shmups , how do you like em?

[Punky Skunk]

Originally posted by MechDeus
Shooters today offer a far greater range of styles, methods of play, tuning, weapon systems, level setup, and variety then they used to that your initial post seemed as though you hadn't actually played any recent shooters, hence the questions aimed at you about such.

No, that's where I disagree then. The predominant style of today seems to be "bullets everywhere." And that's it. I must not be playing the right shooters.

[MechDeus]

Well, how those bullets are presented is where the difference is. Most of Capcom's shooters do not have bullets everywhere (though it does get thick in the later levels), they simply move fast. There is, however Mars Matrix which does bullet-swarming, but they also have the Mosquito which adds a whole new world to how countering bullets and dodging can work. In RayCrisis, it's more about powering-up your weapon to counter the amount of enemies (more so then their bullets). Psyvariar (I think I misspelled that) uses a system to power-up which requires you to actually fly right next to the bullets ("Buzz") to power-up. Einhander uses a weapon-dropping system with vastly different weapons to create all sorts of strategies. Ikaruga is all about knowing color patterns to properly counter. And Sky Gunner is a try at moving this style of gameplay into 3D, which looks to be very good.

I'm not contesting that there's screens of bullets (then I'd just be lying), but it seems as though you aren't paying attention to how it's done and the changes in gameplay from game to game. But maybe I'm reading you wrong.

[Mode7]

The predominant style of today seems to be "bullets everywhere." And that's it. I must not be playing the right shooters.

Again, if that's all you think they are, it's a very narrow view to be holding. That said, what do you want to see from modern shooters?

I'm not asking just to be contrary, I'm actually curious.

[Kinopio]

Originally posted by Kinopio
I don't think I see a difference. even the most "manic" of shmups still have a "method" or some sort of pattern. enemies always come out at the same place and time, and fire the same amount and style, for the most part.

Can someone explain to me what makes a manic shmup, and what a methodical shmup consists of, and list a few examples? I honestly don't see a difference. Yes, some shmups have more bullets to dodge than others, but is that the only difference? hopefully someone can prove me wrong so i can finally vote on this poll

[deathwishkersey]

Originally posted by Rob
Yeah, my opinion for which you don't know the reasoning is "pure silliness." I've got to admit swirling neon bullet patterns as the sole source of obstacles is creative, original and new every time! More of that, please!

Swirling bullet patterns are beautiful.... but DEADLY!!!

[Mode7]

To be brief, the difference is in pace and presentation. You're right that if you boil things down far enough it's all the same, but that's not such an accurate way to judge anything.

Go play R-Type, then play Dangun Feveron. Subtract the difference and you should have your answer.

[Kinopio]

I still don't think there is an accurate way to label a shmup manic or methodical. lets take radiant silvergun for example. the game plays very methodical. in order to succeed, you need to shoot the right colored enemy, memorize patterns and destroy certain parts of bosses at a time. but at the same time, the game throws tons of bullets and obstacles at you at certain points. its easily the hardest shmup i've ever played. how on earth could you put this game into either of the poorly defined categories?

[Mode7]

I think you're splitting hairs a bit, there. I mean, does there really need to be an accurate way to define a shmup? Just answer the question!

And I'd say RS is definitely 'methodical.'

[deathwishkersey]

shoot 'em dead, win.
That's a shooter.
There's a method to every game, some are just more manic then others.
If it requires reflexes over memorization it's manic. Other way around and it's methodical. I don't see why there's confusion over such a simple difference.

[James]

I classified Radiant Silvergun and Truxton 2 as methodical, and the GigaWings and Mars Matrix as manic, and voted methodical.

Strikers 45- Manically methodical or methodically manic?

James