Best Shoot 'Em Up Games of All Time

[Kugyince]

Shoot-em-ups, or shmups as they are affectionately nicknamed, have been itching gamer's trigger fingers since the dawn of gaming. What constitutes a shmup? Well, that is a minor point of contention to fans. Some people would cry foul at the inclusion of Star Fox and Geometry Wars in this list. However, most agree that if you are controlling an avatar through near infinite amounts of gunfire, then it's a shmup. The POV and graphics interface are open to discussion.

Now to be clear, shoot-em-ups are a niche genre. While there won't be lines outside of Gamestop waiting for the next Ikaruga release, there sure will be a gaggle of excited blog posts. And the fans, while not legion, are extremely passionate about their favorite game genre. Indeed there are enough of them to warrant new releases. The Wii just saw release of Sin and Punishment: Star Successor, a follow up to the N64 original. So are you ready to memorize boss patterns and try to survive long enough to beat your high score? Who needs girlfriends, right? Here are the best shmups of all time.

Best Shoot 'Em Up Games of All Time | Bestcovery (http://www.bestcovery.com/best-shoot-em-video-games-all-time)

[Seahawk]

This guy should definitely play more shooters before making a top 10 list.

I'm not sure if I would count StarFox or Sin & Punishment as shoot-em-ups........otherwise I think Contra or Metal Slug should have been given some consideration =/.

[samejamesbond]

This list needs UN Squadron.

[Dojah]

I am not a shoot em up type of guy but I always liked Gunstar Heroes.

[TrakMastaTom]

I agree that I would not consider Star Fox or Sin and Punishment as shmups. Though both good games.

Ikaruga should be number 1.

Pretty good list though.

[Kong]

Poor list.

I don't think Star Fox is not a shmup either. Galaga isn't also. I don't know what Sin and Punishment is.

Contra, Metal Slug and Gunstar Heroes are Run 'n Guns.

My favorite has always been Raiden, but that is probably just because it was the only one I owned as a kid.

[TrakMastaTom]

I don't know what Sin and Punishment is.


As far as game play it's pretty much Star Fox, except not in a plane.

[Enemy Ace]

For make a list of good shmups, all needed is PC Engine.

Lords of Thunder, Gate of Thunder, Gunhed, Super Star Soldier, Soldier Blade, Seiren Senshi Spriggan, Nexzr, Sapphire, Aero Blasters, Sylphia... Among other great games.

I :love: PC Engine.
Poor Turbografx.:love-over:

[jim5cents]

my list includes r-type, einhander, geometry wars, un squadron. since the thread is for shoot 'em ups, i think run and gun titles should be included.

i will also throw cabel on the list.

[fenrir1887]

Not a one of these games are ones I've played. Although, I could get into them. Even R-Type.