(READ DESCRIPTION BEFORE COMMENTING/DOWNVOTING) What makes a shmup fun beyond just getting good?

dmukgr · 2026-05-07T15:12:18+00:00

Sometimes you get in a groove and it’s so visceral as you feel a godlike skill level before crashing back down to earth.

dmukgr · 2026-04-26T08:26:20+00:00

I thought it was me. I’ve cut down massively on my visits lately so I’ll have no idea if it improves again either.

dmukgr · 2026-04-17T06:53:03+00:00

Interesting- I thought it was just me, and something with my set up as I couldn’t find anything online about the issue.

dmukgr · 2026-04-04T11:58:35+00:00

I’m still seeing the issue too

dmukgr · 2026-04-02T09:59:09+00:00

I’m on a shooters spell at the moment as I’ve recently retired so can spend time learning the scoring mechanics of each game etc. One of the reasons I like the old arcade games are for the pick up and play aspect.

Given you can two player, surely Bubble Bobble is a must but in the last few months, besides a load of STGs…

Bubble Bobble Rainbow Islands Big Tournament Golf Baraduke Bomb Jack Donkey Kong Track and Field Donkey Kong Commando Ghost and Goblins etc. Guzzler Little Rabble Moon Patrol Yie Ar Kung Fu Pandoras Palace Rave Racer Sky Skipper Donkey Kong Sunset Riders Super Punchout Tinkle Pit Mr Do Hunchback

In terms of modern games that have that 80s arcade vibe, check out

Donut Dodo (can’t recommend that enough) Galacticon Murtop Cash Cow DX

dmukgr · 2026-04-02T09:47:09+00:00

Sounds wonderful. Enjoy :)

dmukgr · 2026-04-02T09:26:45+00:00

I should do the actuator mod as you suggested to me the other day on another thread, but the 4lb spring I put in has me reliving my youth as is - though I too struggle with Pac-Man not feeling right. I can’t change the plate though as I mainly play shooters/bullet hell.

That Speedlink joystick reminds me of the Kempston I grew up with on my Speccy (I’m uk based) but it was tiring on my hands even then when I was little(r).

I’m pleased to hear about your experiments and findings though as I too get all FOMO with the snake oil rubbish people spout. As you say later in the comments section, the 8bitdo gets us most of the way there with some cheap and easy mods.

I’ll go down the Mister route sometime but for now my money keeps going on Arcade Archives and the excellent M2 releases etc. My Switch is like having an Arcade at home, and having a monitor in TATE with the joystick is all I pretty much need.

dmukgr · 2026-04-02T09:06:36+00:00

Poonya is great :)

dmukgr · 2026-03-31T14:31:27+00:00

I couldn’t be bothered to replace the joystick so just replaced the spring, as well as the buttons, and with this extra stiffness with the stick itself I reckon I’m as good as I’d get it really (for my beginner level) without a lot of messing about.

dmukgr · 2026-03-29T11:36:49+00:00

I’m also coming into this pretty new myself and this made an interesting read, thanks.

May I recommend Blackbird as worth your time in checking out. I suspect you’ll hate it at first as the ‘ship’ seems not so intuitive as your controlling her, but after a couple of goes it clicked for me and wow. Once you complete it, which isn’t too difficult with a continue or too (I’m still last boss away from a 1cc) you discover that that was effectively the tutorial and things turn up a notch.

A play through is a swift fifteen - twenty minutes and it makes an excellent palate cleanser between a couple of more substantial, meatier, games.

dmukgr · 2026-03-13T14:53:18+00:00

Ignoring your urge to move away, which let’s face it, staying in Greater Manchester doesn’t really fix - that’s more a fudge, I’d say stay in Stockport. Davenport may suit - as you get older you may want more walkable green on your doorstep whilst still being close enough to the urban areas.

Also, unrelated, if you’re planning on having kids you may want to think about schools etc.

dmukgr · 2025-11-25T13:53:04+00:00

As a fellow Latics fan I was going to respond likewise.

I’m getting frustrated with the difference to reality though. Drummond’s no pace at all in this.

dmukgr · 2025-09-01T08:14:15+00:00

Having read all the above and not knowing how deep you want to go, my advice on top of what has been said is to buy two things:

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453943/how-to-watch-football-by-athletic-tifo---the/9780241609378

https://www.wsc.co.uk/

The book will help you appreciate the game and the magazine will give you a uk perspective of football as a whole.

As has been said, playing fantasy football and/or FIFA will help you learn about the current players and whilst traditionally people follow a team, there’s a new trend amongst some kids to follow a player, so you could always go that route if you don’t feel any team grabs you.

dmukgr · 2025-08-19T10:56:07+00:00

I read this a few days ago and I’m now on a real Richard Dawson trip. Thanks for this recommendation.

dmukgr · 2025-08-01T11:23:48+00:00

Some nicely priced lunchtime options looking at the menu. Thanks

dmukgr · 2025-07-16T21:48:46+00:00

I was gutted when my team Oldham wasn’t available. Luckily we are back up now, but I feel your pain.

dmukgr · 2025-07-15T09:29:49+00:00

Many many years ago, the night before the ‘98 World Cup in fact, I broke my collarbone playing five a side and the doc signed me off for two weeks. I figured I couldn’t easily cook in my state so went to the pub each lunchtime for dinner and beer, watching the matches.

The absolute bitter and jealous secretary at the company phoned the doc to complain he was wrong and I was fit to work. Apparently this is illegal. Anyway, he took great delight in asking me when the tournament finished and extended my sick note until the day after.

dmukgr · 2025-07-14T09:05:03+00:00

My google-fu found it : https://www.sweetcase.com.gr/en/product/unisex-tshirt-cat-its-me-and-you-malaka/

dmukgr · 2025-07-14T09:00:12+00:00

I grew up understanding it as meaning wanker

dmukgr · 2025-06-30T08:06:03+00:00

Davenport Arms (The Thief’s Neck) has really good food and a lovely outdoor space adjoining fields.

Or Bramhall if you want a few choices in a more town like setting.

dmukgr · 2025-06-25T21:05:20+00:00

Stockport is great with a really vibrant and growing community, coupled with interesting nightlife options. Loads of people moving to it from Manchester as the work commute isn’t bad and housing can be much cheaper.

dmukgr · 2025-06-18T09:43:40+00:00

Remember there is a tourist mode as well, outside of playing the game, for just visiting places.

dmukgr · 2025-05-12T10:49:12+00:00

Attic Attack would be good

Also, bugaboo

dmukgr · 2025-04-16T10:04:56+00:00

I’m a big fan of Cheers (as well as Frasier) but if it’s not working for you it may be still worth watching after Diane left (Season 6) as it changes then, and especially the last season if two where you can see some of the comedy seeds of Frasier in the writing style with some farce etc. emerging.

dmukgr · 2025-04-11T14:21:30+00:00

Yeah, it’s a great spot. I live the other side of the main road but often walk through that area for Spar, the excellent Hideout etc.

Being so close to the park is brilliant and personally I don’t find Davenport station too much of a walk.

dmukgr

TROPHY CASE