Electronic Gaming Monthly's Top 61 Shoot 'Em Ups of the 16-Bit Era

Deep Blue (TurboGrafx-16)

#61

“Shooting fish in the ocean? It doesn't sound too exciting and it isn't. Probably the most frustrating game ever, with enemy fish hitting you from off screen before you can even react. It doesn't hold your interest and doesn't have nearly enough variety.” (3.75 out of 10)

Terraforming (TurboGrafx-16)

#60

“Terraforming is TTI's latest release? C'mon guys! This game is completely dull and boring. Shooters are known for wild power-ups. While they're nothing spectacular, there are a lot of them making you nearly invulnerable at times. The music is a joke. Many of the tunes don't even match the levels they're for. This could have been a good game two years ago, but the Duo is dying quickly.” (4 out of 10)

Ordyne (TurboGrafx-16)

#59

“This game did not appeal to me at all. The graphics don't fit the game, the power-ups are too uneven and there's not enough challenge to keep anyone but the youngest players interested. Shooter fans will be disappointed in this seven-round game that's sure to be finished the same day.” (4.5 out of 10)

Battle Squadron (Genesis)

#58

“Great multi-level scrolling backgrounds or two-player action? It's a tough choice Electronic Arts had to make, but I would rather have the great backgrounds. The game looks flat like something that was done on the 8-bit. When stacked up against the competition, this is only average.” (5 out of 10)

Super Air Zonk (TurboGrafx-16)

#57

“What's with all these shooters on the Duo? Super Air Zonk might have been better if there was much more to it. The power-ups are pretty tame and the action never gets strong enough. However, the music is good and actually matches the levels they're played in. Another plus is that there are little bits of comedy here and there, similar to Parodius. This one is OK, but really needed more.” (5 out of 10)

Bio-Hazard Battle (Genesis)

#56

“Thunder Force 4 it ain't! While Sega's first attempt at a shooter in a long time is a valiant effort, the cart just doesn't hang on as far as challenge and longevity. Shooter fans will want to grab onto this one but the average player will do best to try it out first. Good graphics and a better than average amount of weapons and plusses.” (5.5 out of 10)

Vapor Trail (Genesis)

#55

“From start to finish, Vapor Trailer is an average shooter. The game's one plus, a two-player simultaneous option, is welcome, but it only really succeeds in making the cart easier. The game suffers from slow-down, flicker and weaponry that has been seen many times before.” (5.75 out of 10)

Strike Gunner STG (Super NES)

#54

“This game has a cool intro, but the game doesn't hold up very well. Besides being incredibly easy, with never more than a handful of enemy intruders on screen at any one time, the backgrounds lack any real detail. The game play is further weakened by poor weapon progression and bad execution. Not for me.” (6 out of 10)

Super Thunder Blade (Genesis)

#53

“Super Thunder Blade just isn't what a 16-bit game should be. It's not offending, but the graphics, while detailed, don't move in smooth progression from the background to the foreground. The worst thing about Super Thunder Blade, however, is how it controls, with poor response that it slows and sluggish and makes the game tedious.” (6 out of 10)

BioMetal (Super NES)

#52

“All the elements of an average shooter are here – huge bosses, tons of power-ups and weapons, and great graphics. Unfortunately, the perky techno-pop music by pop group 2 Unlimited just doesn't belong – unless you can dance your feet and play the game simultaneously.” (6 out of 10)

Viewpoint (Genesis)

#51

“American Sammy has done a good job of converting this Neo Geo shooter. However, there is some bad slowdown, and the music comes nowhere near the original. Shooter fans, however, will like it.” (6 out of 10)

Lords of Thunder (Sega CD)

#50

“When this came out for the TurboDuo, it was a truly rockin' game. Now, it just seems like Sega is trying to catch some of that success. The game looks and feels like the Duo version, which is good. But when comparing this game and any other shooter that has come out recently, Lords of Thunder just doesn't stand-up to the competition. Yeah, it's decent, but it isn't too spectacular. It's standard-fare stuff.” (6 out of 10)

Android Assault (Sega CD)

#49

“A side-scrolling shooter with a killer rock music soundtrack. Like others in the genre, there are several power-ups and weapons to collect. The only problem was the graphics; they were average considering this is CD.” (6.2 out of 10)

Super Nova (Super NES)

#48

“There are some excellent elements here (like great weapons and, at times, astounding graphics), but the one-hit-wonder aspect that sends you back a ways in each level when hit is very aggravating.” (6.2 out of 10)

Arrow Flash (Genesis)

#47

“Not a bad shooter, but not a spectacular one either. Arrow Flash comes out a bit better than average with minuses for power-ups (not enough), but big plusses for backgrounds. The ‘Jupiter' effect on one level is good and the wave level is hypnotizing. It should have been made harder!” (6.25 out of 10)

Whip Rush (Genesis)

#46

“Whip Rush comes close, but in the end it simply misses the mark. The main ship controls in an awkward fashion that makes it difficult to fight in two directions. The game has all the expected bosses and backgrounds, but they just don't have the crisp edge.” (6.25 out of 10)

Earth Defense Force (Super NES)

#45

“I'm a real fan of side-scrolling shooters, but there are substantial problems with the execution of Super Earth Defense Force. First of all, the game offers little in the way of variety within each round. The backgrounds and enemies (which are extremely small) are repetitive. The weapon power-up is unique, but overall, I wasn't impressive.” (6.25 out of 10)

Truxton (Genesis)

#44

“Truxton is a fast-paced shooting game that has spectacular graphics and incredible visual power-ups. These features, combined with huge bosses and stellar backgrounds, make this the best space shooter I've played since Blazing Lazers. More levels would have made it even better.” (6.25 out of 10)

BlaZeon (Super NES)

#43

“Why would a company release a mediocre shooter, when other carts show how good a Super NES shooter can really be? The game is fairly difficult, but the graphics are nothing to shout about. The sound department isn't the best either. The game play is very straight-forward with only a few cool options. Missed it by ...” (6.5 out of 10)

Galaga '90 (TurboGrafx-16)

#42

“A 1990 version of Space Invaders. While nicely done on the Turbo, it still boils down to just a basic shooter. Twelve years of progress does add fireworks, but if there is a reason to get this game it has to be the sound. One of the best, with choreographed aliens that are comical. Just average.” (6.75 out of 10)

Soldier Blade (TurboGrafx-16)

#41

“It seems like déjà vu, but is TurboGrafx cloning its previous shooters? The game suffers a bit from a lack of power-ups and different levels of power. Game play is good as are the graphics and sound, but it could use a bit of spicing up. Yet it's overall action and quality remain above average.” (6.75 out of 10)

Grind Stormer (Genesis)

#40

“It's too bad that this game didn't come out a few years back. This is the type of shooter that would have won shooter of the year, but the problem is that there are too many weapons that we all have seen already, like a wide weapon attack and a homing weapon. Yes, they are cool and powerful weapons to have, but are not anywhere near original. Aside from this, it's a good shooter that can stand on its own merit.” (6.75 out of 10)

Dragon Spirit (TurboGrafx-16)

#39

“Now this is closer to what a 1990s shooter should be. Plenty of different types of fire power, power-ups and a wide variety of enemies. Scrolls nicely and handles well. Dragon Spirit has a proper difficulty curve and offers constant non-stop action. The graphics aren't state-of-the-art, but it fits the Turbo.” (6.75 out of 10)

Magical Chase (TurboGrafx-16)

#38

“Magical Chase could just as easily been called Lords of Thunder super-deformed! It plays extremely well for a cartoony game, and the enemies are, at times, very funny. This is the Parodius of the Thunder series, and will entertain kids of all ages. Any devoted Lords of Thunder fan will probably want to get this game.” (7 out of 10)

Cyber-Core (TurboGrafx-16)

#37

“This game is very good, once again showcasing the Turbo's ability to produce visually stunning games that play good, too. The action is a bit repetitive here, with not as much diversity as Blazing Lazers, but shooter fans should be happy.” (7 out of 10)

Sub-Terrania (Genesis)

#36

“Now here's a game with originality. Sub-Terrania offers tons of strategy, but not without some agonizing features. The constant gravity keeps pulling you down. While this is the major part of the game, it will take time to get used to it. Other than that, the control is great, the music has a soothing beat, and the missions can get really rough. It's refreshing to see programmers come up with new ideas these days.” (7 out of 10)

Wings of Wor (Genesis)

#35

“Another blaster for the Genesis that unfortunately doesn't boast a great theme or unique enhancement scales. Wings of Wor is solid action, don't get me wrong, but if you're looking for anything other than a shooting blow-out, then Wings will probably not excite!” (7 out of 10)

Super Star Soldier (TurboGrafx-16)

#34

“If you ask me, it's the sequel to Blazing Lazers. A very conventional, but good shooter for the Turbo. While the game is harder than Blazing Lasers, it lacks the variety of weapons and power-ups that made Blazing so good. Great graphics and exceptional music blended with great game play.” (7 out of 10)

Dead Moon (TurboGrafx-16)

#33

This is a shooter that is long overdue. The game resembles a side-scrolling Blazing Lazers with less power-ups. The graphics are stunning and the music is extremely well done for a card. The gameplay is great and provides solid shooting action from start to finish. The cart is too short and there's not enough weapons.” (7.25 out of 10)

Robo Aleste (Sega CD)

#32

“I was expecting a total kick-butt, M.U.S.H.A.-on-steroids game from these folks and, sad to say, I'm disappointed. The game is very good, but there's nothing more than CD music to set this game apart from cartridge shooters. The power-ups are cool, but the bosses are unoriginal and at times the game is very unfair.” (7.25 out of 10)

Curse (Genesis)

#31

“An excellent shooter which almost didn't make it to these shorts, Curse is an exceptional side-scrolling shooter with vivid graphics and a large variety of enemy characters. The game is too short, however, and most will complete with little difficulty.” (7.25 out of 10)

Air Zonk (TurboGrafx-16)

#30

“Zonk, Bonk, whatever. TTI has taken the old caveman and updated him for the ‘90s. They did a good job also, especially by not relying on the old character to carry the game. The new Zonk has a personality of his own and this is probably the best way to break away from the Bonk series. One of the best Turbo games!” (7.25 out of 10)

Raiden Trad (Genesis)

#29

“An excellent vertically scrolling shooter. It isn't revolutionary as it utilizes older tried-and-true game play. But what makes this great is the fact that it does everything perfectly. Challenging game play, a good difficulty curve and graphics that are among the best on the Genesis.” (7.25 out of 10)

Raiden (TurboGrafx-16)

#28

“One of the most intense arcade games ever made is now one of the most intense Turbo shooters. Same cool weapons, same vicious end bosses, and the same nonstop action that made the coin-op so good. The graphics are good, but the sound leaves a little to be desired.” (7.5 out of 10)

Twin Cobra (Genesis)

#27

“A great shooter that's a classic favorite to me as well as most veteran gamers. This game is a carbon copy of the arcade. Great graphics and sounds and superb game play make this one of the best shooters around. Definitely not for wimpy shooter fans.” (7.5 out of 10)

Sagaia (Genesis)

#26

“Another 8 meg monster to buy for the memory muncher. The most impressive thing about this game is not its amazing graphics (and they are amazing), but the fact that it has a total of 28 different levels! Awesome bosses and cool power-ups. The sound could use some improving.” (8.6 out of 10)

Firepower 2000 (Super NES)

#25

“If you look at this game from two sides, as jeep battle and heli battle, you get two different scores. The jeep action is awkward and difficult to control – but the overhead helicopter mode dishes up some of the best vertical scroll action the Super NES has ever seen. Not a lot of Mode 7 flash, just solid, solid gameplay.” (7.5 out of 10)

Silpheed (Sega CD)

#24

“Silpheed has some of the most stunning visuals in a video game. The cinemas are unbelievable. The game itself is rather mundane. It's a simple shooter that seems to lack real interaction with the amazing backgrounds. The gameplay is solid, however, and there is absolutely no slowdown whatsoever. I only wish there could have been more interaction. If you liked the classic arcade shooters, you'd love this one. They're very similar.” (7.5 out of 10)

Thunder Force II (Genesis)

#23

“You haven't seen great graphics until you've seen Thunder Force II. Easily the best visuals in a shoot em up, with both horizontal and vertical fighting sequences, the game has more than enough variety. The action is intense and non-stop. Another example of how much better a 16-bit cart can be.” (7.75 out of 10)

Blazing Lazers (TurboGrafx-16)

#22

“Definitely the best space shooter available on any system. A multitude of power-ups can be enhanced to incredible levels while stunning backgrounds and enemies provide plenty of targets. Everything in this game – the bosses, music and play – are near perfect!” (7.75 out of 10)

Sol-Deace (Genesis)

#21

“Sol-Deace has it all: From great graphics to fast-moving action to a wide array of weapon enhancements, this is every blaster fan's dream come true. While you will notice some flicker, the gameplay gives you an alien armada to go up against. From the smallest enemy to the largest boss, this game is a winner.” (7.75 out of 10)

Hellfire (Genesis)

#20

“In many respects Hellfire is as good as Gaiares, but this soft is even harder. Too hard for my tastes, but there are players who thrive on that. Great scrolling, plenty of fast action and good audio. Lose your power and you might as well restart the game – too hard.” (7.75 out of 10)

Insector-X (Genesis)

#19

“Insector-X is out to bug Genesis players with great graphics, lots of shooting and a twist on conventional shooter themes. Grab your fly swatter and check this cart out, especially if you're a shooter fan.” (7.75 out of 10)

Ranger-X (Genesis)

#18

“Ranger-X is incredible! It puts the many other action titles like it to shame – and then some. The difficulty is high, but it's welcome in this day of way-too-easy games. The colors are simply brilliant, as well. The control can seem a little quirky at first, however. The incredible variety of weapons, the non-stop action, and doses of strategy are pretty much unequaled by anything else.” (7.75 out of 10)

U.N. Squadron (Super NES)

#17

“A shooter for the Super NES that isn't plagued with the annoying ‘slow motion' found in Super R-Type and Gradius III. Spectacular graphics and sounds as well as a huge arsenal of weaponry make this the most impressive shooter available yet. I wish it was a little more intense.” (7.75 out of 10)

Choplifter III: Rescue Survive (Super NES)

#16

“Yes, Choplifter, the timeless game, finally makes it to the Super NES, and it is a winner. Fans of military simulators will definitely feel at home with this one. The levels are huge, but there could be more of them.” (7.8 out of 10)

Keio Flying Squadron (Sega CD)

#15

“A cutesy shooter with the standard requirements for the genre – huge bosses and power-ups. This one adds excellent cinemas and sound effects. This must be one of the best shooters to appear on the Sega CD.” (7.8 out of 10)

Forgotten Worlds (Genesis)

#14

“Forgotten Worlds is another pixel-perfect arcade translation from Sega. Although the movements of your character in this 2-player combo title is awkward at first, the superb graphics, detailed attackers and hard-hitting game play make this one a winner.” (9 out of 10)

Psychosis (Genesis)

#13

“One of the most bizarre shooters I've ever played. Backgrounds are made up of optical illusions that will trick you, attack you and drive you nuts! I love it! Tough from beginning to end, Psychosis is one shooter that makes others look too normal to be interesting. Too short, I need more!” (8 out of 10)

Gradius III (Super NES)

#12

“My favorite series of shooters has finally gone 16-bit. The graphics are truly an upgrade to the NES versions and the music is very cool. Tons of cool new weapons to use. The game lacks the intensity and seems only to pick up in the later rounds. A very good shooter, but not the best.” (8 out of 10)

Super R-Type (Super NES)

#11

“Super R-Type is a hodge-podge of the very best from both the arcade games with a large cup of new material thrown in for good measure. It's vintage R-Type, with incredible graphics, sharp weapons and awesome enemies. It's too easy and too short, but the trip is spectacular.” (8 out of 10)

R-Type III: The Third Lightning (Super NES)

#10

“This is definitely one game you won't master in one sitting! Fans of the earlier installments in the R-Type saga will want to check this one out. Huge levels, excellent bosses and a rather high difficulty make this the shooter to get. The two-player is a nice options, and thank goodness for the unlimited continues! Nice purchase, Jaleco!” (8 out of 10)

Phelios (Genesis)

#9

“Great colorful graphics that will knock you out of your chair. Dazzling multi-moving graphic imagery and theme music. A shooter, yes, but what a shooter this is. A mythological storyline with R-Type overtones. Exceptional!” (8.25 out of 10)

Fire Shark (Genesis)

#8

“Once again the Genesis proves that it can do just about anything you can find in the arcades! Fire Shark is challenging and fun to play, with progressive weapons and bonus points that add strategy to the mayhem.” (8.25 out of 10)

Thunder Force III (Genesis)

#7

“Thunder Force III is as close to the perfect shooter as you can get. Eight explosive levels of blast em away action highlight this cart that is definitely in a class by itself. The graphics, sound, music, full-screen bosses and intense firepower all conspire to make an incredible game!” (8.25 out of 10)

Aero Blasters (TurboGrafx-16)

#6

“You can't ask for much more in a shooter! The graphics are great, the game play is intense and it moves lightning fast. The scrolling is great and the music is intense. This is the kind of shooter that you wouldn't expect from the Turbo, but they came through this time. Great game!” (8.5 out of 10)

Gate of Thunder (TurboGrafx-16)

#5

“Gate of Thunder is without a doubt one of the best shooters that I've played in a long time. The graphics are phenomenal, every end boss is huge and is awesomely detailed. Incredible music and tons of cool cinemas also enhance the disc. The best thing is the near-perfect gameplay. It's only vice is the ease of play.” (8.5 out of 10)

Lords of Thunder (TurboGrafx-16)

#4

“Killer tunes? Sharp graphics? Tight gameplay? You want it, you got it! Lords of Thunder literally rocks you to your knees with its pounding bass and guitar rhythm! I've never heard such jamming music in a high-quality game until now! If you own a TurboDuo, you MUST pick up Lords of Thunder.” (8.5 out of 10)

Axelay (Super NES)

#3

“Axelay takes shooters to new heights with play mechanics and spectacular graphics melded into a single interstellar blast-a-thon! The game utilizes a wide variety of Super NES special features and provides a wild array of weaponry in both the pseudo-first person and side-scrolling perspectives. Absolutely incredible!” (8.75 out of 10)

Space Megaforce (Super NES)

#2

“Absolutely incredible! This is, without a doubt, my favorite SNES shooter! The graphics are phenomenal and the Mode 7 effects are so good they make you nauseous. Awesome power-ups and near perfect gameplay make this a blast from beginning to end. Multiple difficulty settings and 12 hyper intense levels. Joy!” (8.75 out of 10)

Gaiares (Genesis)

#1

“Thunder Force III move over!! Once I started playing this game, I couldn't put it down! Few words can describe this shooter. Innovative power-ups. Rockin' tunes. Crisp graphics. The best end bosses ever!! If there ever was a game to follow, and nearly surpass Thunder Force III, this is it!” (8.75 out of 10)