Old Vs New

[xS]

I've done this poll before( was it on this board?).... but I think that it would be interesting to do it again with all of these new releases and all.

Old school shootemups focus more on memorization as opossed to the reflex based play of newer games. And there's a much greater emphasis on power systems and upgrades. They are essentially 2D side scrolling games like Ninja Gaiden or Contra on rails.

Most of these are horizontal shmups.

Examples: R Type, Thunderforce, Radiant Silvergun, Axelay, MUSHA, Gradius

Modern shooters have give precedence to your set of reflexes, with all of their huge purpel maelstorms. Many of these games employ some sort of arcane scoring system, like Mars Matrix's chaining system. Pretty much anything from Psikyo, Raizing, Takumi, and Cave are included here.

Examples: Strikers 1945, Mars Matrix, Gunbird, DoDonPachi.


Going off on a tangent.... but do any of you think that the recent bunch of shooters are cheap and too hard for their own good?
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/reviews...achi_dai-oujou
This is a nice review and all, but what do you guys think about this trend of developers trying to make games harder each year?

[Zerodash]

Anyone can memorize a pattern, but reflex and motor skill has to be cultivated.

New school > old school.


however, I still love 'em all.

[Morpheus]

smaller hitboxes, and bigger patterns hold top spot for me, although old-school stylings still hold a place in my heart.

[kingoffighters]

I like them both... I think even with memorization type shooters, you still need very quick reflex to survive. I don't have a particular preference to either subgenre as long as they are excellent shooters.

[NeoZeedeater]

Manic = old school.

[Zerodash]

All Shmups = Old School

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by NeoZeedeater
Manic = old school.

if that's the case, then what is the new school?

[Josh]

I like vertical shooters with insane amounts of bullets.

You figure out what that means.

[Yoshi]

Gradius > Mars Matrix

That is all.

[Morpheus]

I don't think this is a vertical vs. horizontal debate... although it seems you'd be hard pressed to find a horizontal shooter that fits the latter category.