DS Shmups

Perhaps the DS isn't the most notorious format for shooters, but it has a couple of fine examples that are worthy of a post. Perhaps the lesser know of the two we have in mind (one for each of our subscribers..) is Danshaku which lures in the modern gamer with smooth 3D graphics yet its mechanics are strictly retro. Its an old school shooter but done in the third dimension producing quite stunning results with crisp, colourful pixels on the small screen. Utilises the dual screen and touch function well with a useful radar, but its wireless two player with only one cart that really whisks up a hail of bullets frenzy. Quite rare of late.
The other gem we have in mind for a bit of a blog buff up is Bangaio Spirits. A National Treasure which gets a worthy update to hopefully woo more with its charms.  Full of tongue in cheek humour as you'd expect from this developer and some very funny English translations. Huge title with plenty of levels and even a level editor for the DS version. Cunning counter attack method involves waiting until your ship is in imminent danger before launching the counter, and the results are the more spectacular depending on the level of danger. And based on the experience of past competitions, Treasure have made data transferable via sound so that another DS can upload it or even it can even be sent onto the net for the real high rollers.
So there you have it: the DS is more hardcore than it may look being played by the young person on the train next to you...