See the topic thread.
This is a must watch to get the full scope (and a pretty accurate ranking) of all of Konami shmups:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrlQQWNG1Hk
Despite nearly abandoning the genre aside from curiosities like Otomedius and the oddball comp every now and again, it would not be an understatement that shmups were the genre that built Konami. I'd say most retro game enthusiasts have at least some awareness of Gradius and its spin-offs, but Konami has so much more than that!
My personal favorites:
Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou (1988, Arcade)
www.youtube.com
Still my favorite Gradius game. Introduces a lot of series staples, stage themes and mechanically, while having a difficulty that is "just right" (still very hard lol) compared to the insanely punishing Gradius III. Be advised, there are actually TWO Gradius IIs, the other is an unrelated Gradius 2 on MSX. The game has a lot of ports, even a very competent (with liberties taken ofc) Famicom one using a special rom-mapper that even has digitized voice samples! Though I probably like the arcade one best, the pictured PC-Engine one is also a solid choice for first timers because of the bonus stage.
Xexex (1991, Arcade)
www.youtube.com
"Konami's R-Type", but it's honestly so much more than that. A real celebration of their arcade hardware coupled with really "out there" stage, enemy and boss design. It was poised for arcade greatness, but unfortunately released alongside Capcom's little-known arcade title, Street Fighter 2. This has a current release on modern consoles inexplicably under the North American arcade title "Orius". Do not play that version of the game, it sucks.
Sexy Parodius (1996, Arcade)
www.youtube.com
I'd not only say that Sexy Parodius is quite easily the greatest game in the Parodius series, but also the best "cute 'em up" period. Game has a freaking Castlevania stage!!!!
Nearly criminal that this game hasn't seen re-release since the PSP Parodius set.
Which Konami shmup is your preference for shooting the core?
This is a must watch to get the full scope (and a pretty accurate ranking) of all of Konami shmups:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrlQQWNG1Hk
Despite nearly abandoning the genre aside from curiosities like Otomedius and the oddball comp every now and again, it would not be an understatement that shmups were the genre that built Konami. I'd say most retro game enthusiasts have at least some awareness of Gradius and its spin-offs, but Konami has so much more than that!
My personal favorites:
Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou (1988, Arcade)
Gradius 2 Music (BGM) - Stage 1 - Burning Heat
Best arcade game ever! Gradius 2 is pure awesomeness. it's hard and challenging! just the way I like it. And I will always remember the epic soundtrack...Gra...
www.youtube.com
Still my favorite Gradius game. Introduces a lot of series staples, stage themes and mechanically, while having a difficulty that is "just right" (still very hard lol) compared to the insanely punishing Gradius III. Be advised, there are actually TWO Gradius IIs, the other is an unrelated Gradius 2 on MSX. The game has a lot of ports, even a very competent (with liberties taken ofc) Famicom one using a special rom-mapper that even has digitized voice samples! Though I probably like the arcade one best, the pictured PC-Engine one is also a solid choice for first timers because of the bonus stage.
Xexex (1991, Arcade)
XEXEX ゼクセクス BGM 012 Crystal Clear Stage 3 BGM (arcade game music)
BGM 012 Crystal Clear Stage 3 BGM (arcade game music)＃arcadegamemusic
www.youtube.com
"Konami's R-Type", but it's honestly so much more than that. A real celebration of their arcade hardware coupled with really "out there" stage, enemy and boss design. It was poised for arcade greatness, but unfortunately released alongside Capcom's little-known arcade title, Street Fighter 2. This has a current release on modern consoles inexplicably under the North American arcade title "Orius". Do not play that version of the game, it sucks.
Sexy Parodius (1996, Arcade)
Sexy Parodius OST: Chu Chu Polka
First of all, copyrighted by Konami. I uploaded this music because it is impossible to get the music anymore somewhere, so I decided to upload it to here so ...
www.youtube.com
I'd not only say that Sexy Parodius is quite easily the greatest game in the Parodius series, but also the best "cute 'em up" period. Game has a freaking Castlevania stage!!!!
Nearly criminal that this game hasn't seen re-release since the PSP Parodius set.
Which Konami shmup is your preference for shooting the core?
