It’s been a long time–a seemingly eternity, really–since my mind had reason to focus on America’s earliest days. Sure, I love the works of Thomas Paine, but those philosophical and political pieces don’t dig into the minutiae of colonial and pre-colonial times. Likewise, Final Form Games’ Jamestown doesn’t detail John Smith’s and Sir Walter Raleigh’s adventures in a settlement that would evolve into Virginia –it details John Smith’s and Sir Walter Raleigh’s Martian adventures to hunt down a crazed Spanish conquistador in a delightful 2D shmup.

What–?!

Yes, it’s an absurd premise for an absurd genre. Jamestown is a bullet hell shooter, a 2D shmup category that sees screen-filling projectile curtains hurling toward you. The 2D game differs from other games in its genre in that it supports four-player co-op that emphasizes a light form of teamwork. As long as one player survives the enemy onslaught, the other players can be resurrected (the length of time before you can rez increases with the difficulty). That last remaining player enters “Caution Mode,” which helps you (theoretically) stay alive a wee bit longer by displaying your ships actual hit box. Hardcore shmuppers won’t need the assistance, but it may prove beneficial to casuals. The only downside to multiplayer mode is that it’s 4-player local co-op. That means you’ll probably need a sizable monitor, a few chairs, and some deodorant.

And Jamestown is a game that you’ll want to play with friends. Most bullet hell shooters cater to nerds who seek the relentless bullet abuse, but Jamestown is surprisingly friendly to genre-noobs. The lower difficulty levels let players make things go boom without fretting over an insane amount of incoming projectiles, thus giving them the opportunity to dive into the play mechanics. The higher difficulty levels? Those will fuel several controller-throwing moments.

Just as I remember it from history class.

Enemy ships explode into cogs as you bring them down–make certain to collect those parts before they tumble off-screen. They power your ship’s Vaunt gauge, a meter that when filled, lets you activate Vaunt mode. This has multiple purposes: your firepower does 1.5X damage, you get a 2X multiplier bonus,  and you get a shield that destroys incoming enemy firepower. Vaunt quickly vanishes, however, so make the most of your time with it and rack up the huge numbers. It’s a mechanic that requires you to sometimes charge full-on into enemy waves –it’s a thrilling play style that harkens back to Takumi shooters such as GigaWing and Mars Matrix. All of the four selectable ships move a bit slowly (not R-Type slow!) so don’t expect speedy exchanges as you zip between clusters.

Jamestown features highly-detailed, well-animated sprites that harken back to SNK’s ’90s output. In fact, between the projectiles, enemy ships, and foot soldiers, it’s very easy to get lost in the visuals which drip in retro 2D love–it’s like a shmuppy version of Metal Slug. Shmups aren’t known for their plots, but Jamestown tells its interesting back story through a series of stills that look very much like classical paintings. Orchestral music, scored by Francisco Cerda, adds to the thrilling sense of adventure with its energetic percussion, incredible choral arrangements, and moving strings. The tracks sound as though they were ripped from a film score–something I’ve griped about in the past–but it works here. The final stage’s music is absolutely incredible; you will feel like an interplanetary hero.

Some will inevitably gripe about Jamestown‘s length; you can finish the game in about half an hour. But this is a shmup, a manic shmup, so replaying it for big scores and one-credits means a hefty dose of “replay value.” Jamestown is $10 on Steam. Get it. It’s an excellently crafted 2D shooter designed for hardcore gamers who thrive on the bullet-dodging adrenaline rush the genre delivers.

Retro gaming fans recently celebrated (lamented?) 9/9, which was the launch date of the groundbreaking and much beloved Dreamcast in 1999 . The system may have died prematurely, but Germany-based Redspotgames is adding to its legacy with a new game release: Sturmwind.

The region-free shmup, on paper, looks nicely stacked. Check the features:

• 16 Levels
• 3 selectable difficulty levels
• configurable controls
• adjustable screen position
• different weapons selectable
• More than 20 large boss enemies
• Hundreds of different enemies
• FMV intro sequence
• Hybrid 2d/3d game engine
• Resolution 640×480
• PAL50, PAL60, NTSC and VGA (with Adapter) compatible
• Region Free
• Works with any MIL-CD compatible Dreamcast
• CDDA Sound
• Supports: Joypad, Arcade Stick (Analog/Digital), VMU, Rumble Pack
• (configurable)
• Internet WEBcode Hiscore Tables
• Award Trophy System with unlockable content

In addition, Redspotgames is in the hunt for a few pew-pew experts to serve as beta testers. In exchange for their time, the selected beta testers will not only get a free copy of the game, but also their names in the game’s credits. Not many folks can boast that they were part of the Dreamcast’s library. Check out the company’s news piece for how to sign up.

The game is set for a 11-11-11 release. Respect.

Radiant Silvergun, the legendary and much sought after Treasure shmup makes it way, finally, to Xbox Live Arcade on September, after a Tokyo Game Show announcement. An announcement that came in September 2010–not that we hardcore shootie fans were counting the days anything.

But those who were waiting for this Radiant Silvergun re-release had good reason to do so. The vertical 2D shooter, which debuted in Japanese arcades and was ported to Japanese SEGA Saturns in 1998, will see a HD makeover and online co-op.

Unlike most other shmups, Radiant Silvergun gives gamers access to the ship’s entire payload from the jump. And, like Ikaruga (Radiant Silvergun‘s pseudo-sequel), players are rewarded chain bonuses for wrecking strings of like enemies.

Radiant Silvergun returns for 1200 MSP. A far cry from the days of plunking down upwards of $175 just a few years ago, yes?

[Hat tip: Andriasang]

Just a few years ago the 2D shooter/shoot ‘em up/shmup genre was on its deathbed, but the category has seen a resurgence in recent years on an unlikely platform: iOS. Danmaku Unlimited, Sunny Tam’s $1.99 iPhone game (also available in a free, abbreviated “Lite” version), brings yet another manic bullet hell sub-genre to Apple devices. Featuring excellent Tron-like graphics, a pulsing techno soundtrack, and surprisingly accurate controls, Danmaku Unlimited is a must-have download for masochistic gamers.

You’re tasked with selecting one of three ships upon firing up Danmamku Unlimited: Balance, Focused, and Wide. “Balance,” which is probably best for newcomers, offers a nice attack spread that’s good for fending off attackers; “Focused” projects your firepower directly in front of the ship; “Wide” has mostly horizontal attacks that give you good left/right offense. Experimenting with the ships to find one with which you’ll masterfully guide like a Starfleet commander is essential. For example,  I can rack up high scores with “Focused” and “Wide”, but “Balanced” fails me every time.

Danmaku Unlimited, as expected from a bullet hell shooter, tosses a screen-filling number of projectiles your way–when you play on the “Hard” difficulty level, that is. “Easy” is a cake walk that in no way, shape, or form prepares you for the challenge ahead. “Normal” serves up a decent challenge, but you won’t begin to feel the tension until you reach the third stage. As such, if you’re a bullet hell vet, pump Danmaku Unlimited up to “Hard” and properly abuse yourself.

As with other famous bullet hell shooters, you’re given a bit of leeway when it comes to taking damage. A projectile has to come in contact with your craft’s glowing center core to be registered as a hit. Otherwise, incoming firepower does no damage; instead, you’re rewarded for those close calls with a grazing multiplier that boosts your score.  In fact, in order to get the truly big numbers you’ll have to grow accustomed to willingly flying into enemy fire and racking up those multipliers, which is quite exhilarating. Scores earn tokens that can be used to buy ship upgrades such as extra continues, more lives, better firepower, and more. Danmaku Unlimited has Game Center support so you can race to take down other shmuppers populating the leaderboards.

Even if you take a direct hit, it doesn’t mean that your ship will explode. If you have bombs in stock (by default, you can carry two), they automatically detonate when your ship is struck, clearing enemies from the immediate area. So, essentially, you have three “lives” per continue if you don’t actively drop bombs yourself. I like the option here of using the bombs in both an offensive and defensive manner. But, thankfully, there is a drawback to dropping bombs–it resets your multiplier. This really makes you think twice before unloading the big one or purposefully using bombs as shields.

Along with the onscreen touch bomb icon are two others: “Beam” and “Trance.” “Beam” unleashes a thick laser; “Trance” temporarily mode boosts your ship’s firepower and provides a no-penalty one-hit shield. By default, “Trance” kicks in automatically when the ship’s power gauge fills, but you can switch to manual controls in options. Note: There’s no fire button; your ship emits a never-ending stream of lasers, which thankfully removes one extra touch control from the interface.

Sunny Tam receives a golf clap for creating a bullet hell title that makes it easy to discern projectiles from backgrounds. As much as I love the Dreamcast’s Mars Matrix, cheap deaths arise from bullets that blend in with the environments as they cross the playfield. Here, the subdued backgrounds cause the nero projectiles to stand out, so there’s no confusion.

On the topic of graphics, Danmaku Unlimited‘s are quite nice with it’s Tron-like neon vehicle highlights. Although designed for iPhone and iPod touch play, the game looks damned good when running on an iPad in 2X mode. The iPad stills featured here reveal some of the visual flaws, but they are barely noticeable when you’re in the heat of battle or playing in 1X mode. Blood-pumping techno tunes and crisp sound effects complete the audio-visual combo.

Danmaku Unlimited is an excellent iOS shmup that’s priced to move at two bucks. The game, like other entries in this genre, isn’t very long, but there’s tons of replayability as you hunt personal/Game Center high scores and unlock the Boss Rush and Free Play modes. This well-crafted space shooter deserves a spot in ever iOS gamers’ library.

Nintendo touts Kid Icarus Uprising as the “glorious return” of Pit  in “spectacular 3D.” Designed by Masahiro Sakurai, creator of the Kirby and Super Smash Bros. franchises, it’s a blend of aerial and ground-based shooting “built on elegantly intuitive and streamlined play control.”

Whoa. Wait, no.

Uprising has the finest pedigree in Sakurai, the best graphics so far seen on the 3DS, fantastic art design and fun voice acting, but none of that is going to save this highly-anticipated title until someone changes the controls. Trying to hold the 3DS with the left hand, aim with the stylus in the right hand, move with the thumb pad (left thumb) and shoot with the left shoulder button (left index finger) is an ergonomic nightmare. Trying to do all that and pay attention to what’s going onscreen at the same time is video game equivalent of spinning plates while playing Twister.

To get a sense of what Uprising‘s controls are like, it’s the same basic set-up used by Metroid Prime Hunters for the original DS. It was a terrible control set-up then, too, unless you really like hand cramps. It’s possible to slightly alleviate the awkwardness by placing the system flat on a table or against your leg, but then there’s no alleviating questionable game design.

In each demo level, Pit takes to the skies in a Sin & Punishment-style on-rails shooter, then lands on the ground, switching into a bland, sluggish brawler mode. Both styles of play feel weightless, even when Pit drags his feet across the ground. Control problems persist in the earthbound mode since the only way to control the stubborn camera, and Pit at the same time, is by flicking the stylus all over the place. Awkward as hell. Dodging and running by double-tapping the thumb pad in the desired direction — also awkward . Killing enemies to unlock doors, the most basic of video gamey objectives, was all that part of the game offered anyway. I hope, hope, hope this game is deeper than that.

Listen, weird control styles don’t deter me from playing good video games. Monster Hunter is one of my favorite games on the PSP, and the best way to control that game is to use what players somewhat affectionately call “the claw” — arrange the thumb on the analog nub, and index finger on the D-pad, to control the camera. It sounds awkward, it looks awkward, but it works well.

Kid Icarus Uprising doesn’t, and I’m not even sure if it’s a good video game. It feels shallow. I don’t know what can be done about that, but the controls can be fixed easily by including different control options, ones that don’t need the stylus. There’s plenty of time to do so. Besides, more options are good! It’s the way of the world now.

Or, I guess I’ll opt to play something else.

P.S. I went this whole time and never mentioned the 3D. Well, it’s blurry. It never focused for me. Switching it off gave me a great-looking game — lasers shooting at Pit from all directions were a brief thrill — so it was no loss. But shouldn’t the 3D in a first-party Nintendo 3DS game work? Plenty of time to iron out those kinks, Nintendo.

A full decade after the untimely passing of SEGA’s mightiest console, diehards keep the dead system alive in a zombie like state by spoardically releasing titles to be gobbled up by the Dreamcast disciples. The latest is Fast Striker 1.5, a manic shooter/shmup from Germany development team NG:DEV.TEAM.

The sequel to the Neo Geo’s Fast Striker, Fast Striker 1.5 supports both the Dreamcast Arcade Stick and VMU and comes in two varieties: A regular $44 regular edition and a $61 limited edition that comes bundled with a CD soundtrack that’s loaded with nearly an hour’s worth of music. NG:DEV.TEAM gives you the option to purchase both together for $92.

[Hat tip: Siliconera]

Three decades ago, Yars’ Revenge owned arcades and home consoles. The games’ overall popularity has faded despite remaining a Gen X favorite, but it’s poised to make a comeback in a big, big way. Atari has announced that it’s working with developer Killspace Entertainment to update the 1981 classic for the current console generation.

Featuring a heavy Japanese anime influence, Yars’ Revenge promises massive aerial battles, multiple endings, and local 2-player co-op. Players take control of a nameless female Yar who has been brainwashed by the evil Qotile empire to do its bidding. After being shot down and rescued by the mysterious Bar Yargler, she sets off on a revenge mission against her former master and his flunkies.

“Yars’ Revenge is one of the most popular Atari games of all time, leaving fans eager to experience the next chapter,” says Jim Wilson, President and CEO of Atari, Inc. “The new Yars’ Revenge updates this classic with anime inspired art direction, intense aerial battles and local co-op gameplay.”

Developed by Killspace Entertainment, Yars’ Revenge will be available in early 2011. For more information, please log onto www.atari.com

In the mood to blast everything in sight? Titan Prime, a desolate Martian outpost that’s been taken over by hostile ultra-violent robots, is the place to be. Your mission? Knock out motion-sensing gun turrets and blast your way through room after room of swarming droids to liberate Titan Prime.

Gameplay consists of destroying the robots’ spawning hubs, while avoiding deadly falls, electro-charged mines and traps. You’ll also gain experience, pick up abandoned weapons and shields, collect cash and hidden loot to upgrade your mecha with a powerful suite of new armaments and defensive tools.

Robokill: Rescue Titan Prime is available both as a free, Lite version and a premium Full version. The Lite version contains a preview mission that contains a mix of gameplay elements — enemies, weaponry and levels, enough to give you anoverview of gameplay. The $7.99  full version contains a whopping 460 stunning levels.

We’ve got more info for the mysterious shmup that is Bit.Trip Fate.

First of all, it’s an on-rails side-scrolling 2D shoot-em-up. Remember the shiny, skinny Lost monster line in the preview art? That’s the rail. Commander Video rides it and blasts enemies that get in his way.

The tricky part, of course, is navigating that line as the game speeds up and throws you curveballs, like lava flows, lasers, a bajillion enemies on your rail – typical Bit.Trip stuff. Commander Video can’t deviate from the line. It’s up to you, the player, to get him to the end of his journey on that line and discover his fate. Or something.

The game mechanics – with Commander Video being operated by the Nunchuck while blasting enemies with the Remote – are standard, but tricky to master. What makes this game different from other schumps seems to be using both of those skills at the same time to progress through the level.

There’s also a co-op mode, but details are sparse.

Friends like Junior Melchkin and CommandgirlVideo make appearances as power-ups, offering helpful blaster upgrades. Super Meat Boy will also make an appearance, as will Mr. Robotube. It’ll be the boxy little mascot’s first appearance in a console game ever, so keep your eyes peeled.

The game looks every bit as dynamic as the previous entries in the series, though the graphics in this one are darker than usual. Fate does have the customary dubstep chiptune soundtrack, though (with a guest appearance by chiptunes artist Minusbaby), keeping the world of the series consistent.

I’ll be released for Wii “soon,” according to the official page. Check it out, along with the awesome-looking trailer.

It’s a manic shooter from Cave. Seriously, isn’t that all you need to know?

No ,actually. Jump over to Touch Arcade for a breakdown of Cave’s latest manic shmup.

[Hat tip: Touch Arcade]