Welcome to the primary SwitchArcade Particular of 2024. It has been nearly two years since Shaun wrote about the perfect shoot ’em ups (or shmups) on Change, and lots has modified since then, principally for the higher. With a number of unbelievable collections, standalone releases, boutique connoisseur (I’ll get to this) standalone titles from M2, indie video games, and extra, the Change is in a unbelievable place for shmups of many sorts. I’ve been having fun with a great deal of them over the past two years particularly, and have put collectively a listing of the perfect ones which I maintain going again to, and a few bonus ones which are price contemplating as normal.
Ever since I obtained into shmups years in the past by way of Dariusburst and the Psikyo releases, I’ve been studying extra in regards to the style and making an attempt out the various video games veteran gamers suggest throughout platforms. I additionally began enjoying a lot of them with the 8BitDo Arcade Stick on Change, and have loved enjoying in handheld mode with the Hori Break up Pad Compact not too long ago. Enjoying shmups from completely different platforms ported to Change has additionally been eye opening with studying about how enter lag varies and likewise discovering how superb M2 ShotTriggers is since I purchased ESP Ra.De. Psi. on Change.
I initially wished to maintain this to simply 10 video games because the “prime 10″ listing for 2024 to date, however identical to an M2 ShotTriggers launch, I’ve determined to incorporate greater than I ought to, along with bonus video games and issues to offer you adequate shmup video games so as to add to your wishlist or purchase and play for years to return. I’ve performed all of the video games beneath on Change and likewise play them on different platforms when potential. As normal, this listing is in no specific order.
Mushihimesama ($19.99)
Let’s begin this factor out sturdy we could? Cave’s 2004 arcade traditional Mushihimesama is an superior recreation by itself that occurs to even be one of many developer’s extra beginner-friendly titles. This launch on Change from Dwell Wire feels nice to play, and features a plethora of modes. I’ve loved enjoying this on each Change and Steam Deck, and it actually shines on the great OLED show in case you have one. Mushihimesama can be a really influential recreation with its distinctive insect-themed setting, and it occurs to look beautiful. I’ll be masking extra of Dwell Wire’s Change ports right here, however I believe Mushihimesama is the proper entry level right into a unbelievable developer’s library, and one that’s important for any Change shmup fanatic or newcomer.
Deathsmiles (Deathsmiles I + II) ($39.99)
Whereas this isn’t obtainable by itself on the Change, I’ve included solely Cave’s 2007-released Deathsmiles right here. Deathsmiles, obtainable as part of the Deathsmiles I + II assortment on Change, is likely one of the finest horizontal shmups of all time. Horizontal shmups normally swimsuit the Change higher for transportable play, and whereas Deathsmiles isn’t as responsive as the perfect ports to the system on the subject of enter lag, it’s unbelievable with its plethora of content material included, and remains to be price getting. Deathsmiles is one in every of my favourite horizontal shmups ever, and I’ve loved it fairly a bit on Change. This bundled launch is a little more costly in comparison with different shmups on this listing, however there’s no denying the worth provided even with out taking Deathsmiles II into the equation. Deathsmiles is a superb shmup to replay every year as we get into the vacation season and Halloween.
DoDonPachi DaiOuJou Re:Incarnation (Import)
Already an import recreation? Effectively, doing a finest shmups listing and never together with DOJ (DoDonPachi DaiOuJou) can be doing a disservice. This recreation by itself would’ve been price making a Japanese eShop account for, however having it delivered to Change by way of M2 ShotTriggers is sort of a dream come true. It’s a unbelievable launch of the most effective shmups of all time. DOJ AKA DoDonPachi Blissful Loss of life, is taken into account practically good, and barring one menu subject on Change, I’ve no complaints with it. The hyper system, chaining rating system, bees (for rating), and problem rank system all come collectively to offer you a recreation that’s price your money and time on any day.
G Darius HD ($29.99)
ININ’s launch of G Darius HD within the West (revealed by Taito in Japan and developed by M2) was truly my first style of this recreation. Initially launched in 1997 by Taito in arcades, G Darius hit fashionable techniques within the West by way of ININ Video games and was priced at $29.99. I questioned why this was priced so excessive in comparison with the Darius collections since this was a single recreation. I ate my phrases quickly after as a result of G Darius HD ended up being a recreation I appreciated sufficient to the purpose the place I’d pay $60 for it. M2 even went again and patched a large 2.0 model as a free replace making it even higher. Whereas not an M2 ShotTriggers launch in identify, that is principally as shut as one can get. The horizontal shmup with its superb music, seize ball mechanic, twists on traditional Darius taste, and extra actually is a superb launch.
Darius Gaiden (Darius Cozmic Assortment Arcade) ($44.99)
One other Darius M2 launch, the Darius Cozmic Assortment Arcade, consists of many Darius video games, however the standout is Darius Gaiden (1994). One other recreation I hadn’t heard of (I want I had gotten into shmups earlier!) till the Change assortment was introduced, Darius Gaiden is rapidly climbing up my prime video games of all time listing, not simply shmups. It has a legendary soundtrack, excellent gameplay (that we see constructed on in G Darius), and is strictly the sort of creativity I really like seeing from Taito. For those who’ve by no means performed a Darius recreation, this assortment is unquestionably well worth the asking value, however Darius Gaiden is pure bliss with its branching paths and replay worth.
Espgaluda II ($19.99)
I haven’t performed the primary Espgaluda, however Espgaluda II (2005 arcade recreation) with its beautiful gameplay that includes danger reward mechanics and plethora of options included makes for a straightforward suggestion. It’s one other nice Cave Change launch from Dwell Wire, and one which isn’t on every other fashionable platform as of this writing. I appreciated Espgaluda II a lot that I imported the Japanese restricted version bodily on Change. If the look of this one appeals to you, it even has a novice mode that eases you into issues, and is price its low asking value. I really like the look, music, and gameplay. There’s no draw back to this launch actually.
Radiant Silvergun ($19.99)
Most shmup followers or newcomers appear to know of Treasure’s Radiant Silvergun. The 1998-released arcade recreation was ported to Sega Saturn and Xbox 360 earlier than seeing a Nintendo Change port. I performed this on Xbox initially, however have loved Dwell Wire’s Change launch much more. For those who’ve by no means heard of it, Radiant Silvergun isn’t the same old shmup mechanically. It blends a couple of genres collectively and makes for a extra partaking expertise than you’d count on. It’s positively one of many extra distinctive shmups I’ve ever performed, and I’m glad to see it obtainable on a conveyable with such a superb conversion (after patches).
Crimzon Clover World Explosion ($19.99)
I first heard of Crimzon Clover by way of its PC launch from developer Yotsubane and writer Komodo (beforehand Degica), however when it was launched on Change as Crimzon Clover – World EXplosion, it felt like good insanity distilled right into a shmup. I performed an hour non cease and was in love after I obtained it. Whereas it has a couple of small points with its technical aspect on Change in comparison with Steam, it stays the most effective shmups on the platform and the most effective of all time within the style. Crimzon Clover – World EXplosion additionally occurs to be a fantastic entry level into the style regardless of its daunting screenshots. Some think about this a best hits of the perfect shmup mechanics, however Crimzon Clover – World EXplosion does sufficient to be its personal factor. The builders positively love the style and perceive what makes a fantastic shmup right here.
Danmaku Limitless 3 ($14.99)
TouchArcade readers shall be aware of this one, and I first performed it on iOS as nicely. Danmaku Limitless 3 debuted on iOS over half a decade in the past with its kickass soundtrack and superb bullet grazing mechanics. Doragon Leisure’s shmup is one other unbelievable entry level into the style, and it was one of many first few video games I performed in TATE mode on Change. There are a number of problem choices and a superb curve that ramps issues up with out being unfair. The visuals would possibly really feel a bit missing to some, however I really like the whole lot about Danmaku Limitless 3, and was glad it lastly obtained a bodily launch due to the Change port. I play this recurrently on iOS, Change, Steam Deck, and even PS5 now. It’s particular, and I can’t anticipate the developer’s subsequent recreation.
Ray’z Arcade Chronology ($49.99)
Up to now, the video games I’ve included listed below are all prime tier video games that I’d suggest at full value. Ray’z Arcade Chronology, however, is a unbelievable assortment I like to recommend at full value, however the video games aren’t pretty much as good on their very own. This set consists of RayForce (1994), RayCrisis (1998), and RayStorm (1996) collectively. I’d say 2/3 of this trilogy is price it, however the entire package deal is greater than the sum of its components due to M2’s superb work bringing three distinctive Taito video games to fashionable techniques. RayForce itself is well worth the lion’s share of the asking value for me, however I do take pleasure in dipping into RayStorm & RayCrisis as nicely. Simply ensure you don’t purchase the mistaken assortment right here as a result of there’s one other one which has solely two video games priced at $39.99, and likewise one other launch titled Layer Part & Galactic Assault which can be not price shopping for. The one to purchase is Ray’Z Arcade Chronology ($49.99) with three video games included by Taito, M2, and ININ Video games.
Drainus ($19.99)
Drainus received a number of awards in our TouchArcade GOTY 2023 options on Change, and it’s Staff Ladybug’s masterpiece. The shmup blends in a couple of mechanics from the shmup greats, however delivers superlative visuals within the Staff Ladybug fashion and even has an attention-grabbing story. I really like the power-up system and the way accessible it’s, however veteran gamers is likely to be turned off by the problem not being as constant. I’ve adored Drainus on Steam Deck and Change, and it’s one in every of my favourite horizontal shmups of all time. The weapon system makes replaying it much more enjoyable regardless of it being a bit simple.
Rolling Gunner + Overpower ($19.99 + $9.99)
Rolling Gunner with its Overpower DLC makes for a unbelievable shmup package deal, albeit one that may be a bit missing visually. Barring the visuals feeling generic in sure facets, it has a tremendous soundtrack, good gameplay mechanics, and is tremendous addictive. Whereas the Change model provides Rolling Gunner by itself, I’d actually think about the Overpower DLC as part of the principle recreation to offer it much more meat. The mixed package deal and the distinctive gameplay motion system with assaults makes this a straightforward suggestion at full value. It additionally is likely one of the uncommon video games I can suggest on Change with no caveats. In truth, I’m sure you’ll seize it on different platforms as nicely as a result of Rolling Gunner + Overpower is price proudly owning all over the place.
Eschatos ($26.99)
Qute’s Eschatos by itself is a superb shmup packed filled with nice modes and options, however the Change model additionally ships with Judgement Silversword and Cardinal Sins making it even higher. It’s a tremendous addition to the Change’s library, and one more nice entry level based mostly on how I discovered it after I first performed it. It positively excels for its scoring and weapon techniques, however the Eschatos soundtrack is known. I additionally love how the attitude adjustments throughout the gameplay in Eschatos.
DoDonPachi Resurrection ($19.99)
DoDonPachi Resurrection AKA DoDonPachi DaiFukkatsu debuted again in 2008 in arcades by Cave. It noticed its Change debut by way of Dwell Wire, and was a content-packed launch that I cherished stepping into after enjoying it on different platforms earlier than. DoDonPachi Resurrection was one of many first few shmups I fell in love with, and I’m glad it has such a fantastic package deal on Change. Along with the traditional recreation, there are arranges, black label, and extra all with superb music included. Novice modes are additionally obtainable to make issues simpler for newcomers. Whereas most individuals think about DoDonPachi DOJ (featured above) as the perfect recreation in Cave’s DoDonPachi sequence, DoDonPachi Resurrection remains to be a vital.
ESP Ra.De. Psi (Import)
ESP Ra.De. Psi is definitely what obtained me to interrupt away from doing a prime 10 Change shmups and simply waft and embrace all of the video games I think about price full value and value enjoying. Once I found the M2 ShotTriggers lineup of releases on-line, I ended up shopping for ESP Ra.De. Psi on Change as the primary style of the sequence. I fell in love with not solely ESP Ra.De. from Cave by way of ESP Ra.De. Psi, but additionally M2 as a developer with this. I used to be aware of M2 by way of SEGA Ages and SEGA 3D Classics, however ESP Ra.De. Psi by way of M2 ShotTriggers is superb. ESP Ra.De. Psi’s music, visuals, and energy gauge mechanic all mix for a refreshing shmup that I solely want had extra recognition locally. I’ve no regrets shopping for ESP Ra.De. Psi twice at full value, and hope to get into it on PS5 quickly as nicely the place I’ve a greater arcade stick.
Raiden IV X Mikado Remix ($29.99)
Regardless of proudly owning developer MOSS’ Raiden IV on Steam, I by no means actually spent an excessive amount of time with it till Raiden IV X Mikado Remix hit Change and finally got here to extra platforms. Raiden IV X Mikado Remix, Raiden IV’s latest model, doesn’t supply a lot over the present launch, however remains to be a unbelievable launch for newcomers and essentially the most accessible model of the sport obtainable at present. It’s my favourite Raiden recreation by far with its sturdy design, new modes, soundtrack and wonderful Change launch. I don’t see it in lots of shmup lists for some purpose, however it deserves extra consideration. For those who had been turned off by Raiden V, Raiden IV is the one to get.
Raging Blasters ($14.99)
Terarin Video games is unquestionably one of the vital underrated builders within the shmup scene at present. I’ve performed most of their releases on each Steam and Change, however have spent much more time with the Change releases. Out of the video games obtainable, I flip flopped between going with Raging Blasters or Moon Dancer right here. I made a decision to go along with Raging Blasters as a result of I’ve put extra time into it, and assume it’s a unbelievable shmup. You actually ought to play each of them although. Terarin Video games manages to make Raging Blasters really feel like a mix of a throwback shmup and a brand new expertise with some high quality of life enhancements and a better problem curve. The PC Engine aesthetic shines, however it even has a stunning soundtrack.
Sophstar ($12.99)
Again in 2022, Shaun mentioned that Sophstar may need been the most effective worth propositions for a shmup on Change. I purchased it quickly after and positively agreed. It’s packed filled with nice phases, modes, and beautiful visuals. It has some good unlockable content material and on-line leaderboards as nicely. I nonetheless can’t recover from the standard content material right here at its low asking value. Sophstar is likely one of the finest current releases within the style. Go purchase it now.
Progear (Capcom Arcade Stadium DLC) ($1.99)
For those who like horizontal shmups, Progear (obtainable as Capcom Arcade Stadium DLC) is the perfect shmup in that assortment, and a unbelievable expertise for followers of Cave. It was Cave’s solely horizontal shmup till Deathsmiles, and whereas it doesn’t have the visible aptitude because the developer’s later releases, it’s a unbelievable and difficult expertise. It’s completely price getting at its low asking value. The accessibility choices within the Capcom Arcade Stadium can even assist make it extra playable for newcomers. I’m glad Capcom lastly allowed me to play this on each fashionable platform by way of the Arcade Stadium launch.
Cotton Reboot ($39.99)
Cotton Reboot was my first style of the Cotton franchise of cute ’em ups. It consists of two variations of the unique recreation (the X68000 port of the arcade recreation and a remake of the primary recreation with upgraded visuals and mechanics). I discovered them each price enjoying, and the colourful visuals and nice music come collectively to make fairly an impression right here. The gameplay mechanics are additionally actually good. For those who’ve by no means heard of Cotton or performed a recreation within the sequence, that is price your time. It additionally feels excellent on Change.
Bonus
M2 ShotTriggers’ Toaplan Arcade Storage Releases
Whereas a number of the M2 ShotTriggers lineup may be very a lot a connoisseur a number of course meal expertise, the three Toaplan Arcade Storage releases are a bit more durable to suggest until you recognize what you’re getting. I purchased each the Tiger Heli and the Hishou Identical Identical Identical collections as a result of I belief Shaun, and I ended up liking them. I can’t suggest them as a lot because the video games featured above on this article at full value, however I believe they’re price maintaining a tally of, or grabbing for those who’re serious about them. The Zero Hearth launch from this sequence might be the one most individuals learn about essentially the most. We would see these hit the West, however I don’t like ready too lengthy so I simply grabbed them from the Japanese eShop.
Hamster’s ACA NeoGeo and Arcade Archives Releases ($7.99 every)
Hamster’s wonderful Arcade Archives and ACA NeoGeo sequence have introduced a mixed a number of a whole lot of video games to Change and PlayStation through the years. On Change, there are some notable shmups on this sequence, however not all of them are price your time. From the various shmups within the Arcade Archives and ACA NeoGeo sequence, video games like Terra Cresta, Metallic BLack (Additionally in Taito Milestones 2), and Blazing Star have stood out for me, along with others just like the Darius and Gradius video games included. I’m together with these as a bonus so that you simply take a look at the plethora of video games obtainable.
The Future and Video games I Missed
There are nonetheless some shmups I wish to see hit Change like M2 ShotTriggers’ Battle Garegga and Ketsui that I take pleasure in enjoying on PS5. I’d even get Dangun Feveron from M2 if it makes its means right here, however barring these, I’d like to see Zero Ranger and Blue Revolver (spoilers for my Steam listing) make their strategy to Change. Past the video games I’d like to see ported, there are additionally video games I haven’t performed but on Change, however have performed on different platforms like Hazelnut Hex, or video games I haven’t performed in any respect on any platform like Gunvein.
I’ll be making time for them this 12 months for positive, alongside the Aleste Assortment from M2 that’s in all probability the most important blind spot in my shmup library on Change proper now. Hopefully the following time I do that function on Change, I even have one other arcade stick for the system with a Seimitsu lever, however I’ll save that dialogue for one more time.
There you may have it. My purpose with this function is that can assist you uncover a shmup you hadn’t heard of that’s price your money and time, or to remind you to get again to a traditional you’ve loved earlier than. For those who assume I missed one thing notable right here, please let me know within the feedback beneath. Be certain to examine Shaun’s older listing from 2021 as nicely. Thanks for studying.
