The PlayStation 1, a console that revolutionized gaming in the late 90s, wasn’t just about 3D platformers and RPGs. It also housed a vibrant scene for shoot ’em ups, or “shmups,” a genre that demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking. From vertical scrolling bullet hells to horizontal side-scrollers, the PS1 offered a diverse range of shmup experiences that continue to captivate retro gamers today.
For those unfamiliar, a “shmup” is a genre of video game in which the player controls a vehicle (usually a spaceship or aircraft) and shoots at waves of enemies while dodging their projectiles. It’s a test of skill, precision, and pattern recognition. The PS1, with its enhanced graphical capabilities and CD-ROM format, brought a new level of visual and auditory fidelity to the genre.
This article aims to be your definitive guide to 20 essential shmup games on the PlayStation 1. We’ve carefully curated this list based on factors like gameplay mechanics, visual and audio presentation, innovation, and lasting appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned shmup veteran or a curious newcomer, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in these classic titles.
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: the 20 best shmup games that graced the PlayStation 1.
Thunder Force V: Perfect System
- Developer/Publisher: Tecno Soft
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan), 1998 (North America)
Thunder Force V: Perfect System is a horizontal scrolling shooter that pushes the PS1’s hardware to its limits. Its 3D graphics are stunning, with detailed backgrounds and smooth animations. The gameplay is fast-paced and intense, with a wide array of weapons and power-ups. The soundtrack is also exceptional, adding to the game’s adrenaline-fueled atmosphere. This game is widely considered one of the best in the series, and a must-play for any Shmup fan.
Why It’s Worth Playing: With its beautiful visuals, engaging gameplay, and high replayability, Thunder Force V: Perfect System remains one of the best shmups on the PlayStation and a must-play for fans of the genre.
R-Type Delta
- Developer/Publisher: Irem
- Release Date: 1998 (Japan), 1999 (North America)
R-Type Delta is the fourth entry in the legendary R-Type series, and the first to fully embrace 3D graphics. It retains the series’ signature challenging gameplay, with its unique “Force” device and powerful Delta weapons. The game’s atmosphere is dark and foreboding, with detailed environments and menacing enemies. The gauge system, which allows you to absorb enemy projectiles, adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Why It’s Worth Playing: By blending classic R-Type gameplay with fresh ideas, R-Type Delta remains a benchmark for strategic shmups and a must-play for fans of the genre.
Einhänder
- Developer/Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan), 1998 (North America)
Developed by Square (now Square Enix), Einhänder is a side-scrolling shooter with a unique weapon customization system. Players can collect and equip different “arms,” each with its own firing pattern and power. The game’s dark, atmospheric presentation and haunting soundtrack create a truly immersive experience. The level design is also exceptional, with a variety of challenging stages and memorable boss battles.
Why It’s Worth Playing: Einhänder is a standout in the PS1 shmup library, delivering a fresh and innovative take on the genre that still holds up today.
G-Darius
- Developer/Publisher: Taito
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan), 1998 (North America)
Part of Taito’s fish-themed Darius series, G-Darius features stunning 3D graphics, epic boss battles, and branching campaign paths. The game’s unique “capture ball” system allows players to capture enemies and use their attacks against them. The branching paths add replayability, as players can explore different stages and endings.
Why It’s Worth Playing: With its unique enemy-capturing system and jaw-dropping boss fights, G-Darius remains one of the most ambitious and beloved shmups of its era.
RayStorm
- Developer/Publisher: Taito
- Release Date: 1996 (Japan), 1997 (North America)
A sequel to RayForce, RayStorm is a vertical shooter with multilayered action and a lock-on laser system. The game’s polygon graphics are impressive for their time, and the fast-paced gameplay and techno soundtrack create an exhilarating experience. The lock-on laser system allows players to target multiple enemies at once, adding a strategic element to the gameplay.
Why It’s Worth Playing: With its tight mechanics and high-energy combat, RayStorm is one of the PS1’s most polished and exhilarating vertical shooters.
Gradius Gaiden
- Developer/Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan)
Gradius Gaiden is a PlayStation 1 exclusive entry in the beloved Gradius series. It is highly regarded by fans for its challenging gameplay, creative level design, and excellent soundtrack. The game features a variety of unique power-ups and weapons, and the level design is full of surprises. While also available on the PSP, the PS1 version holds a special place in the hearts of many shmup enthusiasts.
Why It’s Worth Playing: A must-play for Gradius fans, Gradius Gaiden remains one of the best exclusives on the PS1 and a shmup masterpiece.
DoDonPachi
- Developer/Publisher: Cave
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan)
DoDonPachi is a classic bullet hell shooter developed by Cave, known for their intense and challenging games. The PlayStation port is considered preferable to the Saturn version, offering smooth gameplay and accurate arcade recreation. The game’s intricate bullet patterns and demanding gameplay will test the skills of even the most experienced shmup players.
Why It’s Worth Playing: When it comes to bullet hell shoot ’em ups, DoDonPachi is often hailed as the gold standard — and for good reason. For those who crave high-intensity shmup action, DoDonPachi is an absolutely recommended.
Raiden DX
- Developer/Publisher: Seibu Kaihatsu
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan)
Raiden DX is an expanded version of Raiden II, and is often cited as one of the most essential PS1 shooters. It features enhanced graphics, new levels, and a remixed soundtrack. The game’s intense action and classic shmup gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Why It’s Worth Playing: With endless replayability and intense action, Raiden DX is a must-play for any vertical shmup fan.
Strikers 1945 II
- Developer/Publisher: Psikyo
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan)
Strikers 1945 II is a vertical scrolling shooter from Psikyo, featuring a variety of WWII-inspired aircraft. The game’s arcade-perfect port offers smooth gameplay and challenging difficulty. The power-up system and variety of playable aircraft add to the game’s replayability.
Why It’s Worth Playing: A fan-favorite among vertical shmup lovers, Strikers 1945 II is an essential part of any PS1 shmup collection.
Harmful Park
- Developer/Publisher: Sky Think System
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan)
Harmful Park is a vibrantly absurd horizontal shmup. Players control two girls on flying motorbikes, fighting enemies with food-based weapons. Unlike many horizontal shooters, terrain is not dangerous, allowing for more freedom of movement. The game’s comical tone, over-the-top action, and unique weapon system make it a truly memorable experience.
Why It’s Worth Playing: With its playful aesthetic and rock-solid gameplay, Harmful Park is highly recommended for fans of unconventional shmups.
Gekioh Shooting King (Shienryu)
- Developer/Publisher: Warashi
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan)
Gekioh Shooting King, also known as Shienryu, is a vertical shooter reminiscent of the Raiden series. It offers unique features like PocketStation graphics and audience reactions, adding a quirky touch to the classic shmup formula. The game provides a solid shooting experience with challenging levels and a variety of enemies.
Why It’s Worth Playing: With arcade-perfect gameplay and fun bonus modes, Gekioh Shooting King isn’t just about blasting enemies — it’s about doing it in wildly different (and often hilarious) ways.
Philosoma
- Developer/Publisher: G-Artists / Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release Date: 1995 (Japan, North America, Europe)
Philosoma is an early PlayStation 1 title that pays homage to the vertical and horizontal scrolling shooters of the previous decade. It features a blend of 3D graphics and FMV sequences, attempting to create a cinematic shmup experience. While its graphics may seem dated by today’s standards, it holds a place in PS1 history as one of the platform’s early shmup offerings.
Why It’s Worth Playing: If you’re looking for a shmup that breaks the mold, Philosoma is worth experiencing for its bold design choices.
In the Hunt
- Developer/Publisher: Irem
- Release Date: 1995 (Japan, North America, Europe)
In the Hunt is a unique submarine-based horizontal shooter developed by Irem, known for its Metal Slug-like graphics. The game’s underwater setting and detailed pixel art create a distinctive visual style. Its gameplay is challenging and engaging, offering a refreshing take on the horizontal shmup genre.
Why It’s Worth Playing: Jaw-dropping pixel art and tactically engaging gameplay, In the Hunt offers a refreshing change of pace from the usual high-speed action of the genre.
SD Gundam/Over Galaxian
- Developer/Publisher: Banpresto
- Release Date: 1996 (Japan)
SD Gundam: Over Galaxian is a crossover game that combines the popular SD Gundam franchise with the classic arcade shooter Galaxian. This unique blend results in a fun and engaging shmup experience, with familiar Gundam characters and enemies set against a Galaxian-style backdrop. It’s a must-play for fans of both franchises.
Why It’s Worth Playing: For fans of both Gundam and shmups, SD Gundam: Over Galaxian is a hidden gem that delivers a nostalgic yet unique experience.
RayCrisis: Series Termination
- Developer/Publisher: Taito
- Release Date: 2000 (Japan)
RayCrisis closes out Taito’s Ray trilogy with a prequel that dials up the sci-fi weirdness and visual flair. continuing the lock-on laser gameplay that the series is known for. The lock-on laser system returns in full force, encouraging players to tag multiple enemies for massive chained destruction — a mechanic that feels deeply satisfying when mastered.
Why It’s Worth Playing: With its stylish, high-speed action and distinct cyber-digital aesthetic, RayCrisis is a great choice for sci-fi and shooter fans looking for a shmup with both style and substance,
Macross: Do You Remember Love?
- Developer/Publisher: Banpresto
- Release Date: 1999 (Japan)
Based on the beloved 1984 anime film, Macross: Do You Remember Love? brings the franchise’s iconic dogfights and transforming mecha to the PlayStation with impressive fidelity. Players step into the cockpit of the VF-1 Valkyrie as pilot Hikaru Ichijyo, engaging in side-scrolling shootouts against swarms of Zentradi enemies in deep space and atmospheric combat zones.
Why It’s Worth Playing: With its faithful adaptation of one of anime’s most legendary films, this shooter is a nostalgia bomb for Macross fans and a uniquely stylish entry for shmup enthusiasts.
70’s Robot Anime Geppy-X
- Developer/Publisher: Imagineer
- Release Date: 1999 (Japan)
70’s Robot Anime Geppy-X is a unique giant robot-themed shooter that captures the spirit of classic 70s robot anime with its retro aesthetic and over-the-top action. From the opening credits to fake commercial breaks and next-episode previews, this horizontal shooter fully commits to its retro anime aesthetic. Think Mazinger Z meets Gradius — but way more over-the-top.
Why It’s Worth Playing: While not the hardest or most technically polished shooter on the list, Geppy-X is unforgettable for its style, commitment, and sheer creativity. It’s not just a game — it’s a whole fake anime series you play through.
Sonic Wings Special
- Developer/Publisher: Video System
- Release Date: 1996 (Japan)
Sonic Wings Special is a vertical shooter that’s notable for being one of the rare examples of a console-only tate (vertical screen) shmup. This feature allows players to rotate their screens for an authentic arcade experience. The game offers classic shmup gameplay with a variety of playable aircraft and challenging levels.
Why It’s Worth Playing: The game features branching paths and tons of secrets, keeping replay value sky-high. Whether you’re chasing score, endings, or just want to flex your reflexes, Sonic Wings Special delivers.
Time Bokan Bokandesuyo
- Developer/Publisher: Banpresto
- Release Date: 1997 (Japan)
Time Bokan Bokandesuyo is based on the popular anime series “Time Bokan.” You’ll pilot wacky transforming vehicles through candy-colored environments, blasting away equally bizarre enemies, all while enjoying some classic 90s anime humor.
Why It’s Worth Playing: With manageable difficulty and a variety of power-ups, Time Bokan Bokandesuyo is perfect for gamers who are fans of cheerful shooters with a ton of style and a splash of nostalgia.
Gaia Seed
- Developer/Publisher: Technosoft
- Release Date: 1996 (Japan)
Gaia Seed is a horizontal scrolling shooter from Technosoft, the same company that developed the Thunder Force series. Originally a Japan-only release, Gaia Seed flew way under the radar—but those who’ve discovered it know it’s one of the PS1’s most ambient and smooth-playing shooters.
Why It’s Worth Playing: A hidden gem of the PS1 library, Gaia Seed nails the fundamentals that every good shmup should have: crisp controls, gorgeous luminance backgrounds, and a relaxing, almost melancholic synth soundtrack that sets it apart from the usual bullet-hell rhetoric.
Honorable Mentions
While the 20 games listed above represent the cream of the crop, several other PS1 shmups deserve a mention. These titles may not have reached the same level of acclaim, but they still offer enjoyable experiences for shmup enthusiasts.
This game offers a unique twist on the classic Zanac formula, but it didn’t quite achieve the same level of recognition as some of the other titles on this list.
While a solid compilation of Gradius titles, it didn’t introduce enough new elements to make it a standout PS1 shmup.
A decent 3D shmup, but it lacked the polish of some of the top contenders.
A fun parody game, but not a serious competitor to the main list.
These honorable mentions highlight the depth and variety of the PS1 shmup library. While they may not have made the top 20, they still offer enjoyable gameplay and unique features that shmup fans can appreciate.
Conclusion
The PlayStation 1 was a golden age for shoot ’em ups, offering a diverse range of experiences that continue to captivate retro gamers. From the intense bullet hells of Cave to the innovative designs of Square Enix and Taito, the PS1 shmup library is a treasure trove of classic titles. We hope this guide has encouraged you to explore these classic titles and experience the thrill of retro shooting action.
Share your favorite PS1 shmup memories in the comments!
