TOP 5 HARDEST Shoot Em Ups - NEO GEO

Welcome to my BRUTAL SHMUPS series, this time with the Top 5 Hardest Shoot Em Ups - Neo Geo edition. Every episode I cover a new console focusing on the hardest, most brutal Top 5 Shooters on the system. The Neo Geo was known more for it's SNK Fighting games and Metal Slug than it was for shmups, but that doesn't mean it didn't have some real Arcade bangers in there with gorgeous graphics and killer music. And these are my Top 5 picks for the hardest shoot em ups of them all on the Neo Geo. Do you agree? Or which shmups would you pick instead? Let me know in the comments!
You may notice that every game chosen is a hotizontal scrolling shoot em up which is unusual to say the least. The Neo Geo had an abundance of them vs your more common vertical scrolling shmups.
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Games Featured in this video
Pulstar
Blazing Star
Viewpoint
Last Resort
HARDEST SHMUP I EVER PLAYED! - LAST HOPE
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[@ShmupJunkie]

Time Stamps 0:00:00 - Intro 0:00:36 - Pulstar 0:05:36 - Blazing Star 0:12:28 - Viewpoint 0:18:40 - Last Resort 0:23:19 - HARDEST SHMUP I EVER PLAYED! - LAST HOPE 0:29:45 - Finale

[@Nathan-rb3qp]

There was a cancelled Viewpoint sequel for the N64 called Viewpoint 2064.

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@Nathan-rb3qp That I didn’t know! That could’ve been good too bad it never happened.

[@Nathan-rb3qp]

@@ShmupJunkie A near completion prototype was leaked on the internet and I've heard it's pretty good but nowhere near as difficult as the original.

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@Nathan-rb3qp I imagine an easier viewpoint would be welcome as it’s prohibitively difficult for almost anyone. I’ll look it up as I’m curious how it is.

[@Nathan-rb3qp]

@@ShmupJunkie Ok.

[@ScottWozniak]

I lived with my brother in Flushing, Queens in 1993. There was a game store on the corner of Main Street called "Games 'F Us" that I shopped at regularly as they had an amazing selection of used games. I watched a Korean kid beat Viewpoint from start to finish without a single death. To this day, it's easily one of the most memorable video game performances I've ever witnessed. That was 29 years ago and I still remember it vividly! Insane skills. 🕹

[@ShmupJunkie]

Nothing like watching some of those superplayers on a real cab completely own a very hard game and make one feel inadequate 🤣. Who knows how many crazy hours they put into getting that good at it. Now it’s easy to watch insane replays on KZbin, given you can find a legit one, but it was pretty special when you randomly came across someone by chance you could watch route a game. Some of the games I later became very good at I learned by watching other players live over their shoulder.

[@ScottWozniak]

@@ShmupJunkie It was actually on an AES with the store's TV. Dude had the standard Neo Geo stick controller on the counter while playing with the TV at least 5 feet away!

[@Pagaugezero]

@@ScottWozniakI loved that small store across from the RKO Keith Theater. I lived around there from 96 to 98. I have Viewpoint on American AES as it’s one of my favorite Neo Geo Carts.

[@kellychuang8373]

That's good sadly those places have gone these days and also did know about facts of that system it's said to cost and arm and a leg along with also saw Last Resort showcased on a Nickelodeon game show named Nick Arcade along with other video games of that era when it was on. Anyway also check that out it was when they still had a Studios in Florida, advanced Internet and smartphones, Blockbuster, Toys R US and Borders was still around and it wasn't having controversies coming to life as it is now or they were still hidden.

[@mikematei]

Great video. Makes me want to try Last Hope

[@ShmupJunkie]

Ha! Stoked you enjoyed it and glad you found me. Go ahead and try Last Hope. It will absolutely murder just about anyone that plays it. Its like a sadistic pleasure just to see how hard it is. The Dreamcast version was improved and made more fair, but the original AES / MVS version is insane. If the music wasn’t so damn cool I’m not sure how far I’d have endured. 😂

[@j0nnyism]

Last hope will make you feel hopeless. Truly a test for the experienced shmup player

[@dbycrash]

Should have been named “who cares about your last hope”

[@kellychuang8373]

Really good also cool games may have experimented with these at sometime though then again it was before nowadays times and also saw Last Resort showcased on a long ago show named Nick Arcade back when Nickelodeon was still having it's Studios in Orlando, Florida, before advanced Internet and smartphones, and Nickelodeon didn't have controversies with questionable people and unsafe working practices or before those disturbing things came to life like now.

[@kellychuang8373]

Along with these days it's going to be hard now getting back still good game though the actual console itself back in the day is said to cost an arm and a leg like the console is said to cost $600 and the games itself is said to be $300 each like near the $1000 mark.

[@oneeyedking202]

Man, I love your enthusiasm on here and on IG! This is exactly what good gaming should make you feel like! 🤘

[@ShmupJunkie]

OneEyed King Thanks! That’s what love of our mutual hobby and nostalgia is all about. You try to get others interested and excited about what you love. Good to know it comes through in the videos. Sometimes I feel like it seems I’m overacting 😆 but that’s just how I happen to act on camera.

[@MrAlexthemachine]

Brother I just wanna say I’ve always felt like I spent too much money on games. Over a few decades I’ve spent thousands on my collection… but after watching all of your compilations, complete system reviews and seeing the absolute bangers you have in your collection I don’t feel so bad anymore lol thank you 🙏 😂

[@ShmupJunkie]

It’s been a lot of fun collecting I’ll admit and yes big bucks. Eventually though as perfect ways to play the games has become available I’ve slowly started to sell off the most expensive stuff to good homes. I’ll always keep the handful of my most nostalgic for that reason alone, but more than anything I’m happy as long as I can play them on my old crt.

[@MrAlexthemachine]

@@ShmupJunkie 100 percent right, nothing beats playing on a good crt. I love the collections on newer consoles but I can’t let go of the originals because there is something about having the actual physical copy of the original release that gives it more value to me. Also I’ve always liked original hardware. Sadly I don’t really even enjoy using a everdrive. Makes me feel like I’m playing a fake bootleg lol don’t sell bro ! But if you do I’m buying 🤣

[@kellychuang8373]

Another known fact the console and games for that system literally costed an arm and a leg back in the day and also Last Resort was on a Nickelodeon show named Nick Arcade with others anyway have a look at that if you're interested.

[@dmtrsgrksrphl2501]

As a kid I owned a computer that came installed with a MAME Emulator and there I found Pulstar and Blazing Star. I was absolutely blown away and hooked by their graphics gameplay and music.

[@IvanGarcerant]

My favorite episode so far. Good Job.

[@tygrus3495]

I don't know if these are the hardest shooters for the Neo Geo, but listen, they are so damn gorgeous. I remember I couldn't stand 5 min on Viewpoint, probably I will give more tries to the game soon. Thaks for the review and the footage, well done.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Some of the most beautiful 2D sprites of the generation, absolutely beautiful. Especially Pulstar. Viewpoint is the hardest of all the games, it's absolutely brutal. You can memorize it but it's still difficult.

[@retrogamaniac3673]

I like your enthusiasm and way of talking about these nerdy things, dude! Subscribed.

[@ShmupJunkie]

The Retrogamaniac Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying them. I’ve had people tell me in the past I speak as if I’m doing an infomercial lol.

[@retrogamaniac3673]

@@ShmupJunkie Ahahahahah believe me I think you would sell a lot of things, you've the right attitude: they said a right thing! :D

[@unlimitedretrogaming]

Awesome video and collection!!! I need to play some of these game very soon!!! Congrats!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Unlimited Retrogaming yeah man download some on the pc and use retroarch. They’re gorgeous. Thanks for watching too I really appreciate the support.

[@hypnotank]

Great video man, agree with pretty much everything you said as well as your picks. I really like that you used your own video captures here too. I'd love to see you review other genres in the neo library. Subbed

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! Yeah I use obsc on my computer to capture all my footage. Sometimes through my ossc which looks awesome and others just through an emulator if I don’t have the game like Last Hope. I think people watch these because they enjoy the gameplay so that’s something I’ll always do.

[@kellychuang8373]

Also can say good video there and also saw Last Resort showcased on Nick Arcade a long ago show made by the now controversial network Nickelodeon anyway may also have a look there it was way different then and also Nickelodeon back when it was airing this show still had it's Studios in Orlando Florida. Along with other video games of that era which was the 90s.

[@Robin-ie3ns]

Excellent video! Just discovered your channel :) Good to see some love for Blazing Star, it’s in contention for my favourite game of all time. Has such good 90s presentation, bosses and always seems fair imo. Hope to own the AES version one day ha.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you and really glad you found me. I’m with you Blazing is my fav shooter on the Neo Geo and one of the best of the generation. Just love the presentation and humor and gameplay, it’s kept me coming back all these years. Hope you enjoy some of my other content. I’m definitely due for some more Neo love and videos soon. Tbh my AES copy is so expensive now I’m almost uncomfortable owning it, it makes me anxious lol. I’ve often considered selling it along with Pulstar. As cool as it is to own them, I know I don’t have them forever and find a nice home one day. I’ll be happy long as I can play them forever on my crt via my MVS and NeoSD.

[@unhingedresolve512]

5:32 MY GOD THAT ANIMATION THOUGH WOOOOOOOOOT

[@FightGet]

Vangelis rules dude, great vid! EDIT: Also, Viewpoint looks sick af.

[@ShmupJunkie]

FightGet Been listening to his stuff for decades so it was a trip to read that the music here was heavily influenced by him. I’d never known that before.

[@retroheed6226]

Thanks for treating us to another great video and showing of those stunning Neo Geo Shooters 👍

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks man. Thinking next week I may change gears and go back to my roots with lords of thunder 😁. A week break not getting my butt kicked by these games would be nice

[@retroheed6226]

@@ShmupJunkie Sounds great, yeah need a break after all that hard work your putting into these video. We appreciate it and your videos are a Sunday treat to look forward to 😃

[@CrazyArcadia]

Love me some Blazing Star, those tunes and colors... and that final boss... And yeah, those translations/text lines 😅 And Last Resort oozing that late 80s/early 90s Anime atmosphere.. Got to try Pulstar soon as well! (Also looking forward to try Viewpoint on the Mega Drive mini 2). Another fun Junkie video about great shmups on one of my favorite platforms :) Thanks for all this great content!

[@honved_77]

12:28 Viewpoint is an old acquaintance and last month I finally bought a Neo Geo cart. I've been playing it every day since then and what I once considered simply a classic shooter is now one of my favorite games of ALL! Its addicting. I start a new game immediately after a game over, smiling - it doesn't happen when I play Hellfire :)

[@ShmupJunkie]

Viewpoint is a highly underrated classic and an incredibly good game. I don’t think many have played the original like this as the other ports aren’t as good. It’s also so hard not many ever got past the first stages. Especially the super tanky later bosses made sure of it. So it’s kind of an undiscovered gem.

[@chadmolitor6691]

Had to come back to this video. I previously didn't really think there was much to offer on neo geo for shmups aside from blazing star and aero fighters, but this convinced me to buy a MVS and start collecting!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Oh god what have I done!!! haha. Seriously though if you get an MVS, grab a nice Supergun to hook up to a CRT and you are good to go. I have a NeoSD for mine and it's fantastic. Given how expensive Neo games are, even MVS, it's a fantastic investment. Either that or just get yourself a Mister. It's Neo Geo cores are flawless and you get full access to every game as well without buying a NeoSD. Couple great options for you.

[@chadmolitor6691]

@@ShmupJunkie BAH! PEASANT TALK! I went the most ridiculous route possible and I'm building my own cabinet from scratch. Well kinda. Already refurbished an original control panel. All I need is the right monitor. Already hooked up to a crt and playing. Best/worst decision I ever made. Original carts look a lot cooler on the shelf! Pulstar is on it's way already haha.

[@moonlightaffairs]

Alpha mission 2? Used to play it on Neo Geo arcade machines which got 4 games to choose from. Very beautiful game and lovely sound for that time. Hard to master and very lengthy stage, I always gave up after stage 2. Gotta collect 3 parts of the same weapon to get the weapon. 3 buttons, one air shot, one ground shot like twin bee and one button to open up the menu to choose your weapon. gotta lookout for weapon's part and still lookout for enemies and what shot to use. Not bullet hell kind of game but mastering it really takes time. lol

[@pl0y]

your channels the best dude. your reviews are so awesome.

[@ShmupJunkie]

phishyy Thanks man I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Getting lots of good feedback that keeps me going.

[@nottodisushttoagen1309]

11:35 When it started sending mini versions of its first (or second I guess) form, at me I felt the need to destroy all of them for fear that if I let just one escape it would grow into another full fledged eldritch 2001-esque starbaby and start this all over again. Reminded me of how if you don't destroy all the El Oscuro larvae in Rise of the Triad you get the bad ending. Fortunately that doesn't happen in Blazing Star

[@ShmupJunkie]

Lol that would've been crazy if they started growing into larger versions. Don't think there was enough room on the screen to make it happen. Ever since I saw that boss it's stayed in my mind as one of the most grotesque creations in a game. Hard to think of one more memorable.

[@donjaun540]

Thank you for this. Neo geo rocks.

[@xiom71]

You have the neo geo homeversion of Viewpoint! This had cost 500 DM in Germany in the '90er Years. I bought a neo geo cd at the time to play this game, lol... Pulstar was a great game, the absolut best R-Type Clone ever.

[@williamstewart1638]

Correction I don’t have Last Hope but I do have Razion. It took me awhile to find Pulstar and View Point on MVS. That’s awesome that you have the AES versions😀 Your channel is awesome, keep up the great work!!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I’d love to have Razion I’ve yet to ever get to play that game. Nice job picking that up when it was still possible. I’ve been wanting to find NeoXYX forever but with no luck

[@KingLizzardsGameLounge]

Great video mate and don't worry about the length, I could have watched for much longer. It was great to see Viewpoint again and some of the magic I never got to see back in the day as I could only play this on a friend's NEO GEO as I didn't own one myself. I loved Viewpoint for exactly that, it's Viewpoint, it was unique at the time and worked really well, plus that soundtrack rocks. I always used to think if they made a SONIC THE HEDGEHOG shooter, this is how it would look. Originally when you mentioned this video on Instagram I didn't remember Pulstar but after watching the game play I know I definitely had the priviledge to play this at the time as well, and loved it. Great game that I remember being very R-TYPE aesthetically and to be honest was probably wrongly associating it with R-Type in my mind as it's been so long since I saw it in the flesh. I've seen the cover for Blazing Star many times past and present but never gameplay, or at least that I remember. Love the aesthetics. Last Resort is another game I didn't recognise by title but I have seen that artwork many times over the years for sure. I was lucky to have played this too but due to brief experience with it forgot over the years. I remember how very METAL SLUG the graphics looked, which is no bad thing as the level of details in most NEO GEO games still amazes me 20 years on. I'd never heard of LAST HOPE but can see it was named appropriately, I need not apply LOL. Excellent video mate. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing some old friends I'd long forgotten and some games I knew nothing of.

[@ShmupJunkie]

King Lizzard's Game Lounge Always love your detailed comments my friend and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I can definitely relate to your early experience as I didn’t own one either. Didn’t even know anyone that did. I played all my games on store demos for hours or in the arcade when I could find them. I didn’t get to see Pulstar or Blazing until much later in life. Viewpoint and Last Resort are the only ones I got to see in arcades. Making up for it now I guess 😅

[@jackylee5850]

Of the 5, only viewpoint I find it hard, and that's generally because of it's low firepower output and the unusual isometric layout. The rest are like R-type, and while it's intensity are increased several fold, it's still follows a strict pre-defined pattern without any deviation, nothing a little memorization can't fix

[@ShmupJunkie]

Anyone that says Last Hope Neo Geo is not so hard is either lying or a superplayer lol. I kid I kid. But seriously that game is an exception, not just memo. It's insanely hard and unfair. I can agree with you on the others though, they are mostly memo heavy and not as bad as they look. Viewpoint was always my toughest Neo shooter for the reasons you mentioned. Isometric just makes it harder, even if it's also extremely memo heavy just like the others.

[@retrovin9269]

You sir have a way with words. Great content ✌️

[@mintyretro]

Yet another killer vid of brutal shooters 👍 Iv really enjoyed the series. Looking forward to what you have planned next

[@ShmupJunkie]

Minty Retro Thx buddy. 🙏 Your local friend got a Neo Geo laying around he is going to sell you next? 😆 I’ll change it up a bit this week I think and do a comparison video or something. Give the thumb a week off 😅

[@mintyretro]

Shmup Junkie actually he does have a decent neo geo collection that he doesn’t want to sell... yet 😁 awesome, looking forward to a comparison vid 👌

[@Dojonpachi]

Awesome stuff as always! I've never quite managed a 1CC on Blazing Star, as that last form of the fetus always seems to get me. Still, it's a game I go back to just about every year.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Dojonpachi I can’t recall the last time I ever did either honestly. The mothership boss and the final baby form get me too. It’s huge and traps you in spots where it’s hard to get away. It starts easy and then level 6 just gets brutal. I love playing it too same as you I come back to it often. The scoring system is a lot of fun. I need to spend some more time trying out the other ships.

[@j0nnyism]

Cool name!

[@RedLP5000S]

I am super envious of you! You actually own AES copies of Pulstar and Blazing Star! I could only afford MVS copies myself. Even those were pricey years ago. Viewpoint is my all time favorite videogame and so glad that it made your list.✌🏻🇺🇸

[@ShmupJunkie]

Well I used to own them. I eventually sold them off. They’re just too expensive and I didn’t like that sitting on my shelf for too long. I can play them any time on my MVS as well with a NeoSD and that’s good for me. It was really cool having them for a while though. It wasn’t easy to let them go.

[@MarkiModica]

I love this whole bunch of Neo Shmups! I've gotten my ass kicked by all of them, except Last Hope (had never heard of it!). Great list!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Mark M I can’t say I recommend getting mauled by last hope it’s pretty sadistic. 😂. I just wish I could find an official soundtrack for it as it’s so good.

[@ahgodamit]

Another great video! Also I have to say my personal picks for most disturbing shooter bosses have to go to Wings of Wor/Gynoug on the Genesis. I also am sad to say I have never played Blazing Star. It looks so cool!

[@ShmupJunkie]

You’re really binging these! Lol. Glad it’s giving you some entertainment. WoW has some crazy designs I agree some of the coolest bosses around. Blazing Star is super fun I’d definitely recommend it. I’ve seen it on the switch shop so that’s one easy way to play it too. It’s my fav of all the Neo shooters in terms of gameplay. And easy to get into the difficulty is very reasonable until the last 2-3 stages where it really ramps.

[@ahgodamit]

Once I get a Switch I will have to check that out. I wish the PC would get some old school shooters because there are so many good ones on there already, like Crimson Clover.

[@IllIIIllIIIllII]

Pulstar is the hardest game I've ever played in my life. 20 years playing on and off and I still havent beat it!

[@ShmupJunkie]

It’s one of those games that seems fair as long as you’re fully powered. But because the pod is your main protection once that’s gone, recovery is insane. I either run Pulstar without dying late or I just end it and try again another day lol. I finished it twice in my life on good runs. It’s beautiful enough to be worth replaying but I keep my expectations in check. But compared to Last Hope it’s downright fair 🤣

[@TockTockTock]

My childhood orthodontist had an old MVS cabinet in the waiting room and I would spend every minute playing Viewpoint on it. It wasn't until I started collecting for the Neo Geo that I rediscovered it. Now I own a copy of the American AES release and it is (along with KOF 98 and Last Blade 2) among my favorite games for the system.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Viewpoint is such an amazingly well made game and is one of my favs too. It may be so hard that unless I recently played it I can only get so far, but I never tire of giving it a try. It’s supremely well designed in every way. And still unique today. Too bad all the ports and variants weren’t great of ruined.

[@HotGamernoli]

shoot 'em up son mi genero reencontrado favorito,la Switch es sin duda su nuevo portal para enseñar las delicias de este gran género ,un saludo desde canary island 🇮🇨,buen vídeo,larga vida a Neo Geo

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hey thank you man! Yes the Switch is fantastic for shoot em ups and I will definitely be doing a video for it soon. Greetings from California!

[@atomiswave2]

really into this channel right now

[@ShmupJunkie]

Glad you're enjoying it I have a whole bunch of these Top 5 brutal videos too. Until I run out of consoles I'll keep making them.

[@MOXIEchannel]

Hi man, great vid as always. I saw that entirely. I played Blazing Star (that i insertedin my top20 mame game video), Pulsar and Last Restort. All of them are fantastic. I probably will have to give more time to last resort since i did not go very far. I could also do a shrmups video with these 3 games, comparing them. Bye! P.S: Congrats for the 500 sub milestone!

[@ShmupJunkie]

MOXIE channel Thank you man. I remember watching the Mame video and noticing you had blazing Star there. I saw the whole thing and left a comment 😊. Some great picks. Last Resort is not too long only 5 levels but it’s pretty tough. You know if there’s a good STG video I’ll be watching. 💪

[@MOXIEchannel]

@@ShmupJunkie Thanks man!

[@digitalworms]

Man when I was a kid I wanted a neo geo really bad! Same with the 3DO! Thank God for emulators and other consoles that sale these titles! Very nice video as always bro!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Dude who didn’t want a Neo Geo. We all salivated over it and I was lucky to find a demo kiosk I’d play on weekends sometimes. Magician Lord still kicks my ass 🤣

[@digitalworms]

Man my buddy up the street from me owned one and I was overly jealous of it! He got metal slug with the system and oh my god was sweet! And have you played any shoot em ups on the 3DO?

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@digitalworms I don’t think I’ve ever played a 3DO outside a demo as a kid. It didn’t have many shooters did it?

[@digitalworms]

I played a demo set up at circuit city a few times, was impressed with the movie like games! I remember they had a demo for a game called return fire which was like chop lifter but can be a tank or a helicopter! Then gex! I'll do some research and yell back at ya if I find any!

[@LynSain]

20:00 I feel the same way in Jets n Guns too. But that one is more brutal. XD

[@johngavalas74]

Last Resort Pulstar Blazing Star are some of the sickest shooters i ever played i tried really hard to like viewpoint but shit is it criminally hard

[@SkyScourgeGod]

Just found your channel, and I'm already loving it! Your passion for shmups and Neo Geo really shows here, and it makes your content very enjoyable. I've played and own all of these shmups with the exception of Blazing Star since I play my Neo Geo games on the CD and they're all really cool. Last hope is by far the toughest of them all, I can't even get past stage 2 and I'm using the updated pink bullets edition. I can't imagine how bad the original must be if I'm too weenie hut junior to get past stage 2 in the "balanced" version, lol. My favorite amongst all of them is Last Resort, I just love how unapologetically copyright it is. Since you're a fan of shmups, would you consider trying out Dimension Drive for the Switch or PS4? It's really unique and fun to play.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Wow, it's so cool you found me and through this pretty old video of mine no less. Old in relative terms, I've been doing this for just over a year, so it's only old to me haha. But yeah, I really enjoyed making this one for the Neo and am due for another good Neo video in the near future. I always loved Blazing and still do. Last Resort is another one where the gameplay is just top notch. And it's actually the game that ex-IREM staff were part of making, unlike Pulstar contrary to popular belief. Last Resort had that DNA and felt strategic which is a hallmark of IREM stuff. Sure, I will look up Dimension Drive. I've actually never played it or seen it before.

[@SkyScourgeGod]

@@ShmupJunkie Never underestimate your older videos my dude! Sometimes an older lure can be more effective when going fishing lol. I guarantee you that Dimension Drive is like no other shmup you've ever played before. The gameplay is incredibly unique amongst other shmups, using two different views alongside each other simultaneously to introduce puzzle elements, power up collecting, level progression and enemy evading/destroying that gives it its own feel and style. The music is also really catchy, pretty high tier stuff. It's challenging but not in the sense of a bullet hell or movement speed. Rather in a way you need to progress through the levels using both sides of the screen. Check it out, you may be surprised. :)

[@tobinsilverweed1017]

The music on viewpoint is awesome

[@ShmupJunkie]

Tobin Silverweed And it fits the mood and style of the game perfectly. Eclectic and unique.

[@hauntedhotdog]

Holy moly Pulstar's soundtrack is AMAZING!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Heck yeah it is, total Vangelis vibes. rest in peace what a talent he was.

[@hauntedhotdog]

@@ShmupJunkie I went to school for music... this stuff blows me away. So soulful, urgent, and intelligent. It's outstanding.

[@marleymcleay9228]

Pulstar Stage 4 Planet of Forest, beautiful soundtrack as highlighted here

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah Pulstar is magic. I get the Vangelis vibe from the tracks and that was on purpose, so I dig it. It has atmosphere but is still wonderfully composed and not just sounds and noises.

[@CultureStreetTV]

Great vid !

[@ShmupJunkie]

Manu aime bien les jeux thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I see you are posting some nice Shmup runs recently I will check some out. 💪

[@ASAN2042]

Last hope is incredible!👾

[@ejspy3331]

I love all this game back in the day

[@ShmupJunkie]

Blazing Star was my favorite of them all.

[@bix64000]

Hey thanks for the video! Watching your channel for the first time and instant subscription 🙂 I don't remember such slow downs in Pulstar, did you record it from SNK hardware or from emulation? Also, just sharing I thought, I only noticed now how much Last Resort's graphics remind me those of Metal Slug. I wouldn't be surprised if the same people worked on both games. Cheers!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Last Resort was actually developed by some former IREM employees versus what many think was actually Pulstar. I’m not sure of the Nazca connection unlike In the Hunt which was for sure, but ex-IREM staff definitely had a hand. I did use some emulation for Pulstar though normally it either runs faster or the same for me that way. You could be right though I never compared them side by side. It generally had much more vs Blazing Star or Last Resort where I barely even notice. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Oldie but a goodie. I’ve got a bunch of these top 5 hardest episodes I’ve done since. I’m about due for some more Neo Geo love for a future episode.

[@Teknishun]

Ah... Pulstar. Such an iconic game.

[@thajo310]

Would love to see some playthroughs from u, great video

[@ShmupJunkie]

You mean just straight long plays? I figured one exists for just about every game out there so it wasn’t something people were really looking for. I wonder if there is something I could add to it to make it more useful aside from just higher quality footage.

[@thajo310]

I think that your personality and energy bring a lot to the table, u could mix in strategies that you use along with analysis of patterns which u seem great at. Even a straight playthrough with your skill level and commentary would be very entertaining. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your future videos.

[@ultor7654]

Wonderful channel!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying all these videos. 😁

[@samahell9488]

Sooooo GOOD !

[@kellychuang8373]

Good video and really good games there and also for that Last Resort game saw it on a show named Nick Arcade back when Nickelodeon was still cool wasn't in controversy and also had it's Studios in Orlando, Florida.

[@darkridearts]

I love Blazing Star 🔥🔥🔥 Also, I love your channel. You’re informative and enthusiastic about the wide variety of shooters without coming across like an elitist snob that only plays bullet hell games. It’s rare these days.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Life's too short to be snobby about entertainment and good memories like games. I love me some Blazing. I used to not play much bullet hell or get into it, but I've developed an appreciation the last years. I want to enjoy them all if I can, but will always have a soft spot for these classics. Blazing is still my favorite Neo game too.

[@j0nnyism]

Yea shooters should be for everyone no matter your skill level. And you play these great games enough you will get better at them. They’re so much fun

[@sudacagamer]

9:59 without counting cho aniki and some cute em ups like Parodius I would say that the first boss from Deathsmiles comes to a close second lol

[@ShmupJunkie]

My absolute favorite boss from DeathSmiles was Mary the Cow. Not gross or depraved but so awesome and Japanese. That was a stroke of brilliance.

[@Spinozin]

Thanks to you, my new crack dealer, I played pulstar, blazing star and viewpoint for the first time this weekend. The pulstar intro is as good as it gets. It's definitive 80's. But its even better than that. I will come back to this game for sure. Viewpoint doesn't make me want to come back to it but I will. Blazing Star is the crack pipe. I got 52:24 on the first boss. I've played through 6 times and I'm hooked like a junkie. I'm the luckiest man alive. I love you x

[@ShmupJunkie]

Blazing is my all time favorite Neo game, no surprise you loved it too. It's just fun all around and so whimsical. Viewpoint is really well designed but also so crazy hard and memo heavy. It's not an easy game to grind despite the coolness of it. Pulstar is beautiful with great music, but also can be a bit slower and plain. Also pretty dang hard. Blazing just has it all and makes you want to keep at it.

[@robertrada6040]

Do not sleep on Strikers 1945 Plus. It’s Strikers 1945 II but with the feature of not having to turn your tv sideways. There is also the Sonic Wings series. The internet says the second one is the best. I disagree. The third one has a jungle soundtrack. What’s better than a shoot em up? A shoot em up with amen breaks.

[@alexmorpheus6762]

10:00 This final boss traumatized me when I played Blazing Star for the first time when I was 9 years old. 😢

[@ShmupJunkie]

Dude that boss would even traumatize an adult haha. I'll never forget it in both a good and very bad way lol.

[@alexmorpheus6762]

@@ShmupJunkie I still got traumatized when I played it recently. Even playing Contra on NES finishing the final boss didn't give me any trauma. Same. I can't forget it lol. 😂

[@jonniefast]

i love blazing star 🥺💖

[@ShmupJunkie]

Still my favorite shooter on the Neo Geo as well!

[@AirZonkWorldChamp]

You no fail at them list. BONUS!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Well I fail at Last Hope... but who doesn't lol. Good lord that game. And I thought Rayxanber 2 was hard.

[@Negameleon]

Great list! Got a nice chuckle out of the Blazing Star one. Also, you have any opinion on Hamster's Arcade Archive ports? They seem to be generally well received.

[@ShmupJunkie]

The Hamster ports are excellent and perform great, they're recommended especially for the fair prices. They are bare bones in terms of options and only provide one save state, not like the m2 stuff, but they're priced accordingly. But the important thing is they're well done and good ports.

[@Sr.D]

This series it's very cool...but what about a top easiest or accesible shooters for every system? I think it could be great too. Greetings from Spain.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I have been thinking about a video like that too it is a good suggestion. Or I may do a general for all systems, like a Top 10 or 15 best shooters for beginners. Not just easy but also good for learning and improving.

[@AldrichQuaiHoi]

Maaaannnn . . . View Point . . . still can only get to the 3rd level boss after all these years - but yes - it is one of the best !

[@m3gAm37aLmAnX]

Blazing Star is just awesome. I can't believe I never played it or even knew about it when I was a kid. When I downloaded the rom though and played it on MAME a few days ago, it blew me away. But you think THAT final boss is disturbing? I think the Orn Emperor from Thunder Force VI would like to have a word with you

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hell yeah it is. My fav on the system as well. I always figured the Orn emperor was an homage to the blazing star boss. Though that fetal cry it does and the final form still creep me out more than anything. The background where you fight it is part of it.

[@vilangel78]

Me he acabado todos esos juegos sin continuar y en el nivel de dificultad más duro y, para ser sincero, nunca los encontré muy complicados. Siempre me gustaron mucho los Shoot'em Up's, sobretodo los horizontales.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Si superas el Last Hope 1cc original en la dificultad más alta... entonces eres una auténtica leyenda. Felicidades.

[@vilangel78]

@@ShmupJunkie ¡Lo he superado! De hecho, creo que tengo un vídeo con mi amigo "Con 5 Duros".

[@BobBobOnYouTube]

I really struggle with Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga. Those games are so good but so hard.

[@wadestoss3325]

Ive been trying to play all the hardest games I can find for 10+ years and I think Pulstar is the hardest Ive ever finished and probably played. I was surprised to hear you found R Type harder. When I first played Pulstar it took me forever to beat difficult 1. I thought difficulty 2 would be not so bad since I already memorized the levels but no it was just as brutal to finish. Then I set out to beat it on difficulty 3, the standard AES difficulty. 178 credits later I finally did it. I knew MVS difficulty would just not be fun to pursue so I tried to do AES with less credits and after a lot of training lowered my best to 59 credits. Thats just insane. Im a huge fan of Blazing Star and I can guarantee the first time I quarter fed thru that game it didnt take me 59 credits, probably not even 30. My record for Blazing Star is a 3CC. Both continues happened on the level 6 boss, which I find much harder than the final boss. I've done the final boss with zero deaths before and I think I died once on it on that run. Viewpoint I have only played the SCD version but I remember it being fun.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Viewpoint is hard as heck imo, super fun but a beast to finish. And you can’t credit feed it since it uses checkpoints. No way but tons of practice. I adore blazing Star it’s just a better game than pulstar. It’s also not hard really until those final stages and bosses where it ramps big time. Pulstar is weird where if your ship is fully powered you can turtle behind your pod and get really far without death, but lose it and it’s near impossible without it. I found it easier because it moves slower and has lots of slowdown, vs RType which is fast. All these games are brutally hard tbh anyone that says they are easy has put insane hours into them and has them on straight memory. I can’t clear any of them after not playing for a while and having to memorize them all over again. But blazing is one I come back to a lot.

[@bl85gamer]

I was able to get my Neo Geo working...lol. Gonna report back when I play some of these 😅

[@ShmupJunkie]

Bruno L 🎉 Yaaa alright! 👍🏻 At least now you can try out cool Neo games as they come up. You’ll enjoy playing blazing Star it’s just fun. And corny 😆

[@304783]

I wish there were more shmups on the neo geo. Alas, around 1992 the Streetfighter 2 boom took japanese arcades in full swing, so SNK went all in fighting games (which aren't half-bad, mind you). Out of the ones you showed off, Last Resort is actually a good shmup for beginners to get into the hori genre, at least the 1st loop. It's fairly short at 5 stages and quite managable with some routing. Not nearly as unforgiving as r-type and the other "r-type-likes". There's also the fact that it doesn't suffer from the "die once, lose your weapons and get f***ked for life" gradius syndrome (or try making a comeback in the infamous second half of the 7th stage in r-type for that matter...)

[@davidmadera009]

for some reason talking about blazing stars, the ships fight is way more harder than the final boss

[@NexStarMedia]

I might slide Blazing Star before Pulstar as being the easier of the two because I could get to the second to last level of Blazing Star on a single credit whereas I never made it beyond the first level of Pulstar. To be fair, I've only played Pulstar once or twice whereas my arcade had Blazing Star and I played it every time I went there, which was frequent. Blazing Star was the only Neo Geo shooter I could get far in and was by far my favorite shooter on the Neo Geo.

[@user-ow3hz8wx2k]

Bonus! Bonus! Bonus! Bonus!

[@luxaeterna8170]

I had to cheat to beat all these games on my MVSX, but loved every one of them. Haven't beaten Last Hope, but will pull up the cheat menu and get to it tomorrow!!! I also love Strikers 1945 Plus. Ghost Pilots and Alpha Mission 2 are ridiculously hard as well!!!!

[@nianderwallace4776]

iREM is mother of all shmup

[@williambargery5855]

Recently beat pulstar and blazing star before watching this video. Both awesome shooters. The baby reminds me of some kinda borg monstrosity haha.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Beating Pulstar is a feat in itself, the game is rough. Whether one credit feeds or not you have checkpoints and recovering from the late ones is nearly impossible. I find I have to practically run the game and keep my power ups to have a chance. Blazing will always be my fav but they're both pretty sick. I think next to the final boss in Thunder Force V, this boss is just the nastiest. Creepy as hell and I'm a sicko that way so I loved it haha

[@williambargery5855]

@@ShmupJunkie I think I prefer pulstar just for the soundtrack and opening haha. BTW good sir would u consider a darius deep dive? as I have a soft spot for mechanised death fish

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@williambargery5855 Oh I can guarantee there will be a Taito or Darius history at some point. It needs to happen along with Technosoft that I’ve been planning for a while.

[@williambargery5855]

@@ShmupJunkie sweet I will keep my eyes peeled!

[@petesilvers5053]

You got skills...(and patience) love your vids..... from a 54 year old, old skool player

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! I got lots of play time on the games really, just knowing them well by this point. I'm not too far behind you in age so it's good to know most of these games are more memory driven and not reflex. It means I can still enjoy them as my skills degrade. I already feel pretty slow compared to how I could play as a kid.

[@petesilvers5053]

I'm playing all your recommendations on neo, mame etc. Really getting into this genre's offerings... Quality, keep up your hard work in giving us top draw vids... I remember my 1st game played was space invaders in 78ish.. Classic even today. Subbed... Thanks Pete in UK

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@petesilvers5053 That’s awesome I’m glad to hear it. My last recommendation here is if you do choose to play some Last Hope for that killer music alone, please go for the Pink Bullets release. It’s way more reasonable and fun. This original is just ridiculous.

[@polybius22]

Really enjoying your videos and I have already discovered some gems that I missed when I was young. Any love for Giga Wing and Mars Matrix on this channel!?

[@ShmupJunkie]

No love for them yet as I haven’t gotten to my Dreamcast video yet. It’s near the top of the list for upcoming Top 5 hardest vids. And MM will be on there no doubt that game is brutal. It’s been ages since I played GW but I recall it being hard as well.

[@polybius22]

@@ShmupJunkie Almost forgot to sub - looking forward to some Dreamcast love! Trying out Fast Striker for the first time today

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@polybius22 DC has some killer indie games. I’ve loved games like Gunlord, NeoXYX, Sturmwind and others for a long time. I still need to play Fast Striker but I’ve heard good things of it too.

[@opaljk4835]

Wow. Pulstar is very very very similar to R-type

[@ShmupJunkie]

Especially in aesthetics yeah. One big difference is you can’t really use your pod as a weapon or launch it. So you don’t have that strategy. It looks more like it than it plays like it.

[@awawawaawawawa2321]

the mecha that comes before the terminator in last resort game play footage looks like a straight up rip of the hygogg from the gundam franchise 19:34

[@ShmupJunkie]

You’re right it looks super similar I didn’t even catch that. I didn’t remember the name and looked it up. Great game but they had no shame in this one lol. I think they’re all intended as an homage it was so common at the time.

[@OnceUponADoctor]

Big sprites!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Rya Bur 🔥 Neo games are gorgeous ❤️

[@OnceUponADoctor]

Shmup Junkie pc engine and turbografx graphics are gorgeous too, but Neo Geo has beautiful fighting games which makes you really appreciate the system. I was lucky enough to pick up a Razion AES which is a great Neo shooter.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Rya Bur Thats amazing to own that! Near impossible to see that game anymore. I’ve been looking for NeoXYX AES for a while and can’t find it either.

[@MegaDeth859]

I want your shirt, Junkie!

[@ShmupJunkie]

That's a shirt a friend of mine made for me and was really cool of him. So I didn't actually buy it somewhere or I'd point you in the right direction.

[@crystalmadison8449]

Bonas!

[@SNKBossSyndrom]

Those robots that appear in the first level of Last Resort are carbon copies of the Hygogg from Gundam ;) I love the style and gameplay of Last Resort, but it's so damn hard...

[@1337rigs]

I bought a Neo-Geo when it came out I got it with Viewpoint for $1500. I had to return it when I learnt games were a minimum of $400 each.

[@ShmupJunkie]

The only way we could afford to see or play Neo games was on display at a blockbuster nearby. I’d ride my bike there on weekends to get there early for a spot. Didn’t know a single person who owned one. It was mind blowing at the time graphically vs other consoles. I guess if better be for what it cost lol.

[@Spartan77]

I would love to have a girl friend that yells out " BONUS " when I do something she likes. Thank you for another great video, still trying to watch them all, as time permits.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Good idea I think I’ll ask the wife to try it too. Just not during sex that could get a bit distracting 😂. I’ll probably hear it most whenever I empty or load the dishwasher

[@Spartan77]

@@ShmupJunkie That will be my new life goal, to find a pretty Japanese Girl friend and put her in a bonus frenzy until her voice box gives out, LOL.

[@andyauthor2007]

Have you seen the final boss from Thunder Force VI? That gives the final boss from Blazing Star a run for it's money.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Oh yeah I remember the demon baby. Blazing gets my gold for also fighting it inside a womb though haha. An episode on the sickest bosses would be kind of fun.

[@jordanjackson6151]

Awww yeah! Last Resort! I make that my bitch at least a few times a year. I like how 90's SNK was more than the Street Fighter clone company that most spectators only thought it was. It did some killer genre staples.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Jordan Jackson Even if all they did was fighters what they released was awesome. The FF series, SamSho and all the other unique properties were great. They pretty much did every genre well. Their sports games were all crazy fun to play too. You rarely didn’t see quality come out for the system. Blazing Star is still one of my all time favs to play.

[@CC42_]

Viewpoint looks awesome. Bummer it's not part of the Hamster releases on console.

[@chrisgude1091]

Pulstar ist my absolut Favorit Off all Time

[@ShmupJunkie]

It’s a really gorgeous game and the music is killer. I always did prefer the faster gameplay of blazing star but the graphics/sound on pulsar is pretty untouchable.

[@chrisgude1091]

@@ShmupJunkie This ist the Special by this game. When you don't Take all the Upgrades. The Game is fast as hell. Only when you overpowered the slowdown comes. That Brings a Special Touch. And blazing Star is great too. Sorry for my english. Iam from Germany. Great Chanel you have.🤘

[@Jerome-C]

i love Andro Dunos, Alpha Mission 2 and Striker 45 + ... there's so much good shooter on NEOGEO , TOP 5 is to short !

[@johandenhertog6878]

Have also the Neo Geo AES USA DOGTAG Last Resort and play it out in 2 loops to the end. Last Hope is impossible to beat come almost to the end.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yes Last Hope is insanely hard. I just love the music so much!

[@johandenhertog6878]

Yes, the music is fantastic.

[@martinevans1206]

Another great video! The Twitter link doesn’t work - have you come off that platform?

[@ShmupJunkie]

Martin Evans No I’m on there a good bit now. Thx for that heads up. I need to update the link. I’m on there as Shmup Junkie. It’s been a couple months or less but I’ve met some really cool folks on there.

[@bigshorty4855]

Last hope makers did a turicane like game which is also amazing.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Oh I know NGDEV well, you are thinking of Gunlord. I did a video review for another great game of theirs called Razion and talked about Gunlord in there. Really cool game I own it on Dreamcast. Last Hope was their very first game so they were still learning. You could already see the potential though and the music was awesome.

[@rcso2010]

Could you talk about the 1st directx games? I loved StarGunner demo in the Windows 95's bonus CD. Free at GoG, btw.

[@GodzillasaurusJr]

I'm not as knowledgeable as you when it comes to these types of games, or as skilled, but even I can play Blazing Star - it's one of the few I can beat (without overspending quarters), so I was very surprised to see it on this list. I constantly say "Get it more!", "Bonasu!" and "Hey poor player!" in real life, too. edit: I can't 1CC it, but then again, the shooter games I can clear on one credit can be counted on one hand!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I agree, Blazing Star is likely the easiest game on the list, but the Neo doesn't have a huge selection. I normally use a single credit clear as the measuring stick for arcade games like this, as otherwise any one can be credit fed anyway. Except something with checkpoints like Viewpoint which is the hardest game here regardless, it's a beast. Blazing is kind of easy for the first few levels, then it gets serious at the end, especially the final stage boss and final boss. I could have replaced it too with something like Alpha Mission II, but damn Blazing is such a cool game.

[@GodzillasaurusJr]

@@ShmupJunkie Yes, it really is amazing - it was my favourite for years, among other reasons because it wasn't too hard for me - it's hard, but it doesn't feel ridiculous, and when I die I can always figure out what I did wrong. It appears the same can't be said for number one on the list (I haven't played it, but it looks way to much for me).

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@GodzillasaurusJr Last Hope? Yeah don’t. The music is incredible but stick with the Dreamcast pink bullets rerelease. Still hard but not broken feeling. I didn’t really list them in order but LH is by far the worst, followed by Viewpoint in terms of being very hard.

[@rockhyde7775]

6:58 I was expecting a Shrek reference. “No! Ogres are like onions! End of story, bye bye.”

[@xiom71]

In 1995 i've played Viewpoint on the Neo Geo CD excessive. i beat all the levels in hard mode except the last boss....😭

[@ShmupJunkie]

Viewpoint is incredibly hard even on normal. That’s quite an accomplishment. I’ve finished it maybe twice lol. Amazingly cool game though I love it.

[@mattb9664]

Bonus!! Bonus!! Bonus!!

[@williamstewart1638]

I have all of these on MVS!!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Then you sir have good taste. 😬 Even Last Hope? If so I feel your pain.

[@krissymarklewis1793]

With Pulstar I couldn't work how the mechanics work ha!

[@krissymarklewis1793]

Actually, I'm getting it wrong, I'm mistaking it for the one that's an offshoot of Gradius where you have little tentacles on the front of your craft.

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@krissymarklewis1793 Xexex. Yeah that game takes some practice. Or X-Mulitply. Only two I can think of with tentacles!

[@krissymarklewis1793]

@@ShmupJunkie X Multiply, you got it!

[@yesdaniel]

Hey man! Have you played Danmaku Unlimited 2 and 3? On Steam! They are amongst the best bullet hell ever, giving me a rush similar to what Dodonpachi did to me! If you didn't know them, by your vids of what you like, I think you'll love them! Anyway, keep rockin' o/