Ikaruga and shmups.

[Strafe Mcgee]

So, Ikaruga got released on XBLA today and bugger me it's a tough game. I don't think I've been so comprehensively beaten by a game since... well, ever actually. Anyway, though it's tough it's quite possibly the best shmup I've ever played. I have a deep affection for old school shmups and wonder if anyone else is a fan of the genre and has any recommendations?

 

[Programmed_For_Damage]

I had the privalege of purchasing it on the Dreamcast eons ago and it consistently handed me my arse! I'm interested in seeing what it's like on the 360. It is truely a great game.

One VSS that I did miss out on, which I am still furious about, was Radiant Silvergun. I saw it at the games shop, went home to get my money and by the time I got back it was sold. Never saw it again.

 

[implodingMan]

Do you play with the stick or the dpad? I ask because the dpad on the 360 sucks.

 

[Programmed_For_Damage]

Do you play with the stick or the dpad? I ask because the dpad on the 360 sucks.

Good question. The Dreamcast version uses either the analogue stick or the d-pad so I don't see why the X360 version would be any different.

 

[defining_mind]

Do you play with the stick or the dpad? I ask because the dpad on the 360 sucks.

Good question. The Dreamcast version uses either the analogue stick or the d-pad so I don't see why the X360 version would be any different.

You could use either the analog or d-pad on the Gamecube version too. Never could beat it using one continue though.

The best thing is to keep at it and memorize enemy patterns. Not only will it help with survival, but will help with getting chains. Also, if you have an SNES emulator or can find the cart of it, R-Type III is a pretty good old school shooter (just about as hard too).

 

[Pzest]

Do you play with the stick or the dpad? I ask because the dpad on the 360 sucks.

While some people recommend complicated ways of modifying the 360 d-pad like they do here http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Fix-the-d-pad-on-the-Xbox-360-control-pad-mor/?comments=all
my brother basically cut away the top of the plastic ring surrounding the d-pad and it helped quite a bit. Don't end up blaming me if you do it and get small particles beneath your d-pad.

 

[MindBullets]

what was that old school schmup? raptor, or something? Or was it Ravage? No i think ravage is futuristic. You're in a jet fighter. Pretty sure it's over [Iraq]. Old, old school. Probably on old arcade things. There were trucks on the ground that would occasionally trundle onto screen that you could blow up too.

Raptor: Call of the Shadows is probably what you're thinking of. I've got fond memories of that game. I played the shareware version when I was about 6 and I could never make it past level 4 on the easiest difficulty. These days, of course, I could do that drunk.

 

[Strafe Mcgee]

Do you play with the stick or the dpad? I ask because the dpad on the 360 sucks.

Good question. The Dreamcast version uses either the analogue stick or the d-pad so I don't see why the X360 version would be any different.

It's not, you can use the stick or the d-pad. Though for some reason, on my version my ship tends to drift to the left when I use the analogue stick. I don't know why, since it doesn't happen on any of my other games.

 

[Programmed_For_Damage]

Played it last night on XBLA and I still love it! I should drag out my Dreamcast and compare the two. From memory they seem identical.