Shmuptopia
Meet the Player - Episode 10 with: Psymage Arcade
updated
Thanks for all the stellar comments, support and everything else over the years! It's been a blast!
A huge thanks to Carlos from BF for providing me with this opportunity. If you want to check him out on Twitter, you can find him @BananaFaction or check out the FightWedge V3 on Etsy.
This is a modular pad style controller with some really neat features. I trust you'll enjoy the video.
Today, we're checking out the F6-Gen-5X by FightBox Arcade. A huge thanks to them for sending this review unit and be sure to check out their website!
fightboxarcade.com
Thanks so much, and we'll see you all next time.
This review has been a long time coming and I'm happy to finally share it. In this video, we cover Mavercade's KeebBrawler 02-MX leverless/all-button controller which I received last year. It's got solid performance all around, fantastic RGB LED lighting, a great layout with tons of space and comfort and the construction is some of the best I've seen.
A huge thanks to Mavercade for providing me with this opportunity and to Autumn for helping with the video editing.
Mavercade website:
mavercade.com
Be sure to also check out Mavercade on Twitter/X
https://x.com/Mavercade
Enjoy the video!
Today, we're checking out the PadBox by Arkodd - I was aiming to release this during the tail-end of last year though there were many delays and other factors that continually pushed the date back. In any event, this is a super cool blend of dpad and arcade stick buttons.
A huge thanks to Arkodd for providing me with this review unit and be sure to check him out:
Arkodd Website
arkodd.com
Twitter/X
https://x.com/Hing3Dbox
Thanks for watching!
Today, we're digging into a bit of Macross Shooting Insight on the Nintendo Switch - releasing later this week.
A huge thanks to RedArtGames for providing me with a review code.
Thanks for watching.
Today, we're taking a look at Omega Fighter for the Nintendo Switch. This is one I've been meaning to come back to and talk about for quite some time. I wasn't sure whether it would be a review or something just highlighting what I like but I decided to cover the basics and share a few pointers here and there.
I'd like to extend a huge thanks to our monthly supporters!
Scowsh
SpidersSTG
Tim F
Talkerbot
Anotherkellydown
You guys are awesome and I deeply appreciate your support!
I trust everyone enjoys the video, and we'll see you all next time.
Today, we're checking out the FightCard by OmniArcade. A huge thanks to Layershift of OmniArcade for sending this unit my way.
Check out their Etsy shop here:
etsy.com/shop/OmniArcade
Today we're checking out Super Dimension Fortress MACROSS on the Nintendo Switch - now part of the ever-growing Arcade Archives library.
This is an interesting one from 1992 and I'm excited to share a little about the game with you!
My video on how to easily access JP exclusives on the eShop:
youtu.be/z29p9d3DmC8?si=H0GS6bwHTJvZDR5F
I'd like to extend a huge thanks to our monthly supporters!
Scowsh
SpidersSTG
Tim F
Talkerbot
Anotherkellydown
You guys are awesome and I deeply appreciate your support!
I trust everyone enjoys the video, and we'll see you all next time.
In today's video, we take a look at how Viper Phase 1 works and some advice for those who want to jump in for survival or score play. It's awesome to see Hamster add this to the Arcade Archives lineup. Is this a review or more so a verbalized manual with some tips? Either way, I had a blast putting this together for you all.
A huge thanks to our Plugged In members for their stellar support and contributions!
Scowsh
SpidersSTG
Tim F
Talkerbot
Anotherkellydown
If you want to become a Plugged In member and enjoy supporter-exclusive videos, be sure to check out my website!
shmuptopia.com
Thanks and have a stellar one!
A huge thanks to Terarin for providing me with a code.
Enjoy the video!
Layla and Jenny Stage 8 Expert clears side-by-side
youtu.be/_btzkNh1KTU
Today, we're kicking back to some tunes while putting some art onto the Mayflash F500 FLAT.
Enjoy the video.
It's been a long time since the last C&S episode but at long last, I've got one ready for you all to enjoy.
If you liked this episode and are interested in additional material to sink into, I offer supporter-exclusive videos through my website for those contributing at the "Plugged In" tier level: shmuptopia.com/plans-pricing
Today we're checking out the F4-S all-button controller by FightBox - a huge thanks to them for providing me with this unit and to everyone for checking this out.
Be sure to check out their website to see all the awesome controllers they offer and to get in on the current sales: fightboxarcade.com
I trust this helps.
Here's the full run:
youtu.be/lV6Ad6VWr2o
If you would like to check out some of my other clears, here's a small handful of them. Please note this is not all of them - just the ones I've recorded.
First clear (Green Knight)
youtu.be/j-QlKW5elb0
Second clear (Hell Tiger)
youtu.be/af-hBlN_-nw
Clear with Cobra
youtu.be/Ot7vGoro1zc
No-Miss Boss Rush with Hell Tiger
youtu.be/H45kJfRiOu0
No-Miss Boss Rush with Cobra
youtu.be/cT7nDvBcgEk
No-Miss Boss Rush with Green Knight
youtu.be/9gmxBSa0Lk8
Thanks, and we'll seeya soon.
This was a fantastic chat and it was great hearing some of his background story while also getting a voice to go with the name! A huge thanks to Jam for setting aside time and working around the time difference in general! Be sure to check out his YouTube videos here:
youtube.com/@1CCJAM/videos
And here's the video he mentioned by Mr Wendal on Games:
youtube.com/watch?v=pbHv-s4CMHM
I'd also like to extend a massive thanks to our monthly Plugged In supporters. You guys are absolutely awesome and I cannot thank you enough for your continued support!!
Scowsh
Tim F
SpidersSTG
Talkerbot
Anotherkellydown
Thanks guys!!!
I finally got around to ordering a clear bottom layer for the S16 and decided to put in some of my shooter screenshots. I also felt like black Chicago bolts would be better for the top layer but kept the silver screw part for the bottom since it fits more nicely with the brighter under-image.
Thanks for checking this out!
Are you ready for another MTP episode? In this one, I speak with DharmaPunk about his experiences with arcade shooters.
We went with more of a casual, conversational approach as opposed to the typical Q&A style and I feel this worked a lot nicer.
Be sure to check out DharmaPunk's channel here: youtube.com/@DharmaPunkGames/videos
Thanks so much, Christian! It was a blast talking with you!
Enjoy the video, and we'll be in touch soon!
It was great getting at Giga Wing for the first time since then and recording a clear together is something we've wanted to do for a while.
Enjoy the video, and thanks for watching!
You can learn more about their controllers here:
duelpad.com
Huge thanks to Autumn for helping with the editing.
Today, we're taking a look at my run of Spin Master on Nintendo Switch. This is a solid and super-vibrant game that I'm excited to share with you all.
Developed by Data East and released in 1993, Spin Master (also known as Miracle Adventure in Japan) is an action-adventure platformer with epic pixel art, fun gameplay, and a very mild difficulty.
If you'd like to check out the run without commentary, please use this link:
youtu.be/XRDW_6nia_w
Thanks so much for checking this out, and we'll see you all next time!
Today, we're checking out my normal mode clear in Downwell and taking a look at how the game works. I also cover some preferred weapons and upgrades and share a little about my experience with the game.
If you'd like to check out my website, please visit:
shmuptopia.com
If you'd like to see the run without any talking, please watching the video in the link below:
youtu.be/sSxO41Ylz-0
Also, be sure to check out Psy's video on Downwell here:
youtu.be/eq6ccKsAuMA?si=BODA3ycvyaY2pVkS
And my friend BareKnuckleRoo, who was actually my first Meet the Player guest, recently posted Normal and Hard mode clears on his channel:
youtube.com/@UCQoK6Svwwfy58zpJ-_EoMqg
An absolutely massive thanks to Scowsh, Tim French, and SpidersSTG for their monthly support! This means a great deal to me and I greatly appreciate your contributions.
Thanks, and enjoy the video!
Today, we're checking out I Got Isekai'd Into a Shmup. A huge thanks to TOMA for sending this my way!
Enjoy the video!
Today, I'm sharing my examination of Overwhelm's masterfully-crafted horror experience. This is a pretty minimalistic game in many ways, yet is crams a preposterous amount of horrifying tricks and ways to pressure the player.
It's a game I've cherished since I first found out about it and I trust you'll enjoy the video!
Today, we're jumping into yet another Meet the Player episode. This is a series where we get to know different players before getting into a topic or two.
Huge thanks to SpidersSTG for setting aside time to do this chat.
Enjoy the video!
Be sure to check out Spider's YouTube channel:
youtube.com/@SpidersSTG
Pandit Yogesh Samsi shares a little about Sadhana:
youtu.be/5ThcVhMxZYg?si=yugg4aoqeBaIQnrI
Today, we're checking out the Keebmonkey DOIO Hitpad Standard V1 Leverless Controller.
A huge thanks to Keebmonkey for providing me with this review unit and to Autumn for helping during the editing process.
If you'd like to support me by using this affiliate link, here it is:
https://www.keebmonkey.com?sca_ref=6888780.FsV8oM3MEDnADYG.
Or purchase it normally:
keebmonkey.com/en-ca/collections/doio-hitpad-series
Today, we're jumping into the next episode of our Psikyo-appreciation micro-series. This time around, we'll take a look at Sengoku Ace, which hit the arcades in 1993.
Thanks so much for watching, and a massive thanks to our monthly supporters!
Sengoku Ace 1cc Guide
youtu.be/_PuYDQKWJ64?si=ORjMYZkct5NcIofq
Today, we're taking a look at Valfaris: Mecha Therion for Nintendo Switch. This games paves and maintains its own path. Super stoked to share my thoughts with you all and experiment with a different approach to how I cover games in general.
Thanks to Matthew Cundy for providing the review code, and to the Steel Mantis team for their awesome dedication to keeping things where they belong.
Enjoy the video.
Today, we jump back into Meet the Player episodes. This time around, we're joined by 1RegretBeetle for a talk about how he got into Shmups and the similarities between shooters and fighting games.
There was a mic issue on my end, so the sound quality for my portions of the conversation are not what they'd normally be. This has since been resolved, so future episodes should not suffer from this same issue.
Enjoy!
Check out 1RegretBeetle on YouTube:
youtube.com/@1regretbeetle975?si=8eAEiApH6o6mraZd
In today's video, we're getting back to the Psikyo mini-series. In this episode, we explore Strikers 1945 and examine the use of the charge shot and options available to each aircraft.
Thanks so much for watching, and we'll see you all next time.
Take care.
Today, I'm sharing my review of the F500 Flat all-button controller by Mayflash.
This thing is an absolute beast.
A huge thanks to Mayflash for sending this to me, and to Autumn for helping with the editing of this video.
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you all next time.
Take care.
In today's video, I share a bit about my first Shmup 1cc using an all-button controller or "leverless controller". My primary use for these types of controllers is fighting games with some platformers and brawlers thrown into the mix.
Shmups demand quite a bit more where movement is concerned.
I didn't gather notes for this topic or run or even really have much of an idea what I'd all touch on. So, please excuse the less organized approach.
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you all soon!
Take care.
Today, we're checking out the S15 and D16 all-button or leverless controllers by Tikitaka. In this review, we cover the functionality, comfort, performance, you name it!
A huge thanks to Tikitaka for providing me with these controllers for review, and to Autumn for helping with the edits.
You can find the controllers on Aliexpress
aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-tikitaka-hitbox.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.auto_suggest.2.3603KlDPKlDPTp
S15
aliexpress.com/item/1005006848843285.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.1771314bsz77Tl&algo_pvid=f51d34f9-59d3-4393-828e-937dc24cba17&algo_exp_id=f51d34f9-59d3-4393-828e-937dc24cba17-1&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21CAD%21152.29%21152.29%21%21%21778.18%21778.18%21%402101e64117239304072612574ea605%2112000038507790556%21sea%21CA%212962259368%21X&curPageLogUid=G8ecQ4iSiBUv&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A
D16
aliexpress.com/item/1005006913547322.html?src=google&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=631-313-3945&isdl=y&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&aff_platform=google&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&gclsrc=aw.ds&&albagn=888888&&ds_e_adid=&ds_e_matchtype=&ds_e_device=c&ds_e_network=x&ds_e_product_group_id=&ds_e_product_id=en1005006913547322&ds_e_product_merchant_id=5351635949&ds_e_product_country=CA&ds_e_product_language=en&ds_e_product_channel=online&ds_e_product_store_id=&ds_url_v=2&albcp=19366866438&albag=&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlIG2BhC4ARIsADBgpVQthiSzWeDsc-b6lZFjIhA2eZy1fOvXU-LFLriZ-Sa8YyjZVk-NkQMaAj_BEALw_wcB
Today we're taking a brief look at Tiny Pixels Vol.1 - Ninpo Blast on Nintendo Switch. This isn't exactly a review, but just a taste of the game. We explore what's involved, how scoring works, etc.
Enjoy the video, and we'll see you all next time.
Take care
Earlier this week, I felt inspired to talk about the Psikyo games since they don't get nearly enough attention or appreciation. I decided to start a micro-series and this first episode is all about Gunbird.
This is not a review covering all of the ins and outs. It's simply a celebration.
Enjoy the video, and have a stellar one!
Take care.
Today I share my review of the RaidenBox Core v2.3 by GadgetRunnr.
This one was a blast to learn about and I'm excited for you all to check out this stellar all-button controller.
To find the RaidenBox Core v2.3 showcased in this video, check out the official RaidenBox website here: raidenbox.com
If you want a 10% discount, use the discount code "Shmuptopia" when placing your order.
If you're after one of the 2.0 models (while inventory lasts), be sure to check out Bill's Etsy shop here:
etsy.com/ca/listing/1611614403/raidenbox-core-v20-pc-no-rbg-leverless?click_key=8812728e1d1d9c228324aa988c4ba7c47970f387%3A1611614403&click_sum=b5799d95&ref=shop_home_feat_2&pro=1&frs=1&sts=1
A huge thanks to Bill for all of the correspondence and for the controller!
I'd also like to thank Autumn for her help with editing.
If you enjoyed this one and would like to see other controller reviews, including Haute42 - Cosmox, Granola Arcade, SGF Devices, Mayflash, QRD, and others, be sure to check out my arcade stick and all-button controller playlist here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaiI7rRJVNQd-DSEoWZTrbNQpVhy5bcLV
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you all next time.
Take care
My Haute42/Cosmox P12 Leverless controller review is ready at long last!
Where to buy the P12
Click into this one to see all Amazon sources mentioned on the Cosmox website:
cosmoxgaming.com/where-to-buy
Huge thanks to Collie for the arrangements and correspondence.
A massive thanks to Autumn for helping with the recording and edits for this video.
Today we're checking out RPM - Road Punk Mayhem for Nintendo Switch.
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you next time. Take care.
Today, we're checking out Harpoon Shooter! Nozomi on Nintendo Switch.
This game is super refreshing, super interesting with it's mechanical design, and I'm happy to share a little bit about it with you all.
Enjoy the video and a huge thanks to Scowsh, Spiders, and BB for their generous contributions on Ko-Fi!
Today, I've got another controller review lined up for you all. This time, we're looking at the Summit by Granola Arcade. A huge thanks to Mike for providing a unit for this project and for all the help along the way.
Be sure to check out his stuff over at:
https://granola.games/
A major thanks to Autumn for helping with the video editing.
Thanks so much for watching, and we'll see you next time!
Today, we're taking a look at Operation STEEL on Nintendo Switch. You can consider this a review or a brief rundown.
Huge thanks to Undermog Games for providing me with a code.
Enjoy the video, and thanks for watching!
At long last, I've got the first Coffee & Shmups episode of the year finished...except this time, we're doing Lung Ching and Mahjong.
Enjoy the episode and a huge thanks to Scowsh and BB for their generous contributions!
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you all next time.
Take care.
Today I'm finally sharing a review and comparison of the Haute Board Mini and B16 leverless controllers by Haute42/Cosmox. This video took a long time to get out due to numerous delays. A huge thanks to the Haute42/Cosmox team for providing me with these exquisite controllers.
I trust you all enjoy the video!
I jumped into Feeble Light on Nintendo Switch and decided to share my thoughts and a few details regarding how the game functions.
Enjoy the video!
Enjoy the video, and thanks for being here!
Finally got around to jumping into Pocky & Rocky Reshrined for Nintendo Switch and it's fantastic. The team that handled this did an epic job and I wanted to share a small taste of how the game works.
Enjoy the video, and we'll see you all next time.
Take care
I am super thrilled to share my review of the QRD Maestro S3 wireless leverless controller. This thing is loaded with features, plays great, and has a sleek look and feel.
Use Shmup10 when purchasing to receive a 10% discount!
qrdgame.com/products/qrd-maestro-s3-all-in-one-wireless-arcade-stick
aliexpress.us/item/1005007094130274.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you next time.
Finally got around to checking out Hexapoda on Switch and am thoroughly enjoying it so far. Huge thanks to Uncle Scowsh for his incredible contributions - the funds of which were used to purchase this game.
Enjoy the video!
Today we're checking out the Faust and Bridget - Type F from SGF Devices!
These are both solid all-button controllers that I think many others will enjoy.
A massive thanks to SGF Devices for providing me with this opportunity and to Andy for all of the back and forth emails!
I also like to thank Autumn for helping with video editing.
Enjoy the video, and we'll see you next time.
Here's my guide video for clearing Mad Shark as a no-miss.
This is segmented since I'm currently not budgeting time for full runs these days but still wanted to showcase the method I formulated for this game.
Enjoy!


