by nesmaster14
(nesartifacts.blogspot.com)
12/12/2014
Changelog:
- Updated 1/3/21 (new homebrews added: MANY EYES, Space Feder, Spirit Impel)
- Updated through 2018 (new homebrews, chronology, misc. tweaks, etc.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Vertical Scrolling
- NES, Licensed, Unlicensed, Homebrew, Unreleased
- FC, Licensed, Unlicensed, Homebrew, Tournament Software
- FDS, Licensed, Unlicensed
- Horizontal Scrolling
- Hybrid Scrolling
- Elements (portion of game is shoot 'em up)
- Free-roam / Collect 'em Up
- Fixed-screen
- 3D Perspective
- Hacks (noteworthy)
- Homebrew
- Regional Differences
- Console Originals
- Platform Totals
- Release Chronology
- Co-op SHMUPs
- Publishers
The object of this article is to provide a thorough guide to SHMUPs across the NES, Famicom, and Famicom Disk System, all in one place. The "SHMUP" genre entails many subgenres, hopefully this list will help to key-in what you're looking for.
This guide consists of 7 distinct subgenres, then some bonus content such as hacks, homebrews, regional differences, console originals, and lastly a release chronology. Hope you enjoy!
This guide consists of 7 distinct subgenres, then some bonus content such as hacks, homebrews, regional differences, console originals, and lastly a release chronology. Hope you enjoy!
Without further ado, let's soar into the wonderful world of SHMUPS.
1) Vertical Scrolling -
 |
1943
Adventures of Dino Riki
Alpha Mission*
Captain Skyhawk (Isometric)
Dragon Spirit
Gun Nac*
Gunsmoke
Image Fight*
Isolated Warrior (Isometric)
King's Knight
Sky Shark
Super Spy Hunter
Star Force
Star Soldier
Terra Cresta
Thunderbirds
Thundercade
Tiger Heli
Twin Cobra
Twin Eagle
Xevious
Zanac
(Unlicensed)
Destroyer
F16 Renegade (Quattro Arcade)
Galactic Crusader / Papillon Gals (adult) / Incantation (original release)
MiG-29: Soviet Fighter (3D & Vertical Stages [50/50%])
Mission Cobra
(Homebrew)
Blade Buster (by High Level Challenge, 2010)
Galaxxon: The Third War
Meteor Guard
T*Gun
Wraith
(UNRELEASED)
Titan Warriors
Xerxes (from Arcadia IV)
Super Gun (Caltron 9-in-1)
(Famicom exclusives)
(Licensed)
Argus (with landing element)
B-Wings
Captain Ed
Crisis Force
Dezaemon (make-your-own-shmup kit)
Exed Exes
Gyrodine
Quarth (with puzzle element)
Recca
Super Star Force (with adventure elements)
Super Xevious
Taiyou No Yuusha Fighbird
TwinBee
TwinBee 3: Poko Poko Daimaō
Zunou Senkan Galg
Uchuu Keibitai SDF
Meteor Guard
T*Gun
Wraith
(UNRELEASED)
Titan Warriors
Xerxes (from Arcadia IV)
Super Gun (Caltron 9-in-1)
 |
(Licensed)
Argus (with landing element)
B-Wings
Captain Ed
Crisis Force
Dezaemon (make-your-own-shmup kit)
Exed Exes
Gyrodine
Quarth (with puzzle element)
Recca
Super Star Force (with adventure elements)
Super Xevious
Taiyou No Yuusha Fighbird
TwinBee
TwinBee 3: Poko Poko Daimaō
Zunou Senkan Galg
Uchuu Keibitai SDF
(Homebrew)
☆ Tournament Software (not publicly sold) ☆
Star Soldier Special Soft Time Trial (TDK National Famicom Caravan '86)
(Unlicensed)
Block Force
Space Shuttle Exploration
Thunderbolt 2
Tasac
(Licensed)
Akuu Senki Raijin
Big Challenge - Dogfight Spirit
Gall Force
Ginga Denshou - Galaxy Odyssey (with adventure elements)
Halley Wars
Topple Zip
Wakusei Aton Gaiden
(Unlicensed)
Bishojo Control (adult)
Blade Buster (by High Level Challenge, 2010)
Cosmic Shooter (by Suzuki Plan, 2018)
MANY EYES (by Closet, 2019)
Touhou Rououmu (by Kyoske, 2018)
Star Soldier Special Soft Time Trial (TDK National Famicom Caravan '86)
(Unlicensed)
Block Force
Space Shuttle Exploration
Thunderbolt 2
Tasac
 |
(Famicom Disk System exclusives) |
Akuu Senki Raijin
Big Challenge - Dogfight Spirit
Gall Force
Ginga Denshou - Galaxy Odyssey (with adventure elements)
Halley Wars
Topple Zip
Wakusei Aton Gaiden
(Unlicensed)
Bishojo Control (adult)
2) Horizontal Scrolling -
(Licensed NES)
Breakthru
Burai Fighter
Gradius*
Magmax (Isometric)
S.C.A.T
Section Z
Silkworm
Sky Kid
Sqoon
Talespin
Zombie Nation*
(Unlicensed)
(Unlicensed)
Double Strike
Fantasy Zone
Magic Carpet 1001
Magic Carpet 1001
Metal Fighter
Go! Benny!
Go! Benny!
Sea of Dreamland
War in the Gulf
(Famicom exclusives)
(Licensed)
(Licensed)
Airwolf*
Baltron
Chuka Taisen
Fantasy Zone II
Formation Z
Fuzzical Fighter (with RPG elements)
Gradius Arukimendesu Hen
Gradius II
Insector X
Kaisen Game Sansuu 5 & 6
Macross
Over Horizon* (Famicom and PAL region only)
Parodius Da* (Famicom and PAL region only)
Volgaurd II
Chuka Taisen
Fantasy Zone II
Formation Z
Fuzzical Fighter (with RPG elements)
Gradius Arukimendesu Hen
Gradius II
Insector X
Kaisen Game Sansuu 5 & 6
Macross
Over Horizon* (Famicom and PAL region only)
Parodius Da* (Famicom and PAL region only)
Volgaurd II
(Homebrew)
(Unlicensed)
Magic Dragon
(Famicom Disk System exclusives)
(Licensed)
Otocky (with music theme)
(Unlicensed)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #1 - Mashoujo Gakuen Evil (adult)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #2 - Mermaid no Gyakushuu (adult)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #3 - Ryuujin Sensei Kikiippatsu ( adult)
Haradius Zero (by Impact Soft, 2018)
(Unlicensed)
Magic Dragon
(Famicom Disk System exclusives)
(Licensed)
Otocky (with music theme)
(Unlicensed)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #1 - Mashoujo Gakuen Evil (adult)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #2 - Mermaid no Gyakushuu (adult)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #3 - Ryuujin Sensei Kikiippatsu ( adult)
Abadox*
Legendary Wings
Life Force*
Silver Surfer
Starship Hector
Stinger*
4) SHMUP Elements -
(Shmup isn't the main genre, but plays an integral part in the game.)
(Licensed NES)
Air Fortress
Captain Planet
Destination Earthstar
The Guardian Legend**
(**Using the password "TGL" allows you to play only the vertical scrolling stages)
WURM: Journey to the Center of the Earth
Xexyz*
(Unlicensed)
Moon Ranger
Robodemons
(Famicom exclusives)
Doraemon (Platform,Adventure, Vertical + Horizontal scrolling stages)
Robocco Wars
Wai Wai World
Wai Wai World 2
Yume Penguin Monogatari
(Famicom Disk System exclusives)
Dirty Pair: Project Eden
Transformers: The Headmasters
5) Free Roam/Collect 'em Up -
(Shmups with heavy emphasis on mission-based collecting.)
(Licensed NES)
Cobra Command
Cobra Triangle
Cybernoid
Dragon Strike
Jackal
The Last Starfighter
Raid on Bungeling Bay
Solar Jetman
(Unlicensed)
Bee 52
Firehawk
P'radikus Conflict
(Homebrew)
Star Keeper
Assimilate
Munchie Attack
(Famicom exclusives)
Choplifter
6) Fixed-Screen/Arcade -
(Licensed NES)
Defender II
Drop Zone (PAL only)
Donkey Kong 3
Galaga
Gyruss
Millipede
Mutant Virus
Smash TV
Spy Hunter
(Unlicensed)
Huge Insect
(Homebrew)
Commie Killer
Solaris (RetroUSB AVS Launch Series)
Star Versus
(Famicom exclusives)
(Licensed)
Astro Robo Sasa
Galaxian
Pooyan
Space Invaders
7) 3D Shoot 'Em Up -
(Famicom exclusives)
(Licensed)
(Licensed)
Attack Animal Gakuen
Cosmic Epsilon
Exerion
Falsion
Geimos
Space Harrier
Sky Destroyer
Sky Destroyer
Tetrastar - The Fighter
(Unlicensed)
Cosmos Cop
(Unlicensed)
Cosmos Cop
Hacks
- Noteworthy modern hacks worth checking out -
R-Type EX+ (Magic Dragon hack) by Makimura Manufacturing
Darius (Work-In-Progress) by Kasion1/High level Challenge
Gradius AC (Arcade conversion hack of Gradius) by Hiroki5656
Darius (Work-In-Progress) by Kasion1/High level Challenge
Gradius AC (Arcade conversion hack of Gradius) by Hiroki5656
Salamander AC Delta (Arcade conversion hack of Salamander/Life Force) by Messatu めっさつ
- bonus - Solaria (Fairly thorough hack which uses the Recca engine, no ROM available currently, found on a few Plug and Play devices)
Star Soldier Special Version (hack which implements Caravan mode) by 氏五郎
Xevious Alternate (Arcade conversion hack of Xevious featuring the Nazca Lines) by Makimura Manufacturing
- bonus - Solaria (Fairly thorough hack which uses the Recca engine, no ROM available currently, found on a few Plug and Play devices)
Star Soldier Special Version (hack which implements Caravan mode) by 氏五郎
Xevious Alternate (Arcade conversion hack of Xevious featuring the Nazca Lines) by Makimura Manufacturing
Homebrew
Keeping NES shmups alive! Show your support if you can!
Astro Ninja Man - by Riki (2018)
Auge - by Krill (2014, WIP, demo)
Blade Buster - by High Level Challenge! (2011)
Bat Lizard Bonanza - by John Vanderhoef (2021)
Commie Killer - by FG Software/Vectrex2809 (2015)
Cosmic Shooter - by Suzuki Plan (2018)
Danmaku: 100 Bullet Demo - by pubby (2016, WIP, demo)
Fighter F8000 - by Kalle Suikola (2008)
Galaxxon: The Third War - by Psych Software (2004)
Grime 6502 - by Chibi Akuma (2019, WIP)
Haradius Zero - by Impact Soft (2018)
Danmaku: 100 Bullet Demo - by pubby (2016, WIP, demo)
Fighter F8000 - by Kalle Suikola (2008)
Galaxxon: The Third War - by Psych Software (2004)
Grime 6502 - by Chibi Akuma (2019, WIP)
Haradius Zero - by Impact Soft (2018)
Hara Force / Mapper 0 Sample Game BG Switch H by Impact Soft (2022, WIP)
Invaders Must Die! - by Sebastian Mihai (2012)
Jupiter Scope 2: Operation Europa - by nin-kuuku (2017)
Lunar Limit - by pubby (2017)
Jupiter Scope 2: Operation Europa - by nin-kuuku (2017)
Lunar Limit - by pubby (2017)
MANY EYES - by Closet (2019)
Meteor Guard - by Sly Dog Studios (2012)
Munchie Attack - by Strangulation Games (2003)
Scramble (Arcade port) - by KHAN Games (2017)
Shutshimi by Diskover (2016, WIP, demo)
Sinking Feeling - by Calima (2017)
Solaris - by RetroUSB (2016) [originally on 8-bit X-mas '13]
Munchie Attack - by Strangulation Games (2003)
Scramble (Arcade port) - by KHAN Games (2017)
Shutshimi by Diskover (2016, WIP, demo)
Sinking Feeling - by Calima (2017)
Solaris - by RetroUSB (2016) [originally on 8-bit X-mas '13]
Space Feder - by Customer (2010) [ROM link not functioning/available, if found please share!]
Spacy Shooty 2016 - by dougeff (2016)
Spacy Shooty 2016 - by dougeff (2016)
Spirit Impel - by PasseGaming (2020 WIP demo, NES Maker)
Star Keeper - by 87Arts (2014)
Star Versus - by Dustmop (2015)
S.T.I.N.G - by smkdan (2008)
T*Gun - by TooManyGames (2014)
Touhou Rououmu - by Kyoske (2018)
Two Ships- by team_disposable (2017, WIP) [Gradius/Salamander-style, as of writing]
Wraith - by Tom Livak (2005)
For fun, here are some pics of none other than "16 Shot" Takahashi Meijin himself playing some Famicom homebrew goodness, in a sweet gold cartridge!
Abadox [NA/EU/JP] - Rescue scene was censored on NA/EU versions.
Console Originals -
The NES/FC/FDS SHMUP Library (A-Z)
+ Homebrews, Unlicensed, & Unreleased
Cheers!
Star Keeper - by 87Arts (2014)
Star Versus - by Dustmop (2015)
S.T.I.N.G - by smkdan (2008)
T*Gun - by TooManyGames (2014)
Touhou Rououmu - by Kyoske (2018)
Two Ships- by team_disposable (2017, WIP) [Gradius/Salamander-style, as of writing]
Wraith - by Tom Livak (2005)
For fun, here are some pics of none other than "16 Shot" Takahashi Meijin himself playing some Famicom homebrew goodness, in a sweet gold cartridge!
 |
| Gold FC cart of Caravan Shooting Collection (2011) held by "16 Shot" Takahashi. |
 |
| Master Takahashi holding case for Caravan Shooting Collection (FC version, released in 2011). |
 |
| Title screen selection for Caravan Shooting Collection - Blade Buster. |
*Regional Differences* -
- Noteworthy differences across regions in gameplay, audio, and graphics -
Abadox [NA/EU/JP] - Rescue scene was censored on NA/EU versions.
Airwolf [NA] / Airwolf [JP] - Completely different games. NA got a cock-pit view shooter, JP got a horizontal shooter.
Alpha Mission [NA] / ASO: Armored Scrum Object [JP] - High score displayed on title screen in JP version.
Galactic Crusader [NA/JP] / Papillon Gals (adult) [JP] / Incantation [JP] - Papillon Gals has adult cutscenes and different music, Incantation is supposedly the original release and features a more artistic title screen.
Galactic Crusader [NA/JP] / Papillon Gals (adult) [JP] / Incantation [JP] - Papillon Gals has adult cutscenes and different music, Incantation is supposedly the original release and features a more artistic title screen.
Gradius [NA/EU/JP] - High score displayed on title screen in JP version.
Gun Nac [NA/JP] - A few graphics changes/censoring such as the enemies in Stage 2 and first form of the final boss. Also the JP version has additional intro and ending cutscenes intact.
Image Fight [NA/JP] - Rapid-fire not available on JP version, JP version has an additional intro scene / different ship color / JP version has black backgrounds as opposed to the blue NA received.
Life Force [NA] / Life Force Salamander [EU] / Salamander [JP] - JP version has 3 options instead of 2 on NA/EU versions, JP version has Gradius-style HUD / 3 different endings.
Parodius [EU] Parodius Da! [JP] - JP version has Karaoke displayed during credits (author's note: someone should translate this!). This part was removed on EU release.
S.C.A.T [NA] / Action In New York [EU] / Final Mission [JP] - JP version has a shorter life bar / equipped weapon lost when hit / auxiliary pods function differently.
Star Force [NA/EU/JP] - JP version has slightly different music/instrumentation.
Stinger [NA] / Moero Twinbee [JP] - JP version has 3-player mode.
Xexyz [NA] / Kame no Ongaeshi Urashima Densetsu [JP] - JP version has 3 different endings, Princess' dance cutscenes, different title screen music.
Xexyz [NA] / Kame no Ongaeshi Urashima Densetsu [JP] - JP version has 3 different endings, Princess' dance cutscenes, different title screen music.
Zombie Nation [NA] / Abarenbou Tengu [JP] - Rapid-fire not available on JP version. A few graphics changes.
Console Originals -
(Shoot 'em ups created originally [not a port] for the NES/FC/FDS)
Abadox [NA/EU/JP]
Adventures of Dino Riki [NA] / Shin Jinrui: The New Type [JP]
Air Fortress
Airwolf [JP]
Akuu Senki Raijin
Attack Animal Gakuen
Baltron
Bee 52
Big Challenge - Dogfight Spirit
Bishojo Control (adult)
Blade Buster (homebrew)
Block Force
Burai Fighter
Captain Ed
Captain Skyhawk
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #1 - Mashoujo Gakuen Evil (adult)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #2 - Mermaid no Gyakushuu (adult)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #3 - Ryuujin Sensei Kikiippatsu (adult)
Cosmic Epsilon
Crisis Force
Dezaemon
Dirty Pair: Project Eden
Double Strike
Destroyer
F16 Renegade (Quattro Arcade)
Falsion
Firehawk
Fuzzical Fighter
Galactic Crusader [NA/JP] / Papillon Gals [JP] / Incantation [JP] (original release)
Galaxxon: The Third War (homebrew)
Gall Force
Geimos
Ginga Denshou - Galaxy Odyssey
Go! Benny!
Gun Nac [NA/JP]
Halley Wars
Huge Insect
Isolated Warrior
Keisan Game Sansuu 5 & 6
King's Knight
Magic Carpet 1001
Metal Fighter
Meteor Guard (homebrew)
Mission Cobra
Moero TwinBee
Moon Ranger
Mutant Virus
Otocky
Over Horizon [EU/JP]
P'radikus Conflict
Recca
Robocco Wars
S.C.A.T [NA] / Action In New York [EU] / Final Mission [JP]
Sea of Dreamland
Silver Surfer
Solar Jetman
Space Shuttle Exploration
Sqoon
Star Keeper (homebrew)
Starship Hector
Star Soldier Special Soft Time Trial (prize item)
Star Versus (homebrew)
Super Spy Hunter
Super Star Force
T*Gun (homebrew)
Taiyou No Yuusha Fighbird
Tasac
Tetrastar - The Fighter
The Guardian Legend
Thunderbolt 2
Titan Warriors
Transformers: The Headmasters
TwinBee 3: Poko Poko Daimao
Uchuu Keibitai SDF
Volguard II
Wai Wai World
Wai Wai World 2
Wakusei Aton Gaiden
War in the Gulf
Wraith (homebrew)
Wurm: Journey to the Center of the Earth
Xerxes (Arcadia IV)
Xexyz [NA] / Kame no Ongaeshi Urashima Densetsu [JP]
Yume Penguin Monogatari
Zombie Nation [NA] / Abarenbou Tengu [JP]
Zunou Senkan Galg
Adventures of Dino Riki [NA] / Shin Jinrui: The New Type [JP]
Air Fortress
Airwolf [JP]
Akuu Senki Raijin
Attack Animal Gakuen
Baltron
Bee 52
Big Challenge - Dogfight Spirit
Bishojo Control (adult)
Blade Buster (homebrew)
Block Force
Burai Fighter
Captain Ed
Captain Skyhawk
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #1 - Mashoujo Gakuen Evil (adult)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #2 - Mermaid no Gyakushuu (adult)
Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #3 - Ryuujin Sensei Kikiippatsu (adult)
Cosmic Epsilon
Crisis Force
Dezaemon
Dirty Pair: Project Eden
Double Strike
Destroyer
F16 Renegade (Quattro Arcade)
Falsion
Firehawk
Fuzzical Fighter
Galactic Crusader [NA/JP] / Papillon Gals [JP] / Incantation [JP] (original release)
Galaxxon: The Third War (homebrew)
Gall Force
Geimos
Ginga Denshou - Galaxy Odyssey
Go! Benny!
Gun Nac [NA/JP]
Halley Wars
Huge Insect
Isolated Warrior
Keisan Game Sansuu 5 & 6
King's Knight
Magic Carpet 1001
Metal Fighter
Meteor Guard (homebrew)
Mission Cobra
Moero TwinBee
Moon Ranger
Mutant Virus
Otocky
Over Horizon [EU/JP]
P'radikus Conflict
Recca
Robocco Wars
S.C.A.T [NA] / Action In New York [EU] / Final Mission [JP]
Sea of Dreamland
Silver Surfer
Solar Jetman
Space Shuttle Exploration
Sqoon
Star Keeper (homebrew)
Starship Hector
Star Soldier Special Soft Time Trial (prize item)
Star Versus (homebrew)
Super Spy Hunter
Super Star Force
T*Gun (homebrew)
Taiyou No Yuusha Fighbird
Tasac
Tetrastar - The Fighter
The Guardian Legend
Thunderbolt 2
Titan Warriors
Transformers: The Headmasters
TwinBee 3: Poko Poko Daimao
Uchuu Keibitai SDF
Volguard II
Wai Wai World
Wai Wai World 2
Wakusei Aton Gaiden
War in the Gulf
Wraith (homebrew)
Wurm: Journey to the Center of the Earth
Xerxes (Arcadia IV)
Xexyz [NA] / Kame no Ongaeshi Urashima Densetsu [JP]
Yume Penguin Monogatari
Zombie Nation [NA] / Abarenbou Tengu [JP]
Zunou Senkan Galg
Totals Across Each Platform
Famicom - All Exclusive SHMUPs
Airwolf*
Argus
Astro Robo Sasa
Attack Animal Gakuen
B-Wings
Baltron
Block Force
Captain Ed
Choplifter
Chuka Taisen
Cosmic Epsilon
Crisis Force
Dezaemon
Doraemon Exed Exes Exerion Falsion
Fantasy Zone (Sunsoft) Fantasy Zone II Formation Z Fuzzical Fighter Galaxian Geimos Gradius Arukimendesu Hen Gradius II Gyrodine Insector X Kaisen Game Sansuu 5 & 6 Macross Over Horizon* Parodius Da* Pooyan Quarth Recca Robocco Wars Sky Destroyer Space Harrier Space Invaders Space Shuttle Exploration Star Soldier Special Soft Time Trial Super Star Force Super Xevious Taiyou No Yuusha Fighbird Takahashi Meijin no Bug-tte Honey Tasac Tetrastar - The Fighter Thunderbolt 2 TwinBee TwinBee 3: Poko Poko Daimao Uchuu Keibitai SDF Volgaurd II Wai Wai World Wai Wai World 2 Yume Penguin Monogatari Zunou Senkan Galg
Famicom Disk System - All Exclusive SHMUPs
Akuu Senki Raijin Big Challenge - Dogfight Spirit Bishojo Control (adult) Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #1 - Mashoujo Gakuen Evil (adult) Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #2 - Mermaid no Gyakushuu (adult) Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #3 - Ryuujin Sensei Kikiippatsu ( adult) Gall Force Ginga Denshou - Galaxy Odyssey Halley Wars Otocky Topple Zip Wakusei Aton Gaiden
Doraemon Exed Exes Exerion Falsion
Fantasy Zone (Sunsoft) Fantasy Zone II Formation Z Fuzzical Fighter Galaxian Geimos Gradius Arukimendesu Hen Gradius II Gyrodine Insector X Kaisen Game Sansuu 5 & 6 Macross Over Horizon* Parodius Da* Pooyan Quarth Recca Robocco Wars Sky Destroyer Space Harrier Space Invaders Space Shuttle Exploration Star Soldier Special Soft Time Trial Super Star Force Super Xevious Taiyou No Yuusha Fighbird Takahashi Meijin no Bug-tte Honey Tasac Tetrastar - The Fighter Thunderbolt 2 TwinBee TwinBee 3: Poko Poko Daimao Uchuu Keibitai SDF Volgaurd II Wai Wai World Wai Wai World 2 Yume Penguin Monogatari Zunou Senkan Galg
Famicom Disk System - All Exclusive SHMUPs
Akuu Senki Raijin Big Challenge - Dogfight Spirit Bishojo Control (adult) Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #1 - Mashoujo Gakuen Evil (adult) Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #2 - Mermaid no Gyakushuu (adult) Comic Sakka Series Touma Senki #3 - Ryuujin Sensei Kikiippatsu ( adult) Gall Force Ginga Denshou - Galaxy Odyssey Halley Wars Otocky Topple Zip Wakusei Aton Gaiden
The Chronology of NES/FC/FDS Shmups:
Ordered by original FC release dates
1984
Ordered by original FC release dates
1984
Galaxian
Xevious
1985
1942
Astro Robo Sasa
Exed Exes
Exerion
Formation Z
Galaga
Geimos
Macross
Pooyan
Sky Destroyer
Space Invaders
Star Force [NA/EU/JP]
Volgaurd II
Zunou Senkan Galg
Xevious
1986
Alpha Mission [NA] / ASO: Armored Scrum Object [JP]
Argus
B-Wings
Baltron
Choplifter
Dirty Pair: Project Eden
Donkey Kong 3
Doraemon
Fantasy Zone (Sunsoft)
Gall Force
Ginga Denshou - Galaxy Odyssey
Gradius [NA/EU/JP]
Gradius Arukimendesu Hen
Gyrodine
Kaisen Game Sansuu 5 & 6
Sky Kid
Sqoon
Star Soldier
Star Soldier Special Soft Time Trial
Stinger [NA] / Moero Twinbee [JP]
Super Star Force
Super Xevious
Terra Cresta
Tiger Heli
1987
Adventures of Dino Riki [NA] / Shin Jinrui: The New Type [JP]
Air Fortress
Attack Animal Gakuen
Breakthru
Falsion
Fantasy Zone (Tengen)
Life Force [NA] / Life Force Salamander [EU] / Salamander [JP]
Otocky
Raid on Bungeling Bay
Section Z
Spy Hunter
Starship Hector
Topple Zip
Zanac
1988
Airwolf [JP]
Akuu Senki Raijin
Big Challenge - Dogfight Spirit
Cobra Command [NA/JP]
Defender II
Fantasy Zone II
Gradius II
Gunsmoke
Jackal
Legendary Wings
Magmax
Millipede
Wai Wai World
1989
1943
Abadox [NA/EU/JP]
Captain Ed
Chuka Taisen
Cobra Triangle
Cosmic Epsilon
Cybernoid
Dragon Spirit [NA/JP]
Gyruss
Halley Wars
King's Knight
Metal Fighter
Mission Cobra
Sky Shark
Space Harrier
The Guardian Legend
Thunderbirds
Thundercade
Twin Eagle
TwinBee 3
1990
Bishojo Control (adult)
Block Force
Burai Fighter [NA] / Burai Senshi [JP]
Captain Skyhawk
Galactic Crusader / Papillon Gals (adult) / Incantation (original release)
Gun Nac [NA/JP]
Image Fight [NA/JP]
Insector X
Moon Ranger
P'radikus Conflict
Parodius [EU] Parodius Da! [JP]
Pesterminator
Quarth
Robodemons
S.C.A.T [NA] / Action In New York [EU] / Final Mission [JP]
Silkworm
Silver Surfer
Solar Jetman
The Last Starfighter
Twin Cobra
Uchuu Keibitai SDF
Wakusei Aton Gaiden
Xexyz
Zombie Nation [NA] / Abarenbou Tengu [JP]
1991
Captain Planet
Cosmos Cop
Crisis Force
Dezaemon
Firehawk
Fuzzical Fighter
Isolated Warrior [NA] / Max Warrior: Wakusei Kaigenrei [JP]
Over Horizon [EU/JP]
Robocco Wars
Smash TV
TaleSpin
Tetrastar - The Fighter
Wai Wai World 2
War in the Gulf
WURM
Yume Penguin Monogatari
1992
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonstrike
Bee 52
Double Strike
Drop Zone
Destroyer
F16 Renegade (Quattro Arcade)
Go! Benny!
Magic Carpet 1001
Mutant Virus
Recca
Sea of Dreamland
Super Spy Hunter
Taiyou No Yuusha Fighbird
Tasac
1993 and Beyond
'93 to '96
Thunderbolt 2
Magic Dragon
Space Shuttle Exploration
Homebrew Era
Munchie Attack
Blade Buster
Assimilate
Meteor Guard
Star Keeper
T*Gun
Commie Killer
Star Versus
Scramble
Beyond
Titan Warriors (unreleased '88 prototype)
Super Gun (unreleased '92 prototype)
Huge Insect (unreleased '93, distributed in 2001)
Xerxes (unreleased prototype)
Bonus: The Two-Player NES SHMUP Experience
Grab a pal and blast your way through some intense simultaneous co-op NES/FC shmups!
Two-player simultaneous gameplay
Crisis Force
Exed Exes
Jackal
Legendary Wings
Life Force
Mission Cobra
S.C.A.T
Silkworm
Sky Kid
Thundercade
Twin Bee
Twin Eagle
Publishers
Crisis Force
Falsion
Gradius [NA/EU/JP]
Gradius Arukimendesu Hen
Gradius II
Gyruss
Jackal
Life Force [NA] / Life Force Salamander [EU] / Salamander [JP]
Parodius [EU] Parodius Da! [JP]
Quarth
Stinger [NA] / Moero Twinbee [JP]
TwinBee 3
Wai Wai World
Wai Wai World 2
Yume Penguin Monogatari
1942
1943
Gunsmoke
Legendary Wings
Section Z
TaleSpin
Titan Warriors
Adventures of Dino Riki [NA] / Shin Jinrui: The New Type [JP]
Raid on Bungeling Bay
Star Soldier
Star Soldier Special Soft Time Trial
Starship Hector
Super Star Force
Xexyz
Image Fight [NA/JP]
Sqoon
Taiyou No Yuusha Fighbird
The Guardian Legend
Dragon Spirit [NA/JP]
Galaga
Galaxian
Macross, Chou Jikuu Yousai
Sky Kid
Super Xevious
Xevious
Gyrodine
Halley Wars
Insector X
Sky Destroyer
Sky Shark
Space Invaders
Tetra Star - The Fighter
SHMUP Randomizer
Can't decide what to play? The Random SHMUP for today is:
The NES/FC/FDS SHMUP Library (A-Z)
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Cheers!
Thanks for looking, I hope this list helps you in finding your NES SHMUP needs.
Game on!
© NES Artifacts 2014
Awesome work on this! I don't suppose there's a rom pack for this lot is there? I've been looking for a couple of famicom shmups for years that my dad brought back from Japan in the late 80s.
ReplyDeleteDon't remember the names of them, just remember the upgrades for one of them and the other one started with the intro 'in the year 199X' and then something about aliens (naturally).
Excellente Guide! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I saw, maybe is missing. Star Force JP show the score when you get game over, in the titles screen shows your last hi-score, in the US version don´t, also they has a little differente titles screen.
awesome list. if you could add mission cobra under the multiplayer section that would be cool
ReplyDelete