Top 5 HARDEST Shoot Em Ups on the Sega Dreamcast

The Sega Dreamcast was an awesome console for Shoot Em Ups and it's time it had it's due! It's the Top 5 HARDEST Shoot Em Ups on the Sega Dreamcast featuring Ikaruga by Treasure, Gunbird 2 by Psikyo, Border Down by former Taito employees that worked on classics like G Darius, Mars Matrix and more. Sega was a powerhouse in shmups dating back to the Mega Drive (Genesis) and killed it with the Saturn. Though the Dreamcast was short lived, it was following in their footsteps with some of the best, and hardest shooters of the generation. Even popular games like Capcom's Giga Wing series, beloved as it is, wasn't hard enough to make this list! The Sega Dreamcast more than held it's own against the mighty Playstation 2 and this video celebrates some of it's best.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Go Play Mars Matrix (Takumi)
06:10 - Ikaruga by Treasure
17:09 - Gunbird2 by Psikyo
26:18 - Border Down by GRev
40:48 - NeoXYX by NGDevTeam
51:07 - What's Next?
Huge thanks to expert Ikaruga player MAZ, not only for his awesome gameplay footage but his feedback and suggestions. Check out his channel and gameplay here: kzbin.info/door/sDBgXIZNy1Jn7l2vdsV48g
Another big thanks to CHINOPOLIS for his Border Down footage and Stage 6A run, along with his guidance and suggestions on the game. Check out his full longplay here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX_PinidbaugaJY
And thanks to Xoxak for all the laughs and great videos. Check out the old page here: kzbin.info
Then go play Mars Matrix
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[@Erk1234567]

I think it's incredibly refreshing how you discussed Ikaruga. So much online game crit deals in extremes where a game is either "bad" or "good", but you did a helluva job tackling a game you don't particularly like with nuance. That's exactly what KZbin needs

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks I appreciate that. A lot of people liked that segment and it came out really well. It was easy to write as that’s kind of how I’ve felt about it for a long time. And just wanted to lend an alternate perspective on it vs the typical gushing praise. It’s brilliant but that doesn’t mean you’ll like it. It’s ok to not and still appreciate what it did.

[@justsayin4632]

Agreed. That segment was really fantastic and spot-on in its analysis. So much so, that I’m scared I might actually be “hates-it-but-pretends-to-love-it” 😂 Even the part where you said “if it’s mistakenly your first shmup cuz you’ve heard all the praise…”, lol guilty as charged🤣 Tho, it gateway’d me into wall mounting my tv on a rotating mount for vertically oriented shooters so I could easily go back and forth between horizontal/vertical orientation games (TOTALLY worth it) I was just glad to hear that MAZ has devoted 1000+ hours into it. I can fully appreciate and respect THAT. But if you had said he 1cc’d it on his third try or something, I might have retired from games entirely😂

[@noop9k]

Just yesterday was explaining to a friend how I gave up on Ikaruga, when saw a port on his Switch.

[@noop9k]

By the way, there’s an Ikaruga-style metroidvania called Outland. No idea why it is so little known.

[@AAron2020xydfg]

@@noop9k outland looks pretty good I think I'll give it a go

[@mazstg8844]

OMG I am famous!🤣Jokes aside, starring in a junkie video was a real pleasure! And every single segment of the video turned out really good

[@ShmupJunkie]

You should be famous, or will be even more I hope when you achieve that 30mil plus score. Thank you again for all of your feedback and help. The community needs more humble, expert players like yourself to offset the not so humble terrible ones haha.

[@mazstg8844]

Thanks for the kind words man!

[@baf__]

insane job maz!

[@AlexKrasnyPrime]

That’s nuts

[@thegreathadoken6808]

I know the struggles of Ikaruga. I have felt the pain. I have had my face ripped off and repeatedly thrust up my rectum by that game. You routinely make Ikaruga your bitch. That is to be revered as the god-like feat that it is.

[@johnbailey2933]

The best thing I can say about Ikaruga is that it lead me to search out (and enjoy other SHMUPs), otherwise I am in Group 3. The Gamecube and Switch Copies on my bookshelf stare at me like Chucky dolls, daring me to play with them yet one more time. Great video!!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I’d rather have Ikaruga staring at me from the shelf than chucky dolls 🤣 but they’re equally scary. It really was many people’s entry point just from popularity and I’m glad it got you interested. I know many that played it first and never wanted to play shmups again, assuming they’re all that hard. They figured if this is one of the best, then it’s not for them.

[@dire51]

I'd love to see you tackle the hardest NES shooters, simply because there are so many good ones you never hear about.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It's going to happen, I only fear for when it's time to play Recca 😂

[@reagandow850]

@@ShmupJunkie - oooh man!! I will absolutely bow to you if you can master that bad boy!! ;)

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@reagandow850 It got its name cause it’ll Recca yo ass 🤣

[@dire51]

@@ShmupJunkie heh, this is going to be good.

[@Sinistar1983]

@@ShmupJunkie would ya believe that was my first shooter. Since I didn't know steel empire was on the 3ds. And I've managed to max out the score after a year of playing.

[@Chinopolis]

Absolutely loved this one! I'm happy to have been able to help showcase Border Down, it's really is a hidden gem. It's easy to overlook the Dreamcast when it comes to shmups as it didn't have an extensive library compared to the Saturn or PC engine, etc. but the ones it did have are some real heavy hitters. That segment on Ikaruga was perfect. I haven't played it myself and would probably fall in the category of wants to like it but can't with how puzzle like it is, but seeing MAZ's masterclass really opened my eyes to why it truly is a classic.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I’m glad you were able to help with BD as it’s got some complexity to it, so it definitely improved my take on the game. I wanted to get the border system right. The DC definitely wins out over PS2 on the overall shmup library which is impressive given its short life and the massive success Sony had. I realize now how incredibly hard most were which makes sense given their arcade roots. MAZ was super helpful on Ikaruga too and I’m sure it’s a game you could 1CC when you set out for it if you haven’t already. It supposedly provides a ton of extends to work with as you chain so you can die quite a bit like in an early Aleste game and power through it.

[@PikaStu666]

Watching Maz’s Ikaruga gameplay is almost hypnotic. Absolutely beautiful! Jeez... I didn’t even know there was a homing weapon 😂

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hahaha well now you know and it’ll definitely help if you play next. It’s an important part of your arsenal. MAZ is a beast I’m glad I could use his gameplay, it’s the only way to do the game justice.

[@CrossoverGameReviews]

Oh boy! Ikaruga is a work of art! More than just a shmup, it is a video game masterpiece. But I only play to survive and I don't know what I'm doing half the time. Still, so much fun to switch polarity and eat the bullets rather than avoid them. Not that I don't mind dodging, but seeing those bullets that would usually kill you actually make you stronger, that's some meta stuff right there. It's also the first shmup I played in tate mode. I got it on Steam so I can flip my laptop or my external monitor to the side. Oh man, THIS is how you play shmups!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Ikaruga has been ported so well to every system. Something about the game's code transitions well. I don't know a single port, whether Gamecube, Dreamcast, Switch or Steam that didn't play great and perform well. It's so well optimized. And I'm glad it brought new people into the genre and got them to experiment with other shmups too. You know it's a good game when people who don't like it can admit it's still really good.

[@ajsingh4545]

Man you deserve at least 100k views for this quality content. Keep em coming.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks dude. Sorry I missed this comment until just now. I thought this video was a lot of fun too. It was good to switch gears and do the Beginner shmups video, even for my own sanity haha. Much easier on the ol' sphincter versus these kicking my ass, but I'm gonna get back to it sooner or later.

[@ajsingh4545]

@@ShmupJunkie All good man, you liked the comment and that is good enough for me.

[@darkinbrown8490]

“Drive it like you stole it” yo your metaphors are KILLING MEEEEE!!!!😂😂😂

[@TheIccy]

The xoxak reference at the start of this video is pure joy.

[@ShmupJunkie]

How could I do a video on Mars Matrix and not do something fun for old times sake.

[@GodHandplayers]

Dude, you do an amazing work! Really, really good stuff. In-depth, touched by your own experience and giving due credits to the higher tier players out there. People just cant fake this level of passion. Hope you do continue, we really apreciate it.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you I really do try and have a lot of fun with it. I always want to try and get other serious players involved and get their input and gameplay when I can, it's a great insight into the game we don't often get. I'll definitely keep making videos long as I'm able and enjoy it. It's only been a year since I started!

[@titaniclance5837]

Love your even handed review of Ikaruga. I always thought I was on the outside not enjoying the game but appreciating the presentation of it. Highly enjoy your videos!

[@ShmupJunkie]

There are many of us in the closet haha, who appreciate the game but don't enjoy it as much as we should. I struggled with getting my personal view across while still paying it the homage it deserves.

[@intilagos-brown5232]

my friend used to play border down in the mid 2000s and his route was red border all the way, he got the 1cc too, brutal game.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Dude he must have been a beast! That's like a no death, way beyond me! haha.

[@chrismoon2961]

LOL the Go Play Mars Matrix meme will never die. Great review!

[@ShmupJunkie]

If someone was going to resurrect it for an encore it was gonna be Timmy boy 🤣.

[@wrathchild8920]

Been waiting patiently for this video to drop! Happy easter to you and yours bro. Thanks for your hard work.

[@ShmupJunkie]

You're welcome! And I hope you enjoy and it makes your Easter that much more entertaining. This one was really fun.

[@morsalty5228]

Awsome as always! Thanks for giving the best genre more well deserved love.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks for watching and helping the video get out there. I'll be doing my best to keep it growing and bring in new players as long as everyone enjoys it, because I am.

[@Retro-Lover]

Great video as always! You're becoming my favorite KZbin channel and I'm happy to support you on patreon

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! I'm really glad you do and I appreciate the support as well. What is your name on there so I can recognize you? I have a dedicated role for patrons on my discord too. And you'll be getting to watch videos commercial free pretty soon once I have it all ready to go.

[@Retro-Lover]

@@ShmupJunkie I'll message you on Patreon so I don't reveal too much info on KZbin.

[@dent4f661]

lmao the tribute to xoxak is sooo good. I love this video Junkie! Outstanding.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! It was fun coming up with that part and I wanted to just keep going with it, but at some point I was like, alright Timmys had his fun I gotta say something interesting about this game 😅

[@fireproofneo]

Excellent work as always! Bravo!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it and I'm already looking forward to the next one I do, though it may be a bit painful if I do NES. Old school 8bit difficulty.

[@js200gb]

Love your videos! More Timmy, please! Whoo doggy! Mars Matrix is my favorite of these. Love the “chunky” graphics and the unlockables that make it more do-able and more fun too play. Especially the one that makes the chain time longer. If you streamed games ever, I’d love to watch!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Man if I ever manage to snag that cloning machine from Amazon I'll definitely start doing some streams. It's been back ordered for years 😂 But it's always in the back of my mind. Timmy will be back in the next episode of shmups for beginners... Timmy vs the euroshmup! Stay tuned 😂

[@johnmecca9008]

Regular mortals would look at this video and be like, “it ain’t that serious”. It’s those people who Don’t have respect for the insane amount of skill it takes to play this game right. It really is a gem.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Maybe if they fancy themselves as the shiznit 🤣. I think most people look at these games as something they could never play or are way too hard. For experts only if you’re hardcore. STGs have gotten that reputation. Though I’m trying to counteract that with a lot of my vids (not this one lol). But yeah, the hardest games like these do take skill and tons of practice. I haven’t 1cc’d most of them.

[@RodrigoGarciaCarmona]

Another great video! Your channel is turning into a really great resource, since most videos are long, in-depth and carefully done, perfect for repeating views when I finally decide to tackle some of the shmups you already featured. Good job! For the next "hardest" video, please go with the NES/Famicom. When talking about shmups, it's usually ignored, and it's my irreplaceable first love.

[@ShmupJunkie]

You and me both man, I'm a huge NES kid and it was the system I grew up with and cut my teeth on too before the Turbo stole me away. I will make sure to do it justice as it's a wonderful system. It will be hard to pick out the games as there are so many incredibly good and hard ones.

[@Steve_UK77]

Personally... I fall into that category with Ikaruga of really wanting to love it. Everything about on paper is fantastic but it stresses me out so badly its always more of an ordeal than enjoyable experience! Great video as always, can't wait for your next one.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. You and me both, but like I said in the video, watching expert players run some levels is so damn cool, more fun than trying to do it myself. You know it's good, but just too crazy to get good enough to play it that way.

[@polybius22]

So stoked to see the much awaited Dreamcast episode! Some pretty great games here.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It's been a long time coming. I was putting it off because I knew how tough some of the games are haha, but it's an awesome set of picks. I thought it came out well.

[@polybius22]

@@ShmupJunkie Yeah I especially enjoyed your approach on the Ikaruga segment. For me, playing to survive is humbling enough yet it is hard to deny just what a masterpiece it is. Mars Matrix is definitely one of my favorites though... everyone should go play MM hah

[@6vibe150]

Nice been waiting for this Sunday upload

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hope you enjoyed the watch. Sorry just catching up with old comments I missed.

[@Philoreason]

I still remember the first time I saw Ikaruga in the arcade in Tokyo while I was traveling (like 20yrs ago) it absolutely blew my mind!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I never did see it in Arcades. First time I ever played it was on Dreamcast. I can imagine how popular it must have been in Japanese arcades!

[@BigJuffer]

Wow mate, what a video! I thought I knew which games were coming then you threw in the curveball at the end. And I think we all agree about Ikaruga! After level 1 it's all about survival. I'm off to get wrecked by Mars Matrix.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Mars Matrix is a one shmup wrecking crew haha, but it's always fun up until it lays the smack down. I did want to do something different for that last game, and it's not too well known, so it was good to highlight. Also I wasn't about to even consider playing Last Nope again 😂

[@Dirk1Steele]

Another awesome video. Keep up the great work

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! I enjoyed making it and am already knee deep in the next one.

[@thajo310]

Another outstanding video, keep up the good work

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! I'm trying and enjoying it every time.

[@D-A-K]

Oh man. I only played a bit of Border Down but that music took me right back.

[@ShmupJunkie]

That game is just killer all around, start to finish. One of their best and the definition of a hidden gem.

[@Renegaiden_]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series as usual. I often watch Boarder Down gameplay and I thought I learned how the game works, but I had no idea it was rank based. Top 5 hardest shmups for sure. And the ost is number 1 in my heart. Btw, please bring back hilbilly timmy. That accent was A-1

[@ShmupJunkie]

Haha my accent got nuthin on the original xoxak but it was fun trying. BD is pretty complex yeah. Your initial starting choice decides the rank from the beginning, but after that it’s mostly how you survive and not the actual border colors that determine it. Some sections are just harder than others. Figuring it all out is definitely part of the fun and exploring the levels, whether one beats it or not. And the music is ace. It’s criminally unknown for how good it is.

[@unity6926]

Wow! I never thought I would see that one mars matrix/ giga wing review referenced and yet here it is! Incredible stuff. Dang ol football helmet.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Ha! Well if I was going to do Mars Matrix, and homage had to be paid to the classic. I almost did similar for Gunbird 2 but figured on shmup video saying really big hooters was enough. 😅

[@thewingedavenger1007]

Awesome vid!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@benjismith593]

Well I was going to head into work early, but Shmup Junkie has to post a new 52 minute video. There needs to be a Saturn Shmup collection series. I missed out on all of them. And bless all of you that can play, and love Ikaruga 🤣

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hahaha, you know I always start every video with the goal of keeping it around 30-40 min and it almost never happens. Especially with 5 games and all kinds of cool guest footage to show. I figure people may watch it in segments. I did do a Top 5 brutal video for Saturn way back and it's a fun one too, but yeah, I really will do an overall Saturn video someday. So many exclusive and great games on there that need to be highlighted.

[@NLSagat]

@@ShmupJunkie yeah the vids feel like 15 mins, that just shows how entertaining they are! And with you referencing the neo geo i had to watch that one again as well!

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@NLSagat that last Hope segment was a lot of fun to script haha. More fun then playing it that’s for sure 🤣

[@MikeMoranX13]

Man I miss my DREAMCAST! I had all of these back in the day. Good stuff man love your channel!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I wish I had kept a lot of my old DC games, it was a great system I really enjoyed. We all wish it lasted longer, but it produced plenty of gems we all still remember, aside from shmups.

[@luckyrockmore2796]

Man get one with a gdemu, you wont be sorry! Do the DCDIGITAL and play on modern tvs! 👍👍

[@arrowviper8882]

Loved the video, as always! Ikaruga is my nr. 1 shmup so I think you did a great job covering its details. On one hand I’ve seen youtubers rave about how god it is and in the same video admit they didn’t make it past level 3. Did you play it more than once? On the other hand I’ve seen snobs commenting on reviews, criticizing it cause they didn’t chain. That’s for experts! I think chaining is the equivalent of speedrunning a game. It’s not for everyone but the game becomes better if the designer thought about that aspect. What I’m trying to say is that you don’t have to play with all the games layers to enjoy it. That’s what makes it so good!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks man. Yeah it's not easy to cover a game that one personally doesn't love playing, but it turned out to be one of my favorite segments. I'm glad how it came out and I think even those who love the game can appreciate the result. Unlike scoring in most games where it's a "bonus" for more replay and added depth, I always felt that Ikaruga was designed for chaining, almost as it's main focus. I had someone recently tell me they had an easier time finishing it once they forced themselves to learn that, as it gives out so many more extends that way from score, it makes powering through and dying more often attainable versus just trying to survive on the limited lives you get. Either way, watching MAZ play the game is freaking awesome. Anyone can appreciate that.

[@SpidersSTG]

Just got the context for the Mars Matrix joke recently (and binge watched the whole channel)… brilliant gag for an intro!!

[@cat_god_studio402]

The video is still great, I will continue to follow it, thanks for sharing

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you, glad you enjoy and I appreciate you watching

[@benjismith593]

Watched it all. Great video as always! Can't wait for the introductory video! I'll give you one I like on the Genesis. It's Fire Shark put out by Dreamworks, but made by Toaplan. It has a nice, gradual , ramp up. Plus it's made by Toaplan so you can't go that wrong.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! And yes Fire Shark on mega drive is a good entry level game. I didn't get to do a dedicated segment for it, but I plan to include it in a list I am adding for more games to check out that I couldn't cover. There are so many and plenty of room left for part 2. The new video is out this morning in just an hour or so!

[@alfredocanas6802]

"Can't have my cornbread" jajaja!! that was a hell of a one liner.

[@ShmupJunkie]

😂 I had to think of something fun to end it with or he would've gone on with those ramblings for another five minutes.

[@DragonGrafx-16]

I am glad I found this video... I never knew about Neo XYX. The Dreamcast version also seems to be unobtainium now as a physical copy but I found an ISO of it so I can't wait to try in on my Dreamcast.

[@ShmupJunkie]

If you think the DC version is unobtanium try finding the Neo Geo carts haha. Impossible. I was lucky enough to grab the DC game when they were for sale. It's not like you can buy one any more even if you wanted to, so an ISO is the only way to go.

[@MadPanicGaming]

I'm one of those people that just likes Ikaruga, don't love it or hate it. It's fun enough but yeah, I'd rather play any of the other games on this list. Great video as usual, you're killing it with this series!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks dude! I’m honored you still watch some of my stuff. Making these is painful but also fun. I’m doing a shmups for beginners episode now I needed the break 😅

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

imho Gradius V is still best Treasure's shmup. But Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun are still interesting and gorgeous.

[@hooksnfangs6006]

Great vid Junkie! I always wished I had a Dreamcast. Nice to hear another person call out those Ikaruga reviews lol. I like playing Ikaruga for survival but I'll never play for score. The moment I tried playing for score was the moment it became "torture". I just want to shoot and dodge/eat bullets rather than chain!

[@ShmupJunkie]

The DC was a wonderful machine and I enjoyed it while it lasted, even if it was short lived. I just learned something today, that if you play Ikaruga for score, you can gain a ton of extends pretty easily from chaining well enough and 1CC it even if you die a dozen times. It would still require you to learn and play for chain though. So yeah, it's a game designed to be played technically. So it's brilliant, but not for everyone, especially those that just want to blow stuff up and not sweat the details.

[@J-D-P]

You had me creasing me up on this one!!! Genuinely, very fun and funny! (fun idea for a drinking game. Every time Mars Matrix is said, everyone take a shot! Everyone would be hammered in 3 minutes! :D)

[@ShmupJunkie]

There was no way I could do a Mars Matrix segment and not reference the classic Xoxak stuff. I was cracking up on those videos back when I practically didn't even watch youtube.

[@J-D-P]

@@ShmupJunkie I was genuinely laughing out loud. It was a good time!!!

[@lock7852]

Im so happy Border Down got so much love,great video junkie,Happy Easter!Play MarsMatrix!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Heck yeah, Border Down is criminally rare and not well known. It's such a well designed game all around, take no prisoners. I'm sure part of it was the steep difficulty without many ways to practice, but not much different from G Darius at the time.

[@_nightkid83]

Your channel rocks 😎 I can’t stop watching your videos!!! Bravo 🙂

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying them and I'll keep doing my best. Trying to finish up a beginner shmups video for the weekend.

[@user-ex5wc7fy2d]

Top content as always. I feel myself like paralysed one-handed dinosaur when watching your performance )) Though it's awesome to see you just make impossible. Great videos!

[@ShmupJunkie]

😂 Like a t-rex with tiny arms, I got a funny visual. That is how I feel when I watch experts play, like I am playing one handed. Happy you are enjoying the videos and thank you for that.

[@KaysAnimus]

The notes about Ikaruga are SUPER important. I do twitch play and arcade play well enough and I can't take on a super demanding shooter, BUT, I will always love watching a pro play Ikaruga from the start to the end. I think the game is a very unique case where even the pedestrian gamer that can't play it can appreciate it, like a music standard that everyone knows, or a commonly appreciated painting like the Mona Lisa. It is THAT kind of note in gaming history, and it's a work that only could have been painted by Treasure.

[@prehistogeek7090]

Great job as always 👍 informative and pleasant to watch! 👏 I just wish I had seen Karous in your selection 😋

[@ShmupJunkie]

It was close! That's a really cool game I haven't played in a long time. Giga Wing was close too, but so many good games on DC. I will do another video one day of my favorite DC games, not the hardest. For Saturn too.

[@temmaxtemma9570]

i need to say that i really appreciate this video. 👍

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you, I had fun making it. I appreciate your comment and watching.

[@oneeyedking202]

I see shmup junkie I hit like. I’m a man of cultured taste.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Oh yes, that thumbnail just oozes culture 😂. I'm glad I have enough folks that enjoy my ridiculous humor

[@GotNextVideo]

A lot of people make that assumption about Border Down being made by Metal Black staff, because of the obvious similarities and the fact that they came from Taito, but that's not the case. In fact they would have been kids when it came out. G.Darius was the first game those guys worked on right out of college. They did hire the composer of Metal Black to do the soundtrack though, and Maruyama obviously took a lot of inspiration from that game.

[@ShmupJunkie]

That's good to know so thank you for that insight. They sure did the staff proud, as honestly Border Down is a better game to me than Metal Black, as cool and experimental as it was. Border Down is fantastic.

[@GotNextVideo]

@@ShmupJunkie No doubt, they learned from the greats and took it to the next level, Border Down is more than worthy of the Darius and Metal Black legacies.

[@danmakuman]

I'm just plain bad on all the games you reviewed here lol Great video bro, getting better and better.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks dude! Anyone is bad at these games unless they've played them a ton, they are hard as hell. The later gen the consoles get, the harder the games seem to be, with the exception being the NES. Of all these games, NeoXYX is the one I can do really well in simply because it's my kind of game. Ikaruga kicks my ass the most after stage 3, I just can't "get it" without playing it a ton. Then I stop and forget it all haha

[@integrationdesigngroup7997]

Great videos!!! Psvariar 2 is a tough and great game, with a unique mechanic.

[@reagandow850]

The most bad-ass shmup show on KZbin!! Hillbilly or not, the Shmup Junkie’s got it GOING ON!!! 💪

[@ShmupJunkie]

Ha thanks man. I am just having fun with these. Sooner or later Timmy is going to get me into hot water doing something too stupid, but until then, the show must go on. 👍

[@reagandow850]

@@ShmupJunkie - Timmy is the shiz! Do t you dare ever get PC on us!!! Long live Timmy!!! ;)

[@bill5974]

Still cherish my DC original copies of Ikaruga and Border Down. I have all of these for DC apart from XYX which I'm gonna have to pick up. Excellent vid.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I was glad to jump on XYX before it got too out of hand, but the prices are still reasonable in terms of DC games, so get it while you can. I'd love to find the Neo version but it's just too crazy money and rare. I'm glad I got BD when I did that one skyrocketed to some crazy prices.

[@philmason9653]

Mars Matrix was the first manic shmup I ever took a run at. I never could get the 1cc, but I pushed myself to plow through & unlock BG graphic. It gave me legit PTSD, I couldn't even look at the game without getting numb for the next two decades. Gunbird 2 is my favourite shmup period. That one's near impossible too, but I have a very different relationship with it due to understanding the genre better these days and it generally being a cheerful world to spend time in. For beginner shmups, I think Thunder Force AC on Switch is a great one to look at. Legendary dev, legendary series, great game, not a pushover (except for the early bosses), but very doable for an average player.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Good recommendation for Switch, I forgot it was on there. My fault for not seeing this comment sooner or I would have included it in my video. That and Thunder Force III seem the most accessible of the series. I agree with you on Gunbird, it's just a fun and inviting game. I think that's why so many like it even if it kicks their butt pretty quick. I haven't 1CC'd it or Mars. I can get to the last stage on Mars but then it starts wrecking you, I used continues. Not enough practice yet. Same with Gunbird. It's Ok at first, but if you don't die long enough the bullets get crazy fast.

[@Silverghosts]

You ever have a game that you remember extremely fondly, because it was some of the most fun you've had with it, and then years later, the title escapes you? All I remember about this game, is that it was a horizontal shmup, the vehicle could transform and at the end, you raced out of the core of the planet. I played it on a MAME emulator, but man...It hurts my soul that I can't remember the name of it. I'd give up so many games, just to have a chance at playing it one more time with my dad.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Man, if you could just remember which console it was for, that would narrow it down a lot and we could probably help figure it out. Throw out some ideas. Escaping the core at the end is pretty common haha, the transforming part not as much.

[@Silverghosts]

@@ShmupJunkie Honestly, I think it was something that was arcade exclusive, but it'd be a lot easier if i could remember the names of the bosses back then. It used to announce them before the fights. I'll probably remember it some day, I still have my modded xbox and the MAME emulator still works. enough searching and I'll find it someday

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@Silverghosts Dang arcade does make it harder as it could be anything. If you do remember let me know as now I’m also curious 🧐

[@Silverghosts]

@@ShmupJunkie If I ever figure it out, you'll be the first to know my friend. It'd be a game I'd like to see reviewed, even if it turns out to be average in terms of Shmups, it's got a special place in my heart because I cleared the whole game with my dad.

[@WXSTANG]

Dude, I absolutely loved Ikaruga. Legit! I could beat it on hard... not as good as the player you got... but close. The last boss with both your lasers going at the same time is absolutely nuts.

[@ShmupJunkie]

You're the few and the proud to finish it on hard man. MAZ is nuts and playing towards world records with how much time he still puts into the game.

[@salemite]

I absolutely love Ikaruga, and I will never be more than amateur at it. I will always collapse by stage 4 on even my best runs and I just don't have the fortitude to dedicate the time to get beyond that. I will always come back to it, because it is just that beautiful.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Stage 4 is the death of the second wave. Good enough to play it until it really lays the smack down. If I haven’t played in a long while that stage is the death of me too. Very much a love it or hate it game, but those who love it really do!

[@luckyrockmore2796]

I remember a video back in the day of a player playing both first and second player at the same time and being amazed. I never got my hands on the "appreciate dvd" either. I really enjoyed this game RIP Liksang!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Which game were they playing? Funny you mention that, as there was a game not long ago, a small indie game called Raging Blasters, that some I know were playing two players on their own. To the point where the dev made a mode with playing that way in mind for a single person, a pretty cool idea.

[@luckyrockmore2796]

@@ShmupJunkie Ikaruga, was the game one player using each hand for each player....I seen another comment on here where someone else mentioned it as well. Mind blown!

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@luckyrockmore2796 Yeah I can barely play ikaruga with both hands let alone one! 🤣 Now that you mention it that sounds familiar.

[@luckyrockmore2796]

@@ShmupJunkie ha! Same! 🤣

[@ghostmouthzach56]

Sunday Gold! Mars Matrix is a tough one although being able to use a Saturn pad for it makes it a bit easier.

[@ShmupJunkie]

A Saturn pad is about all I use to play any STG these days if I can help it, it's so much easier on the thumb since I don't use a stick often. Mars Matrix is so damn fun even if I don't think I really play it the right way.

[@miketate3445]

Let's get a Spartacus thing going: I play Ikaruga for survival.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I play ikaruga for survival... and poorly may I add haha. I learned recently that playing for chain actually makes it easier (supposedly) once you figure it out, as you get a lot more extends for scoring better.

[@fettuccinefred3941]

great content

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you.

[@Midekai]

I remember playing mars matrix on an actual arcade cabinet way back before the dreamcast version came out. It was so hard that I never ended up picking up the home version. I lost a lot of quarters that day lol

[@ShmupJunkie]

Lol I don't know if the arcade version is even harder, but the DC version is hard enough. It's super fun though, honestly it's worth playing. Even if you hit a wall around stage 3 or so. I hit a wall on that last level.

[@unlimitedretrogaming]

Impressive top notch video my friend!! I need to break it down a little: 1.- I am gonna go with team Timmy here and not play Mars Matrix LOL 2.- GUNBARDA 2 is a perfect shooter that I have yet to beat (still some pendind business with the first one in normal mode...yes, I know) 3.- Love how you left the Psikyo Collection title screen running in the back 4.- looking forward to try Border Down and 5.- your brutal comments regarding Ikaruga players and reviewers are fantastic 👍🏻🤣 would LOVE to see some NES love soon after the beginners video soon!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Aww man Mars Matrix is a cool game. You might like it. Timmy is just a big complainer haha. If you can play Gunbird 2 you can play almost anything, that games is nuts. But I would try Border Down first knowing your taste as it's so similar to G Darius I think you'll like it. NES shooters is going to happen too. I have to prepare myself for the old school 8bit style of difficulty that we know all too well 😓

[@unlimitedretrogaming]

@@ShmupJunkie all right then, not gonna listen to Timmy and go with your recommendation!! Looking forward to seeing some NES hard games!!

[@louisgorenfeld570]

Ahh I loved Ikaruga back in the day, when I still had the patience for games like that and Mars Matrix. I never intended to max chain everything (yes, that stage 4 boss weeded me out and my chain would die by the end of st3), but I enjoyed figuring out what to do to max chain without peeking, and more importantly figure out how I can not drop my own chain at my current skill level. Both of those games require dedication to the point that you cannot take time off, though. So, these days I just do easier stuff when the DC is hooked up. Very thorough and fair video! You know which one I found was completely brutal was Chaos Field. I don't know that I made it to stage 3.

[@miltiadiskoutsokeras9189]

I started to believe in aliens when I saw a person finishing arcade version Ikaruga, no miss, playing both players, one hand per stick. Video games are like musical instruments, cannot do a Van Halen solo on your first tries.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Were they using their third alien hand to actually fire and change polarity for both players at the same time? 😅

[@miltiadiskoutsokeras9189]

@@ShmupJunkie I shit you not. I will find the video and share here.

[@miltiadiskoutsokeras9189]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4uoeKyoetOLqM0 this is one case, but I will try to find the complete run.

[@luckyrockmore2796]

I remember this back in the day! 🤯🤯🤯

[@JogosMofados]

I recall the day I finally beat Mars Matrix. Used up all my continues, but it was glorious :). Although Ikaruga is one of the most different shooters, and definitely not for everyone, I did enjoy a lot up to the point I was able to beat it 1CC on easy on the Gamecube back in the day, which made me quite proud - yeah, not as proud as if I played on normal, but whatever. Though I was nowhere near getting all those combo chains people do online, just enough to enjoy the minimalist plot - and I'm glad they did translate the haikus before each stage in the PS4/Switch version. Thanks for bringing back some memories! :)

[@ShmupJunkie]

Finishing it on an any mode is a feat, you should be proud of it. Sometimes the normal mode can be easier, as the extra bullets they fire back you can absorb faster for your homing laser. Mars takes me a credit or two to finish as well, I'm not good enough at it yet, especially that crazy final stage woof. I picked up the Switch version myself even, as I didn't have any other US copy only my Japan DC original, so it's good to have. I still have illusions that I'll someday find the time and get much better at it 😂

[@JogosMofados]

@@ShmupJunkie interesting, I didn't know Mars Matrix was available for the Switch. Though the Dreamcast version is the one that makes me nostalgic, it's good that is available for more people now.

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@JogosMofados oh no sorry, I meant ikaruga on switch. Mars isn’t on there far as I know.

[@JogosMofados]

@@ShmupJunkie I see, that's a piity, Mars Matrix does deserve a re-release nowadays. The buzz system was pretty unique.

[@basilrush77]

Hi Junkie! You certainly have a good way with words to encourage people to give 'being brutaly eliminated' a go 😁 These are the type of shooters that you shouldn't play too soon before bed, because you would you be so high on adrenaline that you wouldn't sleep for hours afterwards, in some cases I have found myself still playing that game in my head! 😂 Anyway, love your vids dude, your passion for Shmups really shines through them ❤✨👍

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks man! I’m with you completely I can NOT play shmups late before bed. I always relax with more chill affairs. It takes a certain type to enjoy getting reamed by these games, but part of it is not taking it too seriously and expecting it. Knowing the process. I honestly can’t say any of these games are enjoyable for the simple goal of being great at them. I’m not. But when you just pick up and play for fun it changes things. And that’s a perspective we used to have with shooters back in the day that got lost with all the expert games. I’m working on a beginner shmups video next!

[@basilrush77]

@@ShmupJunkie Great idea! I look forward to it 🙌

[@gustavolobo4314]

I somehow have no problem surviving Ikaruga, I must be very defensive since I admire how aggressive you are in these games!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Mars Matrix? I’m not sure it’s even possible to not play aggressive haha. That last stage still kicks my ass though. Bullet hell isn’t my strength.

[@dahnilama1417]

Haha you perfectly described how I feel about Ikaruga. I watched the pros play through it and thought wow this looks amazing, unfortunately my brain can't process what's happening on screen quick enough to change polarity so I give up.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It takes a ton of practice to wrap your head around it. I had a hard time with it too. I slower get better once I put time into it but just not playing for a while and it’s back to square one. It’s a beast. I’m happy watching it too 😅

[@personavisceration371]

Come for the tough shooters, stay for the low brow humor :) A great episode, even if this is the starting point of a type of gameplay I'm not good at and don't enjoy fully. How about shmups on portables like the PSP and Vita? You would probably have to lump all the Nintendo portable consoles together to get enough to cover.

[@ShmupJunkie]

One of the few arenas of my life I can get away with the low brow humor 😂 I never thought about portables actually though I know there was some good ones. I barely played portables through the years so it's a weak point for me in terms of knowledge. A turbo express and a PSP are the only two I ever owned, and I originally got the PSP for the two god of war games 😓

[@digitalworms]

Thanks for this needed a good laugh! I've met a few guys that talk that way(I live in Arkansas) idk if they are joking or not lmao. And happy easter y'all!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hahaha well hopefully they don't talk THAT bad but I know what you mean. I was trying to copy his accent in the old xoxak videos but I can't do it as well as he did, those videos were gold.

[@bl85gamer]

Another amazing video of shooters I shouldn't play 😆 I've actually played 2 of these Gunbird 2 and Border Down 😊 I really wanna check out Neo XYX because it looks amazing 😳

[@ShmupJunkie]

It is dude, and it's fun. Easy to jump in I think you would like it. It gives you a ton of credits to start so even if it keeps killing you, you can usually get pretty far first and have some fun. Border Down is harsh man, but I hadn't played it in so long and forgot how good it was too.

[@thegreathadoken6808]

I don't play Mars Matrix for all the reasons Timmy so capably pointed out. Smart guy, that Timmy. He speaks for those of us who suck at shooters. IF I'm honest though, I do occasionally play ALL these games. Briefly.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Timmy speaks for all of us who enjoy watching people get kicked in the balls repeatedly too hahah, which is kind of what playing some of these games is like. I got a fun Idiocaracy reference with ol' tim coming up in the next vid.

[@garrettspencer3887]

Good vid just supported you

[@ShmupJunkie]

Sorry just saw your comment. Thank you and please do shoot me a message on there if you did, so I know who you are. I appreciate the support.

[@tom11zz884]

Nothing like reviewing original hardware shooters Giga Wing 2 is my all time favorite.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah both Giga Wing games are super fun, and not quite as crazy as Mars even though they're plenty hard too. Very little "easy" shmups to choose from in this generation, it was mostly experts and fans playing at that point. But I've got a good shmups for beginners video coming soon.

[@davy_K]

The 2 character one player mode (like a tag team mode) is a really nice addition to the Dreamcast Gunbird 2 port. Gives you an extra life to start with too.

[@MrSerpico145]

Great poetry!

[@SleepingCocoon]

loads of coincidences here that line up with my past couple weeks! was just binging xoxak last week, i've revisited his videos every year or so for the past decade and always get a laugh. "this cannon shoots you into this awful world" is exactly how i feel about Ikaruga! also finally got a GDEMU for my Dreamcast after having laser assemblies fail time and time again, and while it's far from my favorite console, it was fun to dig back into it - especially with those new Atomiswave conversions (no more dealing with the Atomiswave board, good riddance!). i came back around to check out Border Down again after not clicking with it time and time again, and wouldn't you know it, this time it sunk its hooks right in! could hardly put it down and managed to get to stage 4G! what a game.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Haha I should've watched his Ikargua video again too before doing mine, I forgot that line. I did watch the Gunbird one and funny enough how he uses Morrigan too like I do, though refrained from any really big hooters commentary 😅. Those usb upgrades for the drive are awesome. I have an old one from a while back, a gd-usb that works fine too and I play a bunch of games that way. I'm glad you gave BD another shot it's a kick ass game... just hard too appreciate at first when it's making you feel like a chump.

[@MixologistMilo]

Fantastic! Mars Matrix made me rage quit a couple of weekends ago, should have watched this beforehand 👏👏

[@ShmupJunkie]

Haha, I had someone mention in a comment they thought Mars was a good entry level game. I was like what crack are you smoking? I didn't say it, but I thought it 😅

[@MixologistMilo]

@@ShmupJunkie haha 👊

[@chriscalvert4609]

Love your videos. You and Bithead are pc engine gods among men.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Speaking of PC Engine, I am about due for another PCE focused video it's been too long. And I enjoy them immensely so it'll be fun to do another. The NEXZR video I did was a blast and even though it's overdone and popular, I wanted to do a really good one for Soldier Blade or for the series. Still being one of my favorite games ever.

[@chriscalvert4609]

@@ShmupJunkie the Nexzr and Compile ones almost left me speechless. Holy hell were they good. Can’t wait to eventually see Soldier Blade get the same treatment. It definitely deserves it.

[@michaelcarr6382]

These videos are fantastic. I love them . Can we get one on good beginner shmups. I can only recommend Habroxia to my friends and I don't have your vast knowledge. I like bullet hell games . Makes it hard to recommend anything other then those type of games

[@ShmupJunkie]

Absolutely I've been planning one for a while now, putting my list together and ideas of how to show them all. It will happen.

[@michaelcarr6382]

@@ShmupJunkie as always your the man

[@jgn]

I played ikaruga for survival and I adore it to be fair it is my second 1cc and the treasure devteam said outright "unlike radiant silvergun you dont need to play for score"

[@jordanjackson6151]

GB2 was actually the 1st shmup I ever bought. I only did it because it was the type of game I'd eventually buy when I'd grow old enough to afford such - but by then it was on a next gen system. I would've gotten R-Types or Thunder Force 2, 3, and 4 (which I did but way later) but being that it was the 2000's I knew I couldn't find anything 16 bit on the market. Then I got an Amazon & EBAY account years later. My shmup collection had since grown.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It's painful buying on ebay these days. Game prices are out of control and many are overcharging. If you still like collecting, the best place I found is through good Facebook collectors groups. It seems to be a popular platform for them, and I have found most of my good deals through people I met there and the groups. Ebay is kind of a last resort these days. Collecting shmups especially can be an expensive hobby haha

[@jordanjackson6151]

@@ShmupJunkie I've actually beaten GB2 on Normal twice back when I was 19. A few months ago I just moved into my first home. That gem of a game (along with 85% of my shmup collection from my moms house) is indeed with me. CIB forever.

[@Philroq7]

Ikaruge is such an amazing game once you really invest a lot of time with it and are patient with it. It has a steep learning curve and I can see why its hard for people to get into it. My brother and I once played it over and over and kept advancing, getting better, learning the patterns etc. Once you complete the game you will get a feeling of an accomplishment like no other shmup. Its an experience.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I remember finishing it long, long ago back in it's early days and it definitely took a lot of patience and practice. I never did 1CC it though, but I did see it through one way or another. Some people love it despite not getting anywhere and others don't despite finishing it, it's so divisive. Yet it's clearly brilliant. I learned a lot more about it than I expected when making the segment on it here and gaining knowledge from MAZ. His skills are just insane in it.

[@ridho39]

I hate playing Ikaruga but I love watching a good player play it

[@ShmupJunkie]

So say we all... well at least some of us 😓

[@DewShick]

xoxak's review opened my eyes on mars matrix unironically. you can play the game for exp (which is kept between the deaths and is similar to scoreplay). that way, you gather the bullets and throw them in some enemy, then they turn in golden cubes, and you have to chain-collect these to get more exp and more score, the more exp you get the stronger you become

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Morgan in gunbird 2 is really cool :-) would love to see more crossovers like this. Maybe Dizzy in a cave game ha. I d say gunbird 2 is the hardest dream cast shmup, the first loop is brutal, but the 2nd loop is downright insane

[@ShmupJunkie]

I honestly don’t know who plays the second loop in Gunbird 2 and has a recorded 2-All. I did find one on KZbin but you never know how legit they are. Just the first stage on loop 2 was bad enough 🤣

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

@@ShmupJunkie maybe there is something on nicovideo? japanese's youtube

[@SuperLlama42]

Excuse me, but Ikaruga was my first shmup, and I never made it past stage FOUR, thank you very much.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Haha. Ikaruga was many other people’s not first shmup, possibly there twenty first, and they didn’t make it past stage four either 😅. In fact if it was one’s first and they made it past stage two or three, that’s already impressive.

[@angelriverasantana7755]

Serious fuckin' gold, Junkie man! And I like how ya just cut straight to the chase with this one, even with the diversion that is Tinfoil Timmy. And the day I play Dreamcast Gunbird 2 is the day I die happy... Mainly cuz Morrigan looks so fun to use, and I'm baffled the Mobirix dudes didn't ask Capcom to put her in the mobile version. It'd have been sweet

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yeah this video ended up being long enough, I didn't want to beat around the bush too much and drag it out at the start. Plus it fit perfectly with just getting in there and doing something funny for the Mars Matrix xoxak spoof, it's how I envisioned it. I think getting the rights to use Morrigan from Capcom may not come cheap, so it won't happen again unless they release it on their own platform. Even then the arcade version doesn't have it. I always used her back in the day so I just got used to it.

[@angelriverasantana7755]

@@ShmupJunkie It worked to its favor, and it's funny that it doesn't come cheap, especially when the Darkstalkers series is in tatters.

[@NintenDub]

Good stuff

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks dude

[@jbmaru]

I have Ikaruga, hate its difficulty but love its execution and in particular the music. The game is just 17MB in size, so all that great music is generated by the synthesizer in the console! I heard of Gryzor for the first time when ZPF on the Mega Drive was announced, so thanks for the background on the man. I can see some similarities between the XYX and ZPF graphics.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I did a video review for Super XYX a while back and did a deep dive into Gryzor and his games, how it all developed. He is a very unique dude. ZPF looks freaking awesome I can't wait for that one. It looks very much his style. I didn't know that about Ikaruga and it being that small? My rom was larger but who knows what else is burned onto the disc.

[@jbmaru]

@Shmup Junkie Thanks, just watched it and gave it its 444th like for 4 dislikes, cos I liked the look of that :)

[@ZatohRondohoon3227]

Awesome video. Also, not on topic, but maybe you could take a deep dive on Yakouga series? Or not? 🤔

[@ouchiewowow]

Good beginner shmups next huh? I'd still call myself a beginner since I'm only about a year into playing them for 1ccs, but I think I can tell when a game is easier. R-Type Leo and Thunder Cross seem like good starting points for people, as well as some compile games. Looking forward to that list.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I’m getting on that really soon yeah. And I’m thinking beginner beginner, not just easier. Even Leo is way too much as a starter shmup that game gets hard later. I’m going for games that are both good and fun, and novices can enjoy just starting out, but will teach good fundamentals and can be a stepping stone to harder modes.

[@dextersbeard3472]

Last Hope is hands down one of the hardest SHMUPs on the console. Especially the original which is alot harder than the Pink Bullets version which is still brutal.

[@ShmupJunkie]

We’ve grown to call it Last Nope! Lol Yeah the only reason I didn’t include it here as I did the original version in the Neo Geo hardest video. Super funny segment too I had a good time making it. Well no I didn’t have a good time playing it haha. But it made for great material. That soundtrack though is out of this world good. So good I bought the CD.

[@ps3inquisition441]

The Mars Matrix bit brought me back. Is that video still on KZbin? Haven’t seen it in forever.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It is! You can look it up. Cave tribute by xoxak.

[@ShmupsBR]

I couldn't agree more on Mars Matrix. I remember playing it back in the day and saying "what the hell is going on? Is anyone supposed to beat this game?". I wonder if there's any slowdown on the arcade version, which was eliminated on the DC version, like what happened to Gigawing.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Never did understand why they removed slowdown from so many ports. It was common on Saturn, PS1 and DC games, many ports really. Games that had it designed specifically as necessary for how it played, like Dodonpachi on Saturn. As if the game isn't hard enough haha.

[@RewindArcade]

These are all WAY too tough for me but I am a huge Ikaruga fan since it was probably the most unique shooter I’d ever seen. Gunbird 2 definitely also wrecked me back in the day, haha!

[@ShmupJunkie]

These games wreck everyone that plays them so don't take it to heart... they require so much dang practice to have a remote shot at doing well. Even one stage at a time practicing with saves they are brutal. The only part that matters to me is if I'm having fun playing them. Some a lot, others not so much and it feels more like a chore. Gunbird 2 is always fun I keep coming back to it as it's such a quick game to play.