REAL shooters

These days and times, when a game player mentions "shooters" the casual mainstream will think of stuff like Quake or some popular war game… WRONG, those are referred to as FPS or First Person shooting game. When I say "shooters" I mean games like Gradius, Raiden, R-Type, or Darius. Those four games are probably the most renowned shooter franchises and most people should know what at least a couple of those games are.

The genre pretty much has its roots with Space Invaders and continues today with games like Death Smiles and Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu… even Raiden has recently come out with its fourth installment. The thing is that many have forgotten this wonderful genre of pure video game playing. What appeals to me is things like challenge, quick fast game play, moderate learning curve, and just a pure rush…especially when you get in that zone. These games stand the test of time and offer everlasting enjoyment. Games from 10+ years ago play like they did when new and and new things are learned every playthrough!
The people who don't know, the haters (see all reviewers at mainstream websites and magazines) cant even comprehend on what the objective is with the one of the oldest genre of video game. They fail to grasp the concept and assume that these games are "short" and "easy" ie credit feeders. The real challenge is 2 fold. Aiming for the 1cc (one credit clear) or playing for high score. Many of these games are built around score systems and performing certain actions can net more points. Playing for score usually makes the game more challenging and adds to the difficulty.

I just wish more people would look deeper and find something more with games playing I guess. Its a shame that people in the west cannot embrace and come to grips of such glorious games. Its video games in the purest sense… Fun, exciting, an escape from reality. Games like Battle Garegga never get old. I discover new things every time. I am always aiming to get a better score. I am still trying to get through the first loop in Batsugun and looking for ways to improve my score in Fire Shark.

It is safe to say that my favorite games are shooters. Other names for the genre also include shoot em' up, shmups, shooting game, STG… but I say shooters since that was the common reference during the 1980s and 1990s… If anyone who is even reading this, go get MAME and Dodonpachi. Watch some vids on youtube for games like Raiden Fighters Jet, Armed Police Batrider, Ketsui, Mars Matrix…
Go for hi score!