Modern Old-Style Arcade Shootem Up Games?

The modern style 3D shooting games are too complicated. I'm from the old school. I just want something that uses a joystick, you go around, shoot spaceships, aliens, collect bonus points, collect bombs, blow more things up, etc. Any outh there with good playability and graphics? I don't want to play the MAME ones like Xevious because of the poor graphics.

Contra automatically comes to mind. I LOVE that game. It gets faster and faster each time as you end the game it and loops all over again.

Another one would be Einhander for the PS. I found a brand new copy at Toys 'R Us going for $60, even after the PS system has been out for almost 3yrs. I guess they know a good thing when they stock one. It was the last and only copy and I gave in. But it's definitely one of the rarer styles of shoot'em ups I've played.

If you have an Xbox, try Panzer Dragoon Orta. Fantastic game, that's somewhere in between 2D and 3D in complexity.

For pure 2D shooting bliss though, Ikuraga is where it's at. There's a Gamecube and a Dreamcast version. It's probably the best 2D shooter made in the last few years.

Anything for the PC?

+1 for contra

Descent has always been one of my fav PC games. Its not a shoot-em-up, but you do go around shooting space ships

You could get Raiden 3 for the PC

REZ !!!! on dreamcast

CHO REN SHA 68K is a freeware shooter. You might be turned off by the old skool graphics though. Apparently there's tons of Japanese freeware shooters - I'm just not sure where they are.

Ahh i love shmups too
for a qquick and easy and VERY FUN fix i'd recommend you downloading a SNES emulator, and go abouts acquiring SNES roms [I use romnation.net]
i recommend...
AeroFighters and U.N Squadron.

just google '[whatever platform] shmups'

http://www.namikaze.org/software/idinaloq/index_e.html

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Feqg59XJJYM

Strikers 1945
Strikers 1945 II

Better then Raiden. Best vertical scrolling shoot em up IMO.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strikers_1945

The Metal Slug series has always been top notch. I think the graphics are exceptional for 2D animation.

Shumps: Gradius V (PS2), Ikaruga (GC or DC), Gradius Collection (PSP)
Side Scrollers: Alien Hominid (PS2/GC), Metal Slug Anthology (PSP/Wii)

Big props to whoever said Rez, although it's impossible to find, whether on the DC or PS2.

How about Raptor: Call of the Shadows? Sure it's linear and the tech tree is stupid (save for auto tracking minigun, save to twin laser, done ), but it's pretty fun. You'll need Dos Box if you want to run it well in XP.

Originally Posted by Jaytee

Strikers 1945
Strikers 1945 II

Better then Raiden. Best vertical scrolling shoot em up IMO.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strikers_1945

Strikers is the ****, one of my personal favs

I like the Strikers X, the one with modern planes

I have to say GigaWing is another one that's really fun especially with two players. The point system is the best part combined with reusable shields.