411 Games Top 5 07.23.09: Week 21 - Top 2-D Shooters

Posted by Todd Vote on 07.23.2009

From modern shooters like Ikaruga and R-Type, to the classics like Space Invaders and Asteroids; this week the games staff looks at our favorite 2-D shooters. Did your favorites make the list?

It's Top 5 time again, and what better way to get us started than a bit of feedback? Last week actually spawned an interesting conversation about cut-scenes, but there was nothing that wasn't really addressed by other commenters, so I'll leave it at that. But it does give me an idea for a future Top 5... Maybe in two weeks we will see the Top 5 Video game cut-scenes.


Reader Feedback
Last week we let our hatred flow, and nothing was sacred. What do you guys hate? Spelling and grammar of the comments have been left unchecked.
Our first comment comes from David. He questions my hate of the character in last weeks video:
Todd,
Why are you hating on Lester??? Also, excellent lists from all the writers.

David, did you watch that video? Sure the game may have been amusing to play, if it is the real deal (I'm not sure if it was a real game or not, I've never heard of it), but you cannot deny the lame-assed-ness *yeah, I can make up words, so what?* of the main character. The guy runs when approached by enemies. Thanks for the kind words on our lists though.

Steve graced us with a very decent list of things that he hates, so it would be a shame to not let us all hate with him:

Some nice lists through this article. I will make my own, and people can have their own say/think what they will...
1 - Elitism
As mentioned by another poster, I'm not a big fan of this elitist way of thinking. In similar fashion to how I hate music elitism (particularly among some segments of the metal community...), people who think they are better than others because of the games they choose to play/not play are just tools (even though I am loathed to admit I have done it from time to time...)

2 - l33t Speak
The single biggest curse to the English language. I'm a teacher, and I hear so many kids saying 'LOL', 'Noob', 'Owned', 'Epic', and 'Fail' (or variation of these terms). Every time I hear these phrases, I die a little inside (is this a form of my previously-stated distaste for elitism? Don't care, it bugs me...)

3 - Cheap difficulty/boss battles
This is directly squarely at Seth from SF4. One of the game developers recently mentioned that he thought that perhaps Seth might have been a little overpowered. Seth is more than a 'little' overpowered. Cheap bastard with all of his teleporting back and forth. I'm not the greatest of losers, but I don't mind being challenged, but this takes the cake.

4 - Bad checkpoints systems
As mentioned by a couple of the writers in the article, a bad checkpoint system can ruin a great game. I'm a big fan of WW2 games, and enjoyed MoH: Frontline on Xbox, but the lack of a checkpoint system, forcing you to replay the ENTIRE level again when you died made me give up and not finish that game. And it's not like the Xbox couldn't handle checkpoints either - look at the ports of the Max Payne series, they had more checkpoints than their PC counterparts.

5 - Sonic Team/Sonic games since Sonic Adventure.
I loved Sonic Adventure when I bought it with my Dreamcast. While it probably hasn't aged too well, and there elements of 3D Sonic that could definitely have been improved, it was a great start for 3D Sonic. Hell, I even finished it with every character because I loved Sonic's section so much. But, the other sections were the antithesis of everything that is Sonic: speed, running, jumping, and exploration/branching pathways. While they tried exploration with Knuckles, it was the wrong type of explanation. The reason the 2D Sonic games are classics is because of the four things mentioned. I was excited about Sonic Unleashed (and the new Sonic the Hedgehog before it) before it's release, as seemed to be a throwback to the 'Good Ole Days'. Yeah, I'd heard about the night levels, but I wasn't too worried, thinking that intelligence and good game design would prevail and give us what we want from a Sonic game. Boy, was I wrong. Take the daytime levels from that game, expand it, and sell it for $60AUD, presto, instant hit.

How many of us hated the L33t speak when it first started, but soon started to see certain words creeping into their gaming vocabulary? I know that happened to me. Granted not all words, but I have been known to pwn sum n00bs.

Next Ben Jammin' drops us his list of disdain:

5. The WII. I tried to love you but you betrayed me. It started off as a happy relationship with Twilight Princess and Metroid Prime: Corruption and I was happy. But soon I found myself searching and pouncing on any game that got a decent review for the Wii. I managed to sustain myself with Okami and No More Heroes. But now my Wii is dead, the good games drowned by the sea of shovelware that has flooded the system. I cant even bring myself to buy the games like the Conduit for fear of heartbreak. No more Nintendo, I have had enough of your unrequited love.

4.Neverending Sequels. Its fine when the game is like final fantasy where the gameplay changes everytime but other than that all this serves to do is kill off creativity. I don't mind 1 maybe 2 sequels for a trilogy but beyond that NO. I hate you Rockband/Guitar hero.

3. Back Tracking/Repeat Areas. Games where you repeat the same area or fight the same boss. I already killed it once what makes you think I want to do it again. Devil May Cry 4 epitomizes this.

2. Sonic. Move on, by now his stench is so volatile he needs to be disposed of as hazardous waste to prevent an enviormental disaster.

1. That Guy. You all know that guy. He's the little kid on Live that sounds like he was taught english by a parrot owned by a guy that has terrets. Hes the one that sound like he is playing in a hurricane judging by the static coming through his headset. The guy that goes on forums to detract from the topic at had. You all know and hate That Guy and he needs to go die in a fire.
That felt good.

It does feel good to let loose once in awhile, doesn't it? For the record, I do know That Guy, and he is the same guy that chooses to start yelling into his mic on a loading screen when you can't do anything about it.

We'll wrap up the feedback section this week with a comment from the Tortoise King. Tortoise basically questions if the big boobs are a problem. I don't think they are...

The "large breasted anime girl" doesn't annoy me in itself, it's more the sexualisation of them. How come a girl who dresses sexily, has the camera

linger on them, and has provocative dialogue can be accepted, but strap on a pair of big boobs and THEN she's sexist?

Big boobs aren't sexist in themselves: it's the exploitation of them that is.

See you sexist pigs. Big boobs aren't the problem, its all of us red blooded males exploiting them... that's the problem.

Feedback had to be cut a bit short this week, as we have quite a few lists for our subject of choice, I love the interaction in the comments section, and I love to hear what you all think of our choices; so good bad or ugly, keep it coming.




This weeks subject is one that is sure to have plenty of varied lists. 2-D shooters have been around almost as long as gaming itself. From the early days of Space Invaders, all the way up to the great 2-D shooters we see enjoying a second life, whether it be via Xbox Live, PSN, or the Virtual Console. So needless to say, when Armando offered up 2-D shooters as a potential topic for the Top 5, we were all over it. The 411 Games staff present to you our favorite 2-D shooters.

Starting us off this week is Jeffrey Harris. Jeffrey is a regular here at 411, with his most recent work outside of the Top 5 being his review of the new Harry Potter film. Vile One, what have you got for us?

Jeffrey "The Vile One" Harris

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Asteroids - Not my favorite, but definitely a classic for all that it started.

5.Space Invaders - Just hours of pleasure all day long on the classic Atari gaming console. This is the game that pioneered the "killer app," and while it was very simple like many classic games its incredibly effective. They don't make 'em like this anymore.
The OG, baby

4.Galaga - If you've never dropped a quarter on this at your local pizza parlor in your lifetime then you are not a true gamer. Sure Galaga might look archaic by today's standards, but it still rocks and its still fun to play. And hey you can even get it for download on the X-box 360. What sucked though? Like Donkey Kong, there is no actual, possible way to beat it.



3.Super R-Type - The R-type series rocked, but my favorite will always be the SNES version, since pretty much anything on the SNES was automatically Super, hence the games having Super in the title. Super R-type was no exception to the rule. Super R-type had great graphics and awesome power-ups.

2.Axelay - A fighter plane shooter where you could actually use BOTH the vertical overhead view or the side-scrolling view. Genius, why not have both in a 2D shooter? Being able to do both gave some great variety to this genre.

1.1943 - I loved this series and I lost tons of cash on it. For one thing, you could actually take more than one hit. And the power-ups, especially later in the series were tremendously fun. This shooter series had it all and did the vertical plane shooter better than anybody.
This series was awesome. Many a nights were spent on this one back in the NES days, well not this one exactly... Oh you'll see.

Thanks Jeffrey, always a pleasure. Up next is one of 411 Games newest writers, Lee Price. Lee will be rockin a retro title called Recollection Remecinonion Retronomicon. A name that I can only assume is a homage to either HP Lovecraft, or the MAN Bruce Campbell. I'm going to believe it's the latter till Lee corrects me. Anyways, check out his first edition, where he reviews Super Mario World.

Lee Price

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Defender - I wasted many a day when I was five playing this. It gets here just fot that

5.Gynoug - I'm pretty sure Gynoug (Wings of Wor in the US) was the first 2-D shooter I ever owned on my beloved Megadrive. There's nothing spectacular about the game, but it lets you play as a half naked guy with wings who apparently shoots stuff out of his face. And the bosses are some of the most grotesque you will see in an MD game. Ever.

4.R-Type - A classic and one of the games that made the Shoot-Em-Up genre. A superb power-up system, that was both innovative and intuitive at time of release, coupled with some superb level design and solid bosses, make this a must-have for anybody's collection. Without this game there is no Radiant Silvergun, and without Radiant Silvergun there is no Ikaruga.
You want blistering action? Look no further than R-Type.

3.Metal Slug 3 - It said 2-D platformer based shooters too so I gotta go with this. Probably not the best game in the Metal Slug series, but this was my introduction to it. I've since picked up the anthology, so this may be subject to change once I've actually bothered to play through them all, bit for now Metal Slug 3 is king. I at least know I much prefer it to Metal Slug 4.



2.Ikaruga - I am still absolutly busting to find a copy of this for the Dreamcast at an affordable price. As it stands I'll have to make do with my Gamecube version. The colour-switching dynamic adds a whole new layer of depth to the usual twitch gameplay of a Shoot-Em-Up, and it all combines to create one of the most ball-bustingly difficult Schmups of the modern era. I still can't believe there are people who can beat this on the highest difficulty without losing a credit, nevermind the fact that its possible to beat the game without firing a shot.

1.Gunstar Heroes - One of my favourite games of all time, and surely an eventual entry into the Retronomicon. Gunstar Heroes is a blast from start to finish. Superb graphics, action-packed gameplay, a great co-op mode and a decent challenge all combine to make Treasure's developmental debut one of the greatest run and gun games of all time. Also, the Strange Fortress level is one of my favourite levels ever. For the trivia nuts, you may notice the top two titles in this list are both developed by Treasure, they are just that damned good.
If this is on one more persons list, I am going home tonight and downloading it on the Xbox

Next up is Mr. 10th hour himself, Adam Larck. Be sure to check out the other list column in the games zone, The 10th Hour. This week is all about the ninja!

Adam Larck
(Writer's note: Seeing that most other people have just made a top 5 list of vehicle based shooters, I kept with the trend. This is why you do not see Contra or Super Metroid on this list.)

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Metal Slug - My Pizza Hut still has a cabinet of Metal Slug 3, and I still have a habit of going in there when I'm bored to waste a few dollars on the game just to leave without eating.
Lame, I'm not even sure the Pizza Hut in my town even has games anymore.

Asteroids - For such simple graphics and gameplay, this game is still a blast to play and waste time with.

5. Space Invaders Extreme - You can go ahead and hate me for not including the original game here, but I really like what was done with this iteration. You still have the top-down shooting with waves of enemies coming down at you, but the waves are now varied as well as the enemies. Add in the catch music and co-op, and I think this new version of the game is a good step up for the series.
Old School revisited?



4. Galaga - I know I mentioned this game during my Top 5 Arcade Games, but the game deserves a spot here as well. I still miss not being able to play this in my old arcade, but do play it on the 360 from time to time. The original formula and graphics still hold strong today, and fans of top-down shooters should check this game out if they haven't.

3. Gradius V - While I think that the whole Gradius series is good, I think that V is one of the best ones. You still have the weapons upgrade system, and the Options are back to help the Vic Viper as well. The graphics look great and updated, but the gameplay still has the original feel. This game can still be found on the PS2, and is worth a play to see some great 2D shooting in action.

2. Super R-Type - While one of the newer games was good with Gradius, I still think the best R-Type was Super R-Type. The game had five different weapon types you could pick up, along with the little orange ball that could attach to your ship and help you take out enemies. The bosses looked great for being a Super NES game, and was one of the top shooters for it's time.

1. Ikaruga - As a quick side note, I would like to blame Todd and the Top 5 this week on my purchasing of this game on Xbox Live last week during the Deal of the Week. I first got this game on the Gamecube, and loved the polarity feature of switching between black and white to absorb bullets while attacking. The enemies and bosses were varying and challenging, and some of the bullet patterns during boss battles get crazy. This game was the most played one for me on my Gamecube, and will be getting a lot of play time on my 360.

Thanks Adam. Up next is Scott Simpson. Scott posts a good majority of the news bits that you read each day here on the site, and I for one thank him for my sanity. It's the little brief breaks from work to read the news on this site that keeps me from going off the deep end.

Scott J. Simpson



5. Batman - Okay, Batman for the NES may technically fall under the action category, but Batman does fire weapons in this game. Now I'm not just talking about Batarangs, Batman in the game actually fires rockets and even duel Batarangs, and you'll uses these weapons very frequently in the game. So in my opinion, Batman falls under the 2-D shooter category. Now the game is supposed to be based on the 1989 film, yet it has very little to do with the actual movie. Instead of fighting Joker and his henchmen, you'll be fighting robots and men clad in armored suits wielding flamethrowers. Even though it has almost nothing to do with the film, it's an extremely addictive game to play (at least in my opinion). Plus how often do you get the chance to play as Batman while also firing rockets into robot tanks?
If it looks like a shooter, and plays like a shooter, is it still an action game?

4. Centipede - Who doesn't enjoy shooting at insects with a lawn gnome? I know I do, and it's not just because I get to control a lawn gnome, but also because Centipede is a fast paced and addictive game to play. Unlike other vertical shooters in 1980, Centipede requires the player to destroy a centipede that is quickly making its way from the top of the screen to the bottom, zigzagging left and right as It bounces off mushrooms like a ball bouncing off bumpers in a pinball machine. Not only that, but you'll also have to watch out for spiders, fleas and scorpions (oh my!). If you're looking for a challenging and fun 2-D shooter, you can't go wrong with Centipede.
Nearly at the end of the lists, and finally someone mentions this one. Thank you Scott

3. Galaga - Unlike films, which typically spawn lackluster sequels, video games have a decent reputation of releasing high quality sequels. Galaga is no exception. Unlike its big brother Galaxian, Galaga is a faster paced game that's more fun than the original. In Galaga, the player controls a space ship, which they use to fire at incoming aliens. The extraterrestrial creatures fly onto the screen in formation, and once their comrades are in place, they unleash their wrath on your space ship, firing their weapons at your ship and even dive-bombing your craft. Those crazy little buggers also enjoy abducting your ship from time-to-time, which can actually be a blessing in disguise. After an alien has taken your ship, you can destroy the ship-snatching-bugger and recapture your ship and double your firepower and unleash your own style of ass kicking alien vengeance!

2. Satan's Hollow - Similar to Galaga, Satan's Hollow is another vertical shooter, but instead of destroying aliens, you'll be destroying demons, gargoyles and even the devil himself. The player controls a weird looking apparatus that is used to fire shots at the demonic creatures in the game. Every time the player destroys an enemy on screen, they gain a bridge piece, which can be used to build a bridge on the right-hand side of the screen. Once the bridge is complete, the player can cross the structure and enter a one-on-one fight with Satan as he franticly flies around the screen tossing pitchforks. Even though it copies the gameplay from Galaga, I'm a sucker for anything with a horror theme attached to it, so Satan's Hollow nabs a higher spot on my list.

1. Gunstar Heroes - Not only is Gunstar Heroes my Top 5 2-D Shooter, but it's also my favorite video game of all time. The classic shooter graced the Sega Genesis in 1993, and follows the Gunstar Dynasty as they try to recapture four Mythical Gems that were stolen by the evil dictator Smash Daisaku who plans to use the gems to reactive Golden Silver, an android capable of destroying the planet of Gunstar 9. The game features a great story, awesome action, kick-ass music and epic boss battles. Because of all of these elements, Gunstar Heroes will forever remain the greatest 2-D shooter.
Alright, thats it. I'm going to plop down the 400 points and buy this game.

Thanks Scott, hope to see you back in the Top 5 soon.


Breaking News..
Shaq and Mark will be absent from B3yond the Report for the next two weeks. Shaq, as some of you may know already, will be hosting this coming weeks Monday Night RAW, and he has been kind enough to take the rest of the B3yond the Superfriends with him as personal advisers. Lastly, Shaq would like me to pass on the following kind words to the WWE's blue brand: "How's my ass taste SmackDown!"

Okay, I guess that leaves us needing no introduction for the next group, it's B3yond the Superfriends, from your local B3yond the Report. Mark and the gang saw fit to create a list of 2-D shooters, when they weren't fighting over who has to pay for the hookers this time around. Let's see what they have to say.

Your local B3yond the Report Super Friends: Mark Salmela, Shaq, and Vince Offer



HONORABLE MENTIONS *Mark Salmela in black, Shaq in blue, and Vince in green*:

Asteroids - We're goin fuckin old school for this one. Yeah this game came out while you were still relavent. This game came out while you were still wetting you bed. Yeah, and every time your Mom went to change my diaper she gave me head. Sick!

Target Terror - You're welcome Salmela. Way to kiss his fucking ass Vince. Boys boys… Don't fight over me. I'm not fighting over you, I'm fighting to keep this piece of shit off this list. You realize I don't even talk about Target Terror anymore? I just fucking list it to keep the tradition alive. Anyone who doesn't know the greatness of Target Terror can choke on a chode and die.
Remember last weeks list of things that should die in a fire? Maybe it is time for Target Terror to join that list

Raiden - Choose any of the Raidens, I like them all. It's fuckin ridiculous how many rip-off flash games there are out there. No what's actually ridiculous is how many Sham-Wow rip-offs there are out there. Yeah and all of them suck.

5.) Ikaruga - This game gives me a fucking headache. Black then white, black then white. Insert racist joke here. I'd rather slap my troubles away than try to figure this shit out. When did masturbation become a problem for you? Right around the time when I went to jail for beating up a hooker. It happens to the best of us doesn't it?

4.) Metal Slug 3 - You realize we haven't said shit about any of these games right? Yeah, but that's the brilliance of it all. We're one of these so called "regulars" who can participate no matter what despite the fact that we just fucking argue for 10 minutes at a time and call it a list. Yeah, but how about you make Todd happy and actually talk about the next game? Vince you wanna do it? Fuck no I'm not talking about no Sega Genesis games. ARGH… Fine…
Don't do me any favors, fuckers! Last thing I need is to owe one to you guys.

3.) Gunstar Heroes - Alright Gunstar Heroes is fucking awesome. It's better than winning 4 NBA Champsionships, Sham-Wow, Shaq-Fu, and Slap Chop! Gunstar Heroes plays a lot like Contra except the craziness has been turned up to 11. The art style is amazing and I love to mix-and-match the weapons in the game. It's a damn shame Treasure only makes DS and Wii games now, I'd love to see what they can do on good consoles.

2.) Contra - There, I did it, happy? Fuck no! The first thing you did was insult Vince and I. Yeah I don't even like this fucking guerilla yet if you keep this up we're gonna put aside our differences and remove you from 411. I can see it now… Vince and Shaq present B3yond the Report! Don't get ahead of yourself you greasy, wide-eyed, messed up prick. I'm the original B3yond the Super Friend and if anyone's gonna replace Salmela it's gonna be me. You realize I'm right here right? No one's gonna replace me. Without me you two will run around like headless chickens talking about the Wonderswan and Neo Geo Pocket.

1.) Galaga - A-HEM! This is Vince with the 411 Games Top 5 here… Hold-On… You getting this writer asshole? Keep the fucking pen on the paper. Now where was I… Oh yes… If you want a fucking 2D shooter than you need look no further than Galaga, the fucking king of the arcades in 1981. What the fuck are you doing?! This isn't Vince Offer's list, this is a group effort. Yeah, besides Pac-Man came out in 1981, and I'm pretty sure Pac-Man fever was a little more popular than Galaga-fever. Although personally I have more fun with Galaga, the reason why WE'RE voting it number 1. Pfft if this were my fuckin list I'd be number one. Who the fuck would dare make the argument Galaga is better than the Shaqinator? Well this isn't your fucking list, it's mine. Now excuse us Toddo, we've got to take this shit outside. It's like watching two fucking toddlers over here…

Our last contributor this week is the man that suggested the topic. It was a great choice, and make sure you all send Armando an email personally thanking him for suggesting such a great topic. When Armando is not flexing his muscles in the Top 5, you can find him each Monday with the Good, The Bad, and the Ugly News Report.

Armando Rodriguez

5. Vectorman: Vectorman was the game that revitalized the Genesis during its dying days. Basically you control a robot and kill other robots. Sounds boring, but it used 3D graphics in an attempt to compete with Donkey Kong Country and the game itself was fast, furious and pretty ingenious. The characters where all designed from 3D spheres, which gave them a look similar to the fighting game Ballz (bonus points for anyone who remembers that title!).

4. Contra III: The Alien Wars: I am sorry to take a shot here, but this game would make Drew Robbins cry! He hates hard games, right? Well, this is probably one of the hardest games ever, I can't even beat it with the Konami Code! However, I kept playing it for years with friends and I still play it every once in a while to this day.


I know I asked already, but why is ne not on the current generation of consoles?

3. Earthworm Jim: I left it out of my 2D Platformers list on purpose, so I could squeeze him here. To me, the game was more a shooter than a platformer, even if you navigated platforms. The action was fast and furious, the game's difficulty level was good (hard, but not impossible) and the game was funny as hell. However, much like Sonic, the Earthworm Jim games got progressively worse with future installments.

2. Rambo: First Blood Part II This Master System Classic was a blast. From a top-down perspective you control Rambo (or 2 Rambos in multiplayer) and shoot anything that moves! Enemies range from vehicles to tanks and the difficulty was pretty hard. It was also a really good looking game for the time.

1. Metal Slug: I love the entire series, but part one has a special place on my heart for being the first. Actually, I purchased the Anthology for Wii and when I sold my Wii I went to the store and picked up the PS2 version of the Anthology because I can't live without Metal Slug! The funny animations, the non-stop run and gun action and those damn bosses! Metal Slug might be the best shooter series of all-time!

Todd Vote

Honorable Mention

Gunsmoke: A top down shooter that was in my Pop's bar for a good 4 years. Got quite used to playing this one, and never being able to get anywhere. It looked similar to Ikari Warriors, but used a joystick/button combination, instead of the dual sticks that other games tended to gravitate towards.


I swear it's just a coincidence that Midway made this one. Honest!

5. Gorf: Gorf was a clone of Galaga, with a bit better graphics. Why this game, and not Galaga? Because this game was readily accessible, and it was easy to get quarters from dad to play it as much as I wanted. Plus, you could connect two Gorf ships together if you went long enough without dying. Yes, this is another game that I came across while "growing up" in a bar atmosphere.

4. 1942: You know how occasionally there is a game that can't be ignored by either the hardcore gamer, or the casual gamer? At my house, 1942 was was that game. Long after people tired of Mario, this was the game that kept people at my house playing. 1943 was a bigger, and arguably better game, but this one gets the nod because it had more of an impact on me.

3. Ikari Warriors/Smash TV/ dual stick shooters: Was there a better way to make it possible to shoot in all directions than to utilize the double sticks? You had one that moved your character, and another to fire in any direction you chose. These top down shooters offered multitudes of enemies, and could most definitely get hectic in a hurry.

2. Gradius Series: nuff said.

1. Contra: Say it with me. up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, b, a, start. What's not to like about Contra? Plenty of weapons, and a unique challenge if you opted to not use the 30 lives cheat.


Bonus Video
Screw Attack Top 10 2-D shooters presented by Gametrailers.com just because you can never have enough 2-D shooters.

Video Games | ScrewAttack | Top Ten 2-D Shooters

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Another week down, another list gone. That's a wrap for the 2-D shooter edition of the Top 5. Be sure to check back next week, when we present our top 5 reasons we love gaming. Those lists will consist of our favorite gaming moments, or things that made us gamers. Possibly a mixture of the two. Take care all, and be sure to leave your lists in the comments.