shmups , how do you like em?

Ussually , shooters are of two types : the methodical ones and the manic ones that pumps thousands of bullets in your face.
The methodical ones rely more on the memorization of attack patterns , and put greater emphasis on using your mind as opposed to your reflexes. Good examples would be the R type series ,MUSHA , and Zanac neo.
The other type of shmup relies soley on your reflexes , and hardly gives you any time to think. There are hardly any fixed rules on how bullets will fly at you , and the bullet showers can seem random and unpredictable at times.Examples would be Gunbird2 , Mars matrix ,and Cho ren sha.

There are many shmups that are both "manic" and "methodical", so I'm not quite sure how to answer your question. Mars Matrix, for example, is highly pattern-based just like R-Type. So in a sense, it is just as methodical as R-Type or Gradius. The real challenge of Mars Matrix is learning the "fixed rules" of how the enemies react to your movements, and figuring out how to best exploit them.

A better comparison, in my opinion, would be to consider "pattern" (Mars Matrix, GigaWing, Radiant Silvergun) versus "non-pattern" (Salamander, the Thunder Force series, Axelay) shmups.

But I voted for "manic" anyway.

Well, I prefer shooters to be a test of reflex rather than strategy, or in sleeveboy's terms, "non-pattern."

I still enjoy R-Type on occasion, though.

I enjoy both syles but for manic I like older stuff such as Gun-Nac, I'm not crazy about modern "bullet hell" shmups, Mars Matrix being an exception.

I'll have to vote manic (Raiden Fighters 2, HyperDuel, Guwange, ESPRaDe for example)- although patterned shmups do come a close 2nd in my book.

i also voted for manic. i prefer to play games that tax my reflex over any other type of games. it's the best way to get into the zone.

raiden fighters jet and mars matrix are two of my favorites.

i like the patterns stuff, but i still play and enjoy all the manic stuff.

My favorite shooters are Compile ones which to me seem in between.

I need to be stressed out, to be barraged by thousands of projectiles, to be under attack by countless foes, to sweat bullets, to feel my balls against the walls.

Hence, my shmups need to be insane and reflex-based.

Quote:

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Originally posted by NeoZeedeater
My favorite shooters are Compile ones which to me seem in between.

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Compile shmups are pretty much rule based IMO.Personally , I think if your good at one compile shmup , your likely to be good at others because of the similarity between them.