So, I actually read your post. Forget Ikaruga, Mushihimesama/Futari/Esp. ra.de/Crimson Clover etc. etc
Based on what you're looking for, these are my reccomendations based on your tastes, needs and price. All cheap, mostly <$15
This is super important and will make most STGs much more approachable: you can actually fly your ship much closer to enemies/bgs/bullets then what the sprite/model looks like; the hitbox is usually represented by a flashing/standstill light 💡 in the middle of your ship.
TITLES:
JAMESTOWN+
is on PC/PS4/SWITCH, vertical 16:10 bullet hell which is the perfect entry to the genre; Choosing this game will make you play better and improve easily, has plenty of modes and challenges. Lots of content and it's addicting in its unlocking system.
Forget Cave's stuff and such (mind you, they're my fav devs) for now because you're not ready imo, you will enjoy them more later and will make a more informed purchase since they are much more brutal and generally expensive. Same for the fantastic Crimson Clover, you'll get it later in case you'll yearn for more bullet hells.
R-TYPE DIMENSIONS
Two games in one, horizontal classic STGs that made history in a fantastic package that you can play in its classic 2D form or a new 2.5D remake, you can switch on the fly, supports 16:9
It has a demo (at least on Switch).
ACA NEO-GEO: AERO FIGHTERS 2
The pinnacle of Alpha System's output.
Super cheap, vertical 4:3 ar.
STEREDENN
It's a rogue-like STG, horizontal 2D in 16:9, with runs, weapons unlocks, seeding and so on. It also plays pretty well.
You have 4 titles for now. Start from here, possibly with Jamestown+ and at least the demo for R-Type Dimensions.
Based on what you're looking for, these are my reccomendations based on your tastes, needs and price. All cheap, mostly <$15
This is super important and will make most STGs much more approachable: you can actually fly your ship much closer to enemies/bgs/bullets then what the sprite/model looks like; the hitbox is usually represented by a flashing/standstill light 💡 in the middle of your ship.
TITLES:
JAMESTOWN+
is on PC/PS4/SWITCH, vertical 16:10 bullet hell which is the perfect entry to the genre; Choosing this game will make you play better and improve easily, has plenty of modes and challenges. Lots of content and it's addicting in its unlocking system.
Forget Cave's stuff and such (mind you, they're my fav devs) for now because you're not ready imo, you will enjoy them more later and will make a more informed purchase since they are much more brutal and generally expensive. Same for the fantastic Crimson Clover, you'll get it later in case you'll yearn for more bullet hells.
R-TYPE DIMENSIONS
Two games in one, horizontal classic STGs that made history in a fantastic package that you can play in its classic 2D form or a new 2.5D remake, you can switch on the fly, supports 16:9
It has a demo (at least on Switch).
ACA NEO-GEO: AERO FIGHTERS 2
The pinnacle of Alpha System's output.
Super cheap, vertical 4:3 ar.
STEREDENN
It's a rogue-like STG, horizontal 2D in 16:9, with runs, weapons unlocks, seeding and so on. It also plays pretty well.
You have 4 titles for now. Start from here, possibly with Jamestown+ and at least the demo for R-Type Dimensions.