I might have simply missed them, but I don't believe I've yet seen anyone here mention the handful of upcoming X360 scrolling shooters on display at the TGS recently - in case anyone else but me is interested (slim odds, I know) I figured I'd try to call a bit of attention to them here, as well as link to a video or two. Thanks to hirounder from the shmups forum for posting some of the videos originally.

First up is DoDonPachi Dai-Ou-Jou Black Label. The "regular" edition of this game got a nice port via Arika several years ago on the PS2, but the tweaked "Black Label" release (like all such Cave rehashes) has been an arcade exclusive until now. Aside from the expected revamped mechanics, they've apparently also seen fit to add in a new "co-pilot", and possibly some other extras. The original DoDonPachi remains arguably my favorite shooter of all time, so I'm certainly hoping this one turns out well Apparently whoever was playing this doesn't know how to use the laser, but oh well. Releases Christmas Day, if memory serves.

Next is possibly the most eagerly-awaited upcoming shooter release by fans, another former arcade exclusive known as Ketsui. And yes, IGN lists it as another DOJ video, but res assured, they ARE two different games. :P Arika was planning to port this one to the PS2 as well, but it never came to pass - now we oft-spurned shmuppers get a second chance. Having played the arcade version it's not one of my personal favorite Cave efforts (anything that centers around point-blanking enemies tends to frustrate me after being point-blanked myself for the millionth time), but still worth a pickup. No idea if any extras are planned, or when the release date will be, aside from "next year."

Finally comes a less-impressive video of Otomedius, a "spiritual successor" to Parodius - the arcade version had a few touch screen features, and pre-orders for the 360 port could opt for a (stupidly expensive) joystick that included a touchpad, but apparently it's playable without it. I've never been a big fan of the "memorization = win" style that a lot of Konami shooters have made their bread and butter, and the T+A content seems designed to distract you from the otherwise unimpressive visuals, but I always try to hope for the best...

Offhand I don't know if Milestone's Illvelo, which is coming to the Wii, was shown or not, as that's about the only other such game (aside from Death Smiles on the 360, which was just announced recently) that I'm keeping my eye on (Shooting Love 2008/Exzeal from Triangle Service, not so much, though they may surprise me after Trizeal and XII Stag)...maybe one of you guys heard something. In any event, here's looking forward to Raiden Fighters Aces getting itself some company soon!