We said we wouldn't do any more split episodes under the new format for the show that began last year, but we didn't anticipate Ikaruga. Shoot 'em up games are an arcade mainstay that have developed an intense and passionate cult, and Ikaruga is one of the most revered entries in the genre. But it's also incredibly hostile and doesn't teach you how to play it.

Faced with the possibility of coming into the episode bewildered about the shmup genre, we added Jamestown onto the docket... it's a more modern take on the bullet hell portion of the genre, and it has a much more gentle learning curve. The good part is that playing both deepened our appreciation and understanding for both games, so it's all good in the end.

Huge thanks to everyone who voted in our poll!

Support Watch Out for Fireballs!

Links:

• TASBot plays Ikaruga by Maximum score by keylie in 21:29 - Summer Games Done Quick 2015 - Part 153 - YouTube
• shmuplations.com
• Flash Tub: Marble Madness: The Movie [HD] - YouTube
• Cuphead E3 2017 Trailer (1080p) - YouTube
• Battletoads Level 3: Turbo Tunnel (NES) - YouTube
• 100 Bullets - Wikipedia