If you ask me, this will definitely be Espgaluda 2, by Cave. All Cave Titles (on iOs these also include Dodonpachi Ressurrection and Mushihimesama Bug Panic) are adorable Shootemups, but Espgaluda, especially the iPhone-mode is the most motivating score-system, easy to learn yet hard to master. I recommend playing it in 2x Mode on an iPad, Large-Screen-Mode. If you like it a little more basic and / or cute, give flying hamster a try. It's a little like Parodius, but simpler. iPhone-Version should be free, at this moment.
You might want to try CAVE games like DoDonPachi Resurrection And Espgaluda II. Space Invaders Inifinity Gene is also worth trying. On the cheaper sideyou can get Phoenix and Danmaku Unlimited. Most of the games i mentioned fall in the bullet-hell genre.
Another vote for Espgaluda II and DoDonPachi Resurrection. Also, you might want to keep an eye out for Deathsmiles when it's released.
FYI, if you into bullet hell games, then a lot of people mentioned Espgaluda II and Dodonpachi Resurrection. The only bullet hell games I've bought (so far) is Danmaku Unlimited and Phoenix. Danmaku has a lite version so you can see if the like the genre. There's rRootage (get the get free version) which has a bunch of levels and 4 modes of bullet hell fun. For just pure shmup, I haven't played a lot, but I've played Vetica and like it a lot. The art style may not be for everyone, but I love it.
Lol.. Maybe some non-bullet hell gamers can suggest some games too.. A lot of suggestions for good bullet hell games.
Espgaluda II and DoDonPachi Resurrection... Cave rules the genre! Mushejfwnefkjbawefb Bug Panic isnĀ“t my cup of tea, dont like dual stick shmups besides those Phoenix is worth every penny too
Just tried the lite version of Lightning Fighter.. Very fun and reminds me of the old Raiden days.. Probably gonna pick it up when I get home.. So much for self control (even though its only 0.99 now!) Mushihimesama Bug Panic is one of my favorite games (despite the occasional frustrating controls), but yeah, its not a "traditional" shmup. Too bad not many people play this game on Gamecenter... To me, it has some of the most intense multiplayer...