Your favourite shmup

[sheep2001]

Yes, import both games. Keep in mind that Shikigami no Shiro 1 is a much shorter game than Shikigami no Shiro 2. I recommend picking up the japanese copies of course, but if you can find it do check out the American version of 2, "Castle of Shikigami 2" for PS2. Its subpar translation is great as a drinking game; everytime a character says something that MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE, take a sip. You'll be drunk by the second stage!

sorry i seem to be hijacking this thread.  was looking at the JP versions of XBox Shikigami.  There also seems to be a Shikigami No Shiro Evolution.  Is this a better/different version to either 1 or 2, or an entirely new game?

[satoshi_matrix]

Oh yeah, sorry I forgot about that. Shikigami no Shiro Evolution is a Japanese only Xbox exclusive remake of the first game, which also got ported to the Xbox prior to Evolution's release. Evolution features new and improved enemy AI, a few new playable characters, and the new Evo.Mode game mode that remixes some of the stages. If you've got a TV that can support true shmup aspect ratio, it also includes a vertical mode.

Other than that, it comes in a very attractive package where the kanji, 式神の城 shows up in really cool shiny letters (the kind a scanner would ruin if one tried to make a scan of). It also has a mini artbook the size of the manual which is really cool.

Still, Evolution is just a enhanced version of the original. The sequel is longer and more fun to play.

[Symptoms0fMercy]

Theres also the Gradius Collection and Salamander (LifeForce) Portable Collection on PSP if anyone needs shmups on the go 

[satoshi_matrix]

Add to that the Parodius Portable PSP collection.

[XanderBoy]

I got a few shooters for pretty cheap.  Raiden 3, Castle Shikigami 2, and R-Type Final all for $25.  Shikigami is really fun, but my PS3 doesn't have full-BC support so will hang at some points.

[bluedogrulez]

Recca (NES/famicom), Axelay (SNES), and Star Soldier:  Vanishing Earth (N64), with Axelay being my #1.  The music, graphics and gameplay are just phenomenal.  Hope to see covers for the first and last (vertical style) soon (wish I had the sklilz to make 'em).  I think Star Soldier:  Vanishing Earth is a bit underrated . . . .

[Dr.Agon]

arrgh!, too many to list!
for the moment i'll say raiden fighters, this game is the reason i bought my supergun!, whoever it was who decided this game wouldnt be released for the 360 in the uk deserves several hard kicks up the arse! with a steel tipped boot!

[RealPlumpBox]

This should help you out A LOT!!!!  I am on this site all the time.

http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38073

My fav shmups are
     
     Mushehimesama Futari
     Ibara
     Psyvariar 2
     Border down
Also alot more.  Shmups are my favorite catagory of games.  Any questions on them ask away!!!

[eskil]

Keio Flying Squadron. Fucking RACCOONS, man.

[Forte]

RayStorm, but RayForce and RayCrisis are fine entries in the series as well.

[satoshi_matrix]

I'm also a huge fan of Gradius V. It's probably in my personal top 10 PS2 games.

[kylethestyle]

I would really love to say Ikaruga is my favorite, but I've logged more play hours with Under Defeat on the Dreamcast. And for those interested, Under Defeat HD is finally getting a western release!
http://www.amazon.com/Under-Defeat-Deluxe-Edition-Playstation-3/dp/B0093FMS3U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350269564&sr=8-1&keywords=under+defeat+hd

[redsox2012]

Galaga is my all time favorite shooter, but as far as scrolling shmups go, Thunder Force III for the Sega Genesis is my favorite.

[Mick Dundee]

Im not really a fan of these, but for some reason I own a complete copy of Einhander.

 I dont mind galaga, but its not something i avidly want to play.

[games-go-round]

I gotta agree with earlier mentions of Space Megaforce - that game is superb!

My favorite shoot-em-up, by far, is U.N. Squadron on the SNES.  It might not be the most "traditional" - you earn cash for shooting planes, then spend it to upgrade your own jet - but the game's a blast, and one of my favorite SNES games, period.  If you've never tried it, give it a go!  It's a great early SNES Capcom game, along with Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts.