Shmuparch version 4.2 has been released

If you're into emulation (and if not, get started!) here's some pretty big news, Shmuparch Version 4.2 has been released! Here's a handy introduction and setup video to get you on your way (Links under the video!):

Contra Anniversary Collection full lineup revealed

Konami will release the Contra Anniversary Collection sometime this summer with a spread shot to all platforms: Steam, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. It's a digital collection and will include:
Contra (Arcade/NES/Famicom)
Super Contra (Arcade)
Super C (NES)
Contra III: The Alien Wars (SNES)
Super Probotector: Alien Rebels (SNES)
Contra: Hard Corps (Genesis)
Probotector (Mega Drive)
Operation C (Game Boy)

That's a variety pack if I ever saw one. Make sure to hone your skills for this one!

Arcade Love: Plus Pengo! arrives on Switch August 22nd

Arcade Love: Plus Pengo! has been announced for the Nintendo Switch and will arrive on August 22nd. Why should you care?

Here, let me show you a video:


There's plenty of shmup action to be had with Shmups Skill Test and CombatZeal included.

R-Type Final 2 is headed for Kickstarter

In what I can only think will be a slam dunk, R-Type Final 2 will head for Kickstarter on June 3rd. The game is now targeting Steam, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. So, smiles all around as your platform is sure to be included! Keep your eyes peeled for this one!

Parallaxian for C64 tries to Kickstart

Let's keep the C64 news rolling! There's a Kickstarter that ends June 16th that tries to get funding for a new shmup called Parallaxian.

If you're into shmups and the Commodore 64 you know what to do!

Early video:

Radirgy Swag available for pre-download

Radirgy Swag is now available for pre-download in the japanese e-store (Nintendo Switch). The Switch is region free so all you need to start pre-downloading is a japanese account. Just sayin'.

Alien Chase, open source shmup for Game Boy, released

Alien Chase is a brand new shmup for Nintendos classic handheld Game Boy. It's three levels long and includes full source code should you get any ideas about rolling your own shmup for the platform.

Reshoot R for Amiga released

If you needed further proof that a 30 year old computer can still kick ass RESHOOT R has been released and is available for purchase for the Amiga (specifically Amiga CD32, 1200 and 4000).

Available as a digital download, a signature edition (which includes a printed manual, a physical copy and a soundtrack CD) and a pure edition (which includes a physical copy of the game).

Vortex, new SEUCK game for C64 released

Vortex is a new shmup for the Commodore 64. Like so many of its brethren on the C64 platform it's made using the Shoot'Em'Up Construction kit (SEUCK).

Download Vortex.

Bridge Strike review (Amiga game)

Although not as old as the Commodore 64, the Amiga from the same company is still plenty old. But the mid-80s to late 90s computer still commands a dedicated following and new games are being written for it, just as with the C64.

One such game is Bridge Strike which gets reviewed by (fittingly) AmigaGuru (kids today won't get the pun). Looks to me if you still have an Amiga and want a fresh shmup, Bridge Strike could very well be the way to go.

Gradius III Bullet Heaven review

The Gradius games are usually a safe bet when you want some shooting fun.

Goldrake for C64 released

While this is yet another Shmup made with the Shoot'Em'Up Construction kit (SEUCK) don't hold that against it.

Goldrake was released May 17th and is available for download for your cool Commodore 64.

Psikyo Collection Volume 1-3 for Switch promotion video

With Psikyo Collection Volume 3 arriving fast (May 30th!) here's a new promo video for all three volumes in the collection.

Play-Asia has them all for your ordering pleasure.

ESP Ra.De aiming for late 2019 release on Switch, PS4

Developer and porter extraordinnaire  M2 confirmed in an interview that ESP Ra.De really is coming in late 2019 and also confirmed platforms this time: PlayStation 4 and Switch. They are just discussing a japanese release for now but shmups have a way of escaping the confines of their region these days.

The reboot you've been waiting for? Cotton!

With reboots and new entries in classic shmup series seemingly being announced every other day, another classic series is getting the (re)boot: Cotton.

Tentatively (and might I add imaginatively) titled Cotton Reboot is coming for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PC (I'm assuming they mean Windows). It's based on the X68000 version of the game.

The new Radirgy game, Swag, is coming to Switch on June 13th

Radirgy Swag is the latest game in the Radirgy series, a brand new entry coming to Nintendo Switch on June 13th - at least on the Japanese eShop.

I'm a bigger fan of Karous than Radirgy but I'll take it! :)

The Strikers series is getting a new entry!

With Strikers 1945 and Strikers 1945 II already available and Strikers 1999 arriving later this year on Switch, a brand new entry in the series has been announced: Strikers 2020!

This is great news for shmup fans everywhere!

Gunlord X announcement trailer for Switch

Way back in August of 2018 we got first word that Neo Geo / Dreamcast game Gunlord was getting an overhaul and landing on the Nintendo Switch.

It's now only days to release, May 22nd is what they're aming for, and here's the announcement trailer:

Bullet Heaven reviews obscure PSX shooter 70's Robot Anime Geppy-X

A weird 4-disc release from 1999 for the original PlayStation gets the Bullet Heaven treatment.
And yes, PSIO supports multi-disc releases.

The Shmup Guy reviews the FlipGrip

Here's the latest review from the Shmup Guy, a piece of kit I consider essential for any shmup fan with a Nintendo Switch: The FlipGrip.


But don't just take my word for it, watch the review!

Bullet Heaven reviews Stahlfeder (PSX)

Stahlfeder for Sonys trusty old PlayStation (One) gets a workout from Bullet Heaven:


And remember, the PSIO is a real thing that works excellently. Just saying.

Battle Garegga goes Limited

M2s fantastic PS4 port of Battle Garegga is getting a release from Limited Run Games on May 10th.

The Limited Collector's Edition will include the soundtrack on both CD and LP and a Blu-ray with a new documentary, M2: The Complete Works, on the M2 game development team. Our old friend Serrax from Bullet Heaven has made the music for the documentary.

Here's the trailer for the documentary:

Battle Garegga is of course already available in physical form for the PS4 in Asia but it's not english-friendly. Depending on pricing (and i'm guessing it's gonna be mighty pricey) I might skip this even though I'd love that documentary.

There's a new channel in town!

The Shmup Guy. Yep, sometimes you don't need a fancy name (although, admittedly he has a pretty fancy logo) to go to work.

The Shmup Guy is a new Youtube channel dedicated to shmup reviews and premieres with a review of Switch'n'shoot for the Nintendo Switch.

The C64 still delivers: Let's Invade 2 & Neutron

The Commodore 64, the 80's home computer we all know and love, unsurprisingly still has life left in it.

First, as evidenced by the review of Let's Invade 2:


And then by exciting new shooter Neutron by the multi-talented Sarah Jane Avory: