[quote name='Y2J850']Might be off topic ..but this game is pretty awesome and a new 'genre' for me. Are there any games similar to this that are as good or close to being as good for any of the recent systems or coming out for a system?
thanks,
(now back to getting owned by level 3)[/QUOTE]
Shumps are a new genre for you? Well, that makes me feel old.
Anyway, back to your question. Some other games to check out on XBLA are Omega Five, Triggerheart Exelica, and Aegis Wing. None are as highly regarded as Ikaruga (or as hard). Aegis Wing is free... and not very good. It's main hook is 4 player on-line multiplayer. Omega Five is a solid shooter, which features multiple characters to play as and 360 degree shooting. Triggerheart Exelica is also decent, although the graphics look a bit dated. Exelica has a unique "capture" mechanic, where you can grab enemies and use them as a shield or swing them around and throw them at other enemies. Of course both Omega Five and Triggerheart Exelica have free trial versions.
For other platforms, here are some titles to check out:
Gradius V (PS2) - excellent shooter from the long running series!
R-Type Final (PS2) - not as good as I had hoped, but a massive number of ships to unlock and play as
Raiden III (PS2) - haven't played it myself
Taito Legends Vol. 2 (PS2/Xbox/PC) - has a selection of more recent shooters, such as Darius Gaiden, Metal Black, Raystorm/Ray Crisis, Gekirindan, and Grid Seeker: Project Storm Hammer (Note: different platforms have different games); a good value
Nanostray 2 (DS) - haven't played it, but it just came out
For upcoming games, a remake of 1942 called 1942: Joint Strike is coming this year to XBLA.