Shock Troopers (1997)

This overhead run-and-gun lays many threats out as distinct bright shots crossing a visible patch of ground. Eight-direction movement and a locked firing direction let you retreat while keeping the same target, which helps separate aiming from route planning. Larger bosses still fill the screen, but their individual projectile streams are useful things to follow. Choose the original Shock Troopers, available in current arcade reissues or on PC, and begin with one character before juggling the team-selection option.