In episode 084, MetalFRO and Addicted continue the podcast's Pacific Theater Summer event with the 3rd game released in the classic Capcom WWI shmup series, the prequel game 1941. How did Capcom improve upon the formula? Are the changes all good, or do some of them take the game in a different direction? What's up with the Bismarck? We discuss this and more!
In episode 084, MetalFRO and Addicted begin the podcast's Pacific Theater Summer event with the 2nd game released in the classic Capcom WWI shmup series, the venerable 1943. Does the game live up to the nostalgia, or does it falter against its peers and subsequent entries in the franchise? How historically accurate and relevant is the game itself? We discuss this and more!
In episode 083, MetalFRO and Addicted explore a new game that helps continue the proliferation of danmaku into the horizontal scrolling shooter space. Star Hunter DX combines that with a bullet canceling system that is vital to both scoring and survival, so there's plenty to discuss about the game's mechanics and approach. What did we like and dislike about the game? What did the community think of this one? We cover all that and more!
In episode 082, MetalFRO and Addicted dig into a game initially teased as an April Fool's joke. What the rest of the world didn't know, however, was that this was a real game actually being developed, not just an elaborate hoax. A year later, it was officially announced, and was out within less than a year after that. Platinum Games' Sol Cresta made waves, and we're here to talk about it!
In episode 081, MetalFRO and Addicted explore a very important game within the shooter genre, a venerable classic tnat set the template for many shmups to come, and still holds influence today. Toaplan's Kyuukyoku Tiger, better known as Twin Cobra in the West, was a chief inspiration for dozens of subsequent STG and is rightfully held in high regard. But does it hold up? We discuss that and more!
In episode 080, MetalFRO and Addicted get into an updated Nintendo Switch release that retools an earlier game that originally released on the Neo Geo in 2015. Razion EX takes the original Neo Geo version and adds some quality of life improvements as well as some slight retooling of a few things. Is it worth your time? Hopefully we can help you determine that answer!
In episode 079, MetalFRO and Addicted explore 2 different games with the same name. Silpheed on the PC-88 was a technical achievement for its time, and the latter Sega CD version also pushed the boundaries of what shooting game could be in the audiovisual department. But are these games fun? Listen as we discuss!
In episode 075, MetalFRO and Addicted look back just over a decade to the launch of the PlayStation 4. At a time when the shmup genre was not seeing very many releases, Housemarque helped keep the games alive in the minds of people and keeping that arcade spirit alive. They did so with their inclusion to the PS4 launch lineup with their Defender-inspired shooting game, Resogun.
In episode 075, MetalFRO and Addicted step away slightly from the usual fare of dogfighting and blasting aliens for a mystical, whimsical adventure romp through the shmup-adjacent game that is Pocky & Rocky Reshrined. This latest outing from Tengo Project and Natsume Atari revives the SNES classics in a fresh way, while still staying true to the spirit of what made the originals so well loved.
In episode 075, MetalFRO and Addicted bring back Darius series expert Gojiguy for a thorough examination of the Dariusburst games, specifically focusing in on the original PSP release, as well as the later Dariusburst Another Chronicle arcade game and subsequent revisions. We explore the various modes, talk scoring and strategies, and touch on some of the unique aspects of this final entry into the Darius canon.
In episode 075, MetalFRO and Addicted explore the mind of a child, figuratively speaking. In Neotro's creepy shooter NeverAwake you play as Rem, a girl fighting for her life as she battles her nightmares while her body tries to recover while in a coma. Can you help Rem overcome her inner demons and scary monsters from her subconscious come to life?
In episode 074, MetalFRO and Addicted take a closer look at a relatively recent indie shoot-em-up game from a new studio that features a long-time developer. Though he has worked on other games in the past, this is his first venture completely on his own handling programming, design, layouts, graphics, music, and more. This is all about Crisis Wing!
In episode 073, MetalFRO and Addicted welcome back Gojiguy from Control All Monsters to continue to explore the Darius series! Specifically, we're looking at the 3rd arcade outing in the series, and the 1st to utilize only a single screen. Darius Gaiden might have been a side story for the series, but many consider it the point at which the Darius games really came into their own.
In episode 072, MetalFRO and Addicted welcome series super-fan Gojiguy from Control All Monsters to discuss the first in a legendary series of shooting games from also legendary developer and publisher, Taito. What made the original Darius so iconic, and does it still hold up today? We discuss that and more!
In episode 071, MetalFRO and Addicted dive into GanaBlade, from LKKGame. This new game is the debut commercial release from a pretty new doujin team, and marks the start of what could be a promising developer, given what's on offer with this game. Is it worth your time? Listen and find out!
In episode 070, MetalFRO and Addicted delve into a DOS shooter classic that has lived on well past its original commercial lifespan with numerous re-releases and updates. Even years after having been released as freeware, it still has a fanbase that continues to enjoy the game - it's Tyrian!
In episode 069, MetalFRO and Addicted look at a Namco arcade game that isn't as talked about in the modern age, but was prevalent in the arcade and across nearly all home platforms throughout the late 1980's. Become a dragon and save the princess in Namco's Dragon Spirit!
In episode 068, MetalFRO and Addicted take a deep dive into a game that was relegated to expensive eBay auctions for years until the Wii Virtual Console, and only just received a physical release on original hardware available to the Western market, the Masaya classic Gleylancer!
In episode 067, MetalFRO and Addicted cover some games that don't get the same mention as the classics of the genre, but are deserving of some love on their own. This time we cover all 3 games in the lesser known GG Aleste trilogy!
In episode 066, MetalFRO and Addicted trip down memory lane, looking at 4 DOS shooting games from the shareware era, and examine whether or not they still hold up. We take a look at Major Stryker, Overkill, Kiloblaster, and Tubular Worlds to see which games are still fun, and which are better left in our memories.