This retro-style fast paced 'must buy an Xbox 360'-game has become available for the PC platform as Geometry Wars has finally left the realm of the Xbox 360 - read more below.

What is it about these physics-defying games that makes them one of the most long lasting genres around?

Introduction
Shoot‘em ups (SHMUPS) are a very specific kind of videogame that everybody will recognize, a type of game where you control a maneuverable weapon – often in the form of a spaceship – stopping enemies from destroying you or your bases. Control is often fairly limited, four- or eight-way control, but sometimes only sideways, combined with one or more fire-buttons. One of the most well known incarnations of the game is Space Invaders and a lot of later games all seem to be inspired by this old granddaddy of SHMUPS from the late 1970’s. Even non-gamers know what Space Invaders is about, often describing a modern day SHMUP as ‘being like Space Invaders’.

What is it about these physics-defying games that makes them one of the most long lasting genres around?

Introduction
Shoot‘em ups (SHMUPS) are a very specific kind of videogame that everybody will recognize, a type of game where you control a maneuverable weapon – often in the form of a spaceship – stopping enemies from destroying you or your bases. Control is often fairly limited, four- or eight-way control, but sometimes only sideways, combined with one or more fire-buttons. One of the most well known incarnations of the game is Space Invaders and a lot of later games all seem to be inspired by this old granddaddy of SHMUPS from the late 1970’s. Even non-gamers know what Space Invaders is about, often describing a modern day SHMUP as ‘being like Space Invaders’.

Most freeware software can either be great, or horrible. Kenta Cho, the man who runs ABA Games has created many great freeware software. While most of his creations are 2D shmups (and by the way they're all great), his Tempest-inspired Torus Trooper is a must play for all Tempest fans.

Shmup fans would also really want to check out TUMIKI Fighters for its intesting gameplay elements and art style.

ABA Games

Retroblast has a neat post up about a video called Pinball Warriors vs. Space Invaders. It's an old British animation that pits some city-destroying Space Invaders against a cartoon crowd of pinball heroes. I'm getting this must have been very early 80s (if not late 70s).