Items15The creator’s order
  1. 1Andro Dunos II (2022)Andro Dunos II (2022) 8.0/10 on IGDBReleased Mar 24, 2022Cycle through four weapons from the start. A laser rewards lining up a shot, while homing missiles let you keep moving while you deal with targets that won’t stay in front of you. Each weapon can be upgraded as you go. This is a good first pick if you want to compare how the same stage feels with…0
  2. 2Radiant Silvergun (2011)Radiant Silvergun (2011)Released Sep 14, 2011Seven attacks are available from the start in the standard three-button control scheme, with some triggered by combining buttons. Use the forward shot for enemies directly ahead or the Back-Wide Shot to fire behind you and keep a narrow shot in front. The controls take practice, but you don’t have…0
  3. 3Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar (1992)Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar (1992) 6.1/10 on IGDBReleased Jul 24, 1992Thunder Force IV, released in North America as Lightening Force, lets you switch between weapons you’ve picked up. Back Shot makes flying past an enemy a real option. The five-direction Free Way shot gives you wider coverage. A lost ship costs the weapon you had selected if it was a pickup, giving…0
  4. 4Gleylancer (2021)Gleylancer (2021)Released Oct 15, 2021Your main gun fires ahead, but the two smaller gunners can cover other directions. In Modern mode in the 2021 release, you can change how the gunners move during a stage or aim them with the right stick. Try it if you like the idea of flying one way while your side weapons look after another.0
  5. 5Einhänder (1997)Einhänder (1997) 7.5/10 on IGDBReleased Nov 20, 1997The manipulator arm can take gunpods from enemy craft. Try the Endymion Mk. II, which can carry three gunpods and switch between them as you fly. Pods have limited ammunition, so collecting a new one can change what you fire and how much of it you have for the next stretch.0
  6. 6Earthion (2025)Earthion (2025)Released Jul 31, 2025Carry a wide-pattern subweapon for scattered enemies and a more concentrated one for tougher targets, then switch as the stage calls for it. An Adaptation Pod can take up a subweapon slot in exchange for an upgrade if you finish the stage with it. Pick this if you want part of the challenge to be…0
  7. 7Hellfire (1989)Hellfire (1989) 7.0/10 on IGDBReleased Dec 31, 1989One button cycles through forward, rear, vertical, and diagonal fire. The vertical shot lets you fly past targets above and below, while the rear shot lets you keep firing after they get behind the ship. This is a good pick if you want a game that makes where you stand matter with just a fire…0
  8. 8Axelay (1992)Axelay (1992) 7.1/10 on IGDBReleased Sep 1, 1992You start with three weapons and can cycle through them with the shoulder buttons. Later stages give you more options when choosing what to bring. A hit can take away the weapon you’re using, leaving you to make do with what’s left. Choose this if you want a small loadout that doubles as a margin…0
  9. 9Ray'z Arcade Chronology (2023)Ray'z Arcade Chronology (2023)Released Mar 9, 2023Start with RayForce in this collection. The forward shot handles targets on your level, while the lock-on laser reaches enemies below the ship. You’ll spend some of the stage guiding the targeting mark over the lower layer while still dodging the upper one. The split gives each weapon a job the…0
  10. 10Alltynex Second (2010)Alltynex Second (2010) 7.0/10 on IGDBReleased Aug 14, 2010Use the fighter’s ranged fire while you have space. The armored form brings a short-range blade, so switching changes how close you have to get. It’s a good choice if you want the moment you close the gap to be as important as the button you press.0