SHMUPS FOREVER

My interest in the shoot- ’em-up (or shmup) probably began like it did for many others with the introduction of Space Invaders in the late-Seventies.

I can’t remember the exact year I played it but I remember being mesmerised by those little blighters and becoming terrified once they started speeding up as my lone fighter decimated their forces. Space Invaders’ impact was immense, not just on me but countless other gamers, and its success meant numerous rip-offs and sequels followed. I played every one I could.

For me the shmup is gaming in its purest, most distilled form.