Good homage to Compile's The Guardian Legend (NES, 1988). Both combine multidirecitonal shooter (on foot) & vertical shooter (flying) sections. However, Astrolancer is much more linear & bullet hell.

A quality push-scrolling shmup set in Astro Saga's 2010, where alien girls defend their planet from evil Terrans. The tanks are highly inspired by Blaster Master, but it's a linear, arcade-style game.

A horizontal shmup with an interesting core mechanic: your HP constantly drops & you have to refill it by playing aggressively. I'm fine with the visuals, but the audio leaves a lot to be desired.

After Hexapoda, the dev went fully Cave-style danmaku, incl. focus shot/movement. It's a solid indie entry for this type of shmup. Plus, you get the dev's weird pleasure for unsuitable 4P Co-Op again.

A 4P Co-Op vertical shmup that is a rather unguided or at least unpolished mix of bullet hell & classic elements. However, the gameplay overall is not bad & the presentation quite engaging.

A 2P Co-Op twin-stick bullet hell shmup with stages full of gimmicks & novelties for the genre, sometimes very puzzle-like. All feels well thought out, but also surprisingly homogenous & atmospheric.

Aka Kyukyoku Tiger (1987), a sequel to Toaplan's first game Tiger-Heli (1985). It was the earliest shooting game with cycling power ups & later Seibu's main influence for Raiden (1990). Has 2P Co-Op.

Toaplan's Commando-style push-scroller from 1990. Despite being one of the devs' most ambitious and best games, it has never received a home port before. Bitwave's port works great & and has 2P Co-Op.

The 2nd of only 2 Toaplan hori shmups, both from 1989. Greatly designed stages & enemies, an unique tractor beam weapon, Co-Op & amazing BGM! Unfortunately, Bitwave's release lacks the famous MD port.

Released in 1988 & now Toaplan's most famous game. A masterpiece with an extremely influential art style, but still special in its overall game flow, e.g. with its numerous sets of brutal mid-bosses.