Line #34 Main/CuteEmUp


1	[[quoteright:320:[[VideoGame/FantasyZone https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fantasyzoneiidx_system16_chaprun.png]]]]
2	[[caption-width-right:320: Such adorable enemies!]]
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4	A SubGenre of ShootEmUp games, which replaces the spaceships, StarfishAliens, robots and lasers with [[CuteKitten kittens]], [[OurFairiesAreDifferent fairies]], squirrels, candies, and all things LighterAndSofter. The stark space setting becomes {{Wackyland}}, and MoeAnthropomorphism abounds.
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6	But the gameplay is otherwise intact, including the NintendoHard difficulty. Yes, despite the cutesy facade, these games are still very difficult, and need ''a lot'' of skill to beat (especially when they overlap with BulletHell). If you think otherwise, be prepared for a good smack in the face with SurpriseDifficulty.
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8	Sometimes these games have stories, and others just have an ExcusePlot, just like any other game.
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10	Also, as with many QuirkyWork, this isn't considered ''that'' odd in Japan, since cute is seen more as an artistic style, rather than being considered strictly for young children. That means these games are rarely {{Guilty Pleasure}}s. In fact, these games have found a solid niche among gamers.
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12	Compare MascotRacer.
13	----
14	!!Examples:
15	[[index]]
16	* ''VideoGame/AirZonk''
17	* ''VideoGame/{{Akkanvader}}'' (better known as ''VideoGame/SpaceInvaders '95: Attack of the Lunar Loonies!'')
18	* ''VideoGame/{{Apidya}}''
19	* ''VideoGame/BiomechanicalToy'' - a toy-themed RunAndGun game
20	* ''VideoGame/BoogieWings''
21	* ''VideoGame/BulletHeaven'' (an ''VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy'' GaidenGame).
22	* ''VideoGame/CaptainTomaday''
23	* ''CB Chara Wars'', the arcade spin-off of ''Anime/CBCharaGoNagaiWorld''.
24	* ''VideoGame/CopyKitty''
25	* ''VideoGame/{{Coryoon}}''
26	* ''[[http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7408 Cosmo Gang: The Video]]'' is an interesting example, in that it's a comical version of ''VideoGame/{{Galaga}}'', but the characters and bonus stages are based on the "Cosmo Gang" redemption arcade machine.
27	* ''VideoGame/DeathSmiles'' downplays this, as the series has some cute elements, but also comprises of scary-looking enemies based on dark fantasy horror fictions and a genuinely evil BigBad, as well as an otherwise serious plot.
28	* ''VideoGame/ExorcistFairy''
29	* The ''[[VideoGame/FantasticNightDreamsCotton Cotton]]'' series
30	* ''VideoGame/FantasyZone''
31	* ''VideoGame/GameTengoku'' by Creator/{{Jaleco}} qualifies as this, along with being both a CrisisCrossover (between Jaleco's old arcade games) and AffectionateParody of the arcade gaming history and tropes around it.
32	* ''VideoGame/FlyingHamster''
33	* ''[[VideoGame/Frenzy1998 Frenzy!]]''
34	* ''VideoGame/GhoulPanic''
35	* ''VideoGame/{{Gunbird}}''
36	* ''VideoGame/GundemoniumSeries''
37	* ''VideoGame/GunNac''
38	* ''VideoGame/HarmfulPark''
39	* ''VideoGame/HazelnutHex''
40	* ''VideoGame/HeavenlyGuardian''
41	* ''VideoGame/KeioFlyingSquadron''
42	* ''VideoGame/KingAndBalloon''
43	* ''VideoGame/{{Kolibri}}'': It does have a more realisitic art style than usual for a Cute 'em Up, but at the same time, you ''are'' still a tiny hummingbird fighting insects.
44	* ''VideoGame/{{Kyuiin}}''
45	* ''VideoGame/LDis''
46	* ''VideoGame/MagicalChase''
47	* ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'' is essentially, for the most part, a Cute 'em Up series in RunAndGun form. [[DarkerAndEdgier The X and Zero series, on the other hand, are a different story.]]
48	* ''VideoGame/MelfandStories'' is what happens when you chibi-fy a Medieval-era HackAndSlash game to maximum cuteness
49	* The latest versions of ''VideoGame/{{Minesweeper}}'' have an option to uncover the map without stepping on any ''flowers'' rather than mines. This mode is the default on versions of Windows distributed in many countries where someone finding a live mine is a frequent (and usually tragic) occurrence.
50	* ''VideoGame/MrHeli'' is a borderline example: the backgrounds aren't all that bright and cheerful, though the character design is definitely on the cartoonish side.
51	* ''VideoGame/MysticRiders''
52	* ''VideoGame/{{Otomedius}}'', Konami's combination of their own series, ''VideoGame/{{Parodius}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{Gradius}}''. Silliness + Plot + Boobs - Drugs. [[RecycledINSPACE RECYCLED IN]] [[WorldOfActionGirls THE WORLD OF ACTION GIRLS!]]
53	* ''VideoGame/{{Parodius}}''
54	* ''VideoGame/PockyAndRocky''
55	* ''VideoGame/PilotKids'' - a LivingToys-themed arcade ShootEmUp
56	* The "''Pure White Lover Bizarre Jelly''" mini-game in ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes'' was a regular shoot-em-up. In ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes2DesperateStruggle'', it is now a CuteEmUp.
57	* ''VideoGame/QPShooting'' and its MissionPackSequel, ''X-Mas Shooting''.
58	* ''VideoGame/RabioLepus'' and ''Rabio Lepus Special''
59	* ''VideoGame/RabiRibi'' blends it with the {{Metroidvania}} genre.
60	* [[VideoGame/RoboPit Robo-Pit]], a FightingGame with cute robots
61	* ''VideoGame/SpaceBomber''
62	* ''VideoGame/SparkAndSparkle''
63	* ''VideoGame/StarParodier'', a cute'em up entry in Hudson's otherwise serious ''VideoGame/StarSoldier'' series.
64	* Strato Patrol EOS, a minigame featured in ''Videogame/KirbyMassAttack''.
65	* ''Franchise/TouhouProject'' mixes this with BulletHell. The plots are also more intensive than typically expected for this genre. Because of this, and the sheer amount of MemeticMutation, [[MisaimedFandom Touhou gets a lot of fans that aren't all that interested in the Bullet Hell aspect]].
66	* ''VideoGame/TroubleWitches''
67	* The ''VideoGame/{{Twinbee}}'' series, especially from ''Detana! Twinbee'' afterwards.
68	* ''VideoGame/TwinkleStarSprites''
69	* ''VideoGame/TwinkleTale''
70	* ''VideoGame/VitaminConnection''
71	* ''VideoGame/XiaoMonvMagicGirl'' is a Mega Drive game which breathes this trope.
72	[[/index]]

Context Main / CuteEmUp