort. Um, that's a list of shoot em ups on Switch that I've enjoyed. Jeez this system is shooter heaven!!!
@Magician Yeah, it seems like at the rate Switch is going it will have pretty much the history of good shmups in it's catalog by the time the system dies. Which is awesome.
@AndrewJ Oh yeah! That's a great game! I have it on Vita and am waiting for a sale to get it on Switch.
I'd like to play some more of these, but I usually end up playing a shoot em up for a little while and then forgetting about it. The only big exception is Steredenn Binary Stars. I love that game!
@AndrewJ Yeah I have both on Switch too. I hear you about the grinding. What amazes me about those games is that once I haven't played them for awhile it is always fun to play 2 or 3 levels again. Collecting the cards and ship parts in Reloaded is a fun long term project.
Steredenn binary stars MVP
If I had to pick my favorites from the list covered in the article, right now I would pick Angerforce and Tengai. They both have that compelling loop where I just want to keep playing. I do wish Angerforce wasn't such a huge file size though.
@60frames-please One of the best and most replayable of them all.
Just because I wish I was warned... There are some shmups that I think should be avoided (they run at 30 fps!): Aces of the Luftwaffe Squadron (I've played this at 60 fps on some other system, maybe PS4, so it sucks that it's not smooth on Switch), Iro Hero, Mars Chaos Menace, Preventive Strike, and Quad Fighter K (this one has to be able to run at 60 fps, yet it doesn't ).
I agreed with most on the list, but not all (I have 67 shmups on Switch currently). I would easily put Devil Engine, Rolling Gunner there as well as Neko Navy, which is just pure fun (maybe not the deepest, but tons of fun!).
I found AngerForce and Graceful Explosion Machine quite average myself.
There are already so many good shmups on Switch that this list should be top 20 easily.
I love me some shooters for 42 years now! Always messing with:
Ikaruga
Binary Stars
Space Duel
Centipede/Millipede
Sky Force Anniversary
Star Ghost (although I wish the controls were customizable)
Aero Fighters 3
Zed Blade
Strikers 1945 series
Sine Mora
Tempest
Gunbird 1/2
Prehistoric isle 2
Tengai
Zero Gunner 2
& The King: the original Asteroids/Deluxe
And a few others I may have forgotten!
GEM is another amazing shooter on switch.
Enjoyed Black Bird.
Been wanting Steredenn for awhile. Its $5 this week. Will have it today.
@GFoyle I had not heard of Rolling Gunner until you mentioned it. After watching a couple videos I think it looks like a winner.
Yeah, Neko Navy is way more fun than I expected it to be!
@joey302 Nice list! Yeah, Tempest is one of the best shooters ever. I think TxK on Vita is the best game on that system and one of the best games ever. I wish they wouldn't have gotten that copyright threat so it could've been released on other systems. I wish it was on Switch! And maybe with a multiplayer mode, four player split screen. Could be interesting...
@VegasKeith Oh, I forgot about Blackbird. What a weird opera shooter! Those noodly vocals...
@HAL9000 what is that? When I Google it I can't find a shooter for Switch.
I love games like Akai Katana and Deathsmiles- I wish the companies that made those series would publish some titles on the Switch.
@GFoyle and yeah, I've been having fun playing Devil Engine recently too. It's definitely one that people should check out.
No Sky Force? No Stardust Galaxy Warriors? No Overdriven? No Rival Megagun?
These, Anger Force, Ikaruga and Steredenn, but the rest is not worth it imo
Devil Engine, Black Paradox and Super Hydorah are good too, but too expensive for what's in them.
And there are a lot more good retro shmups, but you don't need them so much like the one mentioned.
I assume RIVE: Ultimate Edition is not on this list because it combines platforming elements with shooting but...where the hell is Sine Mora EX?!
The list is full of budget shooters but Sine Mora EX is some high quality super polished stuff...yet, no mention. Why?
This list should contain some honorable mentions (including Sky Force Reloaded).
As it is, the article feels a tad incomplete.
Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a blast, highly recommend.
I feel that Dimension Drive deserves a place on the best-of list. It's a very gratifying shooter with intense challenge, banging music, and a steep-but-rewarding learning curve.
All the Psikyo shooters need to be on the list. Not just 1945, which IMO is one of the weaker games though still excellent.
I would have thrown in Blazing Star and Tengai in here.
Pretty spectacular lineup the system has already!
@Grauz Great game - terrible soundtrack
@shonenjump86 So, you didn't even scan page 2 then lol
Like some of these. Ikaruga must require some higher level functioning because I can’t do it on normal difficulty. When those 2nd level columns and colors fly towards me I get anxious and can never switch the colors in time. I know, git gud.
-Didn't jump on Ikaruga because of the missing features from the GC version (chapter select and tutorial videos, I think).
-I have the free version of Galak-Z, but haven't played.
-Bought R-Type Dimensions on PS3 (it's great).
-Didn't know Anger Force was a thing and I'm usually good about browsing the eShop weekly!
-Thunder Force IV is on my "to buy" list.
-Just bought Steredenn yesterday, $5 (normally $13).
-Psyvariar Delta is Japan only, but I know people want it over here.
-Tengai, 1945 II and Dragon Blaze are also on my "to buy" list.
-Graceful Explosion Machine is fun, but I haven't beaten it.
-Danmaku Unlimited 3 (free version) is on my phone, but it's a matter of me wanting to punish myself with a bullet hell.
-Bought Blazing Star ages ago on the phone and never regretted it.
-Darius is way too expensive for just three games (let alone the special edition), especially when Darius Burst CS on PC easily fills that void.
@GrailUK ah, no I did not. Yikes.
Exxcellent list!
I'm glad you include Psyvariar Delta and Darius Cozmic Collection, because those are really the best shmups on the Switch in my opinion.
The only inclusions i disagree with are Galak-Z, Graceful Explosion Machine and Steredenn (however, i realize Steredenn is very popular).
I'd have chosen Black Bird, Sisters Royale, Omega Force or Rolling Gunner instead.
I'm waiting for Hamster to bring Sonic Wings Limited
@EmirParkreiner Wow, another one I hadn't heard of yet. Sisters Royale looks interesting
@shonenjump86 hehe. easily done
It'd be nice to have a poll at the bottom of these articles, just to see which of the games from the list are most popular with the community.
Absolutely amazing selection of shmups. Still loads more that would be welcome. Hope we see a Midway Arcade Treasures compilation with Defender.
Strikers 3...where are you??
May I ask for a "The best Local WiFi multiplayer games on Nintendo Switch"? I love to play games that way and the thought of being able to do so without the need of an online connection.
Think of Diablo 3, Minecraft, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and more
Was expecting cuphead to be on the list. Lol.
So many games I haven't even heard of in the comments but I've got plenty of games to keep me busy for the time being.
@Abes3 Probably more of a run 'n gun?
I would love an arcade perfect version of Gorf. Only one I know of is then homebrew for Jag CD and it’s no longer available.
Some really great shoot 'em ups in the article and in the comments!
But although not entirely surprising, it's a shame that no one has mentioned Prehistoric Isle yet. Right now, it's only available in the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection, but it's a real hidden gem and one of the best shoot 'em ups available on Switch, in my opinion. Specially great when playing with a friend.
The sequel is also avaliable on Switch as a standalone purchase in the ACA NeoGeo series, but it's a much lesser game, exchanging the original game's beautiful sprite art and fun mechanics for ugly pre-rendered graphics and much more generic gameplay.
I'm not really a shoot 'em up kinda person, they've never really interested me. However, Graceful Explosion Machine looks really interesting, maybe I'll check that out.
Shame on you guys for leaving out Sine Mora
@AndrewJ Yeah seriously. Another s*** list on Nintendo Life. Missing by far the best Shmup on Switch. They need some writers older then 30.
I have Thunder Force IV on my Switch. One of the best shmups I've played and the soundtrack is rockin'
@Baart these games need an exhilarating soundtrack to go with the excitement on screen and thats something sine mora was lacking. and do we really need an epic war story trying to be told in between of stages?
@60frames-please jeez almost forgot about TxK on the Vita. haven’t touched my Vita or 3DS since the Switch came out but TxK along with many other games would do nicely on Switch! Here’s hoping!
Strikers 1945 and Strikers II are my favorites. We need Strikers 1999 on Switch
Flying person is my favorite sub genre. Flying animals too. Which reminds me, Monkey King will break your back and humble you, just like the Iron Sheik.
So THAT’S what “shmup” means... 😂
@NinChocolate
"Nintendo Switch download version "Strikers 1999" will be released August 29, 2019."
It comes in the vol 3 psikyo collection (Korean) earlier than that, but that 29 of August date for digital was mentioned here: https://psikyo-portal.com/shootinglibrary.html#info (which is about the Japanese collections)
My favorite Switch shmups:
Hyper Sentinel
Konami Arcade Classics (Gradius series)
More flipgrip promotion!? You'd be crazy to use a third party accessory with your switch with all the reports of swiitches getting bricked!!!!
@GFoyle great info, you’ve made my day
@60frames-please
Thanks for all the recommendations, even the ones that run at 30fps. Each to their own, but I could never skip out on an otherwise good game just because it at 30fps. 😂
@60frames-please Yeah, I'm playing through it now it's a great mix of reward after playing and a good working upgrade system that does make it addicting to return to the game.
In my mind i know it's not the best game (shooter even) but I also keep coming back to it for some strange reason.
Waiting for them to bring Back Shoot Em Up Construction Kit from the C64 era with upgraded functions. Remember wasting so much time on that game back in the early 90s
What about Pulstar Neo Geo? Love that game. Or Time Pilot (Arcade) or Sine Mora EX?
Oh man, I should have followed my head and not even opened this page. I don't even like shmups, yet here I am about to trot off to the eshop to take a second look at some of these.
@Kochambra Thanks for the nod to Prehistoric Isle - I have the SNK collection but don't think I've tried that one yet.
Had Steredenn on Xbox so bought it on release on switch. But just doesn't seem as tight control wise. Do love Skyforce though.
@Bunkerneath the construction kit was superb.
No love for Aqua Kitty?
Where the hell is Cave? Did they go out of business or something? Switch has been out for years, what are they waiting for? All of their shooters should be on Switch.
@xanderten50 Ha ha, I played that game, it was hilarious.
Devil Engine is such a great game which can appeal to both harecore and casual fans. If you like shoot them ups, you must check it out
Ikaruga and Thunderforce 4 are both masterpieces and must plays for everyone.
I keep trying these new indie STGs but none have worked for me yet. They all feel like tribute acts, trying desperately to capture the magic of the greats but always failing through bad art, bad music, and sloppy design. Maybe someone will nail it someday.
There a bunch of Psikyo shooters on the Switch too, with the Gunbird games standing out as being solid examples of the genre. They're worth a look.
I'd love to see a port of Treasure's other STG masterpiece to the Switch - Radiant Silvergun. It received an X360 port years back but has been forgotten ever since. I still play it often on my Saturn.
Where is Danmaku 3?
EDIT: Doh! Just noticed page 2...
@KryptoniteKrunch If you're going to get a 30 fps shooter I'd recommend Aces of the Luftwaffe. It's got 4 player, and is pretty good. Also, I think it was on my phone that I played a 60 fps version of Luftwaffe, which just makes the 30 fps Switch version look more pathetic (of course there's no 4 player mode on cell phone). I mean, at least make the single player mode run at 60!
Well I guess This is the first time I ever seen all games with guns..
SkyForce Reloaded is #1 in my book. And RXN Raixin deserves mention; both are NEW games and use THE FULL SCREEN. And both far superior to AngerForce.
Einhander please... yeah I know it’ll never happen
Rival Megagun is really good. It is kinda like Twinkle Star Sprites, but more understandable and it seems like more fun overall. It also has some nice music tracks. For reference I like the music in Sine Mora and love the music in Battle Garegga.
Also, Stardust Galaxy Warriors has 4 player 60 fps gameplay (it appears to drop some frames, but not too bad). It's also really fun!
It would be awesome to get Battle Garegga and Armed Police Batrider on Switch. And Parodius. And Bangai-O, Radiant Silvergun, Silpheed, Gradius V, some Cotton games, Soukyugurentai/Terra Diver(with an easy mode!), DoDonPachi, Game Paradise 1 & 2, Cho Aniki, Thunderforce 5 and others too, Tempest 2000 or similar game, Galactic Attack, a Mushihime game, a Deathsmiles game, and Harmful Park! Just a couple requests!
@bluedogrulez Yeah Skyforce Reloaded is so good. It has so much longevity, so much stuff to unlock, such perfect graphics, and really fun two player coop. I haven't tried RXN yet, but it's on my list.
@ForminaSage Yes, I forgot Einhander. That would be an incredible addition to the Switch library. I'd love to play that game on Switch!
I wish we have more of these coming to the Switch as I am currently collecting classic shmups. They are so good for killing time. Love it on the go.
Sky Force Reloaded
The best shmup ever and it's on the Switch.
I bought Steredenn from this list. I don't like it. Weapons feel weak, or so terrible they're unusable. Game feels unfair.
I don't like shmups, but Steredenn is really really fun.
Still leaving out Sine Mora, shame!
I reeeeally want a Flip Grip... but I have so many non-Tate games on my backlog that I can't justify it. However, if they decide to finally release Radiant Silvergun for Switch, I will finally buy a Flip Grip and every game on this list. Especially just the horizontal-scrolling games that it doesn't work with.
@60frames-please They skipped it on this list and they skipped it on the last one. GREAT GAME . . . aerial rescues have never been so much fun : )
Meanwhile, AngerForce really failed to impress me....
Glad to see this list was updated to include the new king of shmups on the Switch, Rolling Gunner.
However, NintendoLife should really also give some attention to Quad Fighter K and the 2 excellent japanese eShop exclusives Sisters Royale and Radirgy Swag.
Feels like someone was paid to make that list.
A screenshot would help. I remember a similar list here.
I somewhat like shmups, but I hate bullet hell. It holds zero interest to me.
Could someone be so kind and advise me a list of good shmups where not too much s*** is going on at once?
Shoot-em-up shoot-em-up shoot-em-up shoot-em-up
No Sky Force and no Super Hydorah and no Rival Megagun and no Stardust Galaxy? Ikaruga, Darius Cozmic Collection, Steredenn are great, but the rest on the list are nothing compared to the one I mentioned.
The best genre EVER!!!
Sky Force: Reloaded should be on this list. It is the best schmup I have ever played on the Switch. I love this game so much.
@EmirParkreiner thanks for mentioning those lesser-discussed titles. I’m curious about Sisters Royale, given how little coverage it has received.
By the way, a few weeks ago I read that Radirgy Swag is getting a Western release — IIRC, later this year.
Devil Engine, Rolling Gunner and Danmaku Unlimited 3 are my favorite.
I have all of these games, I guess you can call me a classic arcade gaming enthusiast lol.
Steereden is terrible. Just look good. The best shrump is not even in the list. It's Black Paradox. This one, Ikaruga and another one not in the list (I am not rememberi the name right now) are the good ones.
I bought X-Multiply the other day and I'm loving it. Plays, looks and sounds superb. Highly recommended.
@Aneira 6 months later...... I can't recommend Tengai enough, fantastic shoot em up.
You guys suck, can't even put screenshots for each game.
@60frames-please I agree. Sky Force Reloaded is the shmup I play the most. Love it.
Ther best shoot-em-up on switch is Radiant Silvergun and that's not even out yet.
Added Shmup Collection and a bunch of others to this big chunky list
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