I was playing Sky Copter and was admiring the explosions and water effects. A very fun game that i would buy again for an iPad version.
Space Invaders Infinity Gene. Great game by a large studio that received great updates. OH WAIT. They made it universal. Damn.
Danmaku Unlimited, Phoenix, Lightning Fighter... maybe Vetica even though it looks spectacular in 2x. None of the Cave shmups because they are already overpriced, they should be universal.
Obviously I'd have to say Lightning Fighter because of my sig but also because it's a damn good Raiden-like game. I'm the kind of gamer who enjoys a good shmup once in a while, but severely dislikes "bullet hell" titles.
Vetica is fun & challenging, and also interesting & creative, as all the enemies are constructed from letters. Half the fun is just seeing how the letters will be used in each level. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vetica/id423056722?mt=8
- Lightning Fighter - Phoenix - DoDonPachi - Espgaluda 2 - Wave - Sky Combat - Danmaku Unlmited - Assault Squadron