shmup

Shmup is a genre of video games, also known as shoot 'em ups or bullet hell games. These games typically feature a player character who controls a spaceship or aircraft and must shoot large numbers of enemies while dodging a barrage of projectiles. The primary gameplay loop involves navigating through levels filled with enemies, collecting power-ups to enhance weapons and abilities, and ultimately defeating bosses. Shmups often emphasize player skill in memorizing enemy patterns, reacting quickly to threats, and mastering the game's mechanics. They are characterized by their high-octane action and challenging difficulty.

The genre has roots in early arcade games from the 1970s and 1980s, with titles like Space Invaders and Galaxian being foundational. Over time, shmups evolved, with later games introducing more complex scoring systems, intricate enemy formations, and a greater emphasis on dodging. The subgenre known as bullet hell, or danmaku, emerged, characterized by screens filled with an overwhelming number of enemy bullets that players must carefully navigate. Despite their niche appeal, shmups continue to be developed and enjoyed by a dedicated fanbase across various platforms, from arcade machines to modern consoles and personal computers.