Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Shoot 'em up
Release: 1992
Currently available on: Wii U VC
About the game: Axelay is a scrolling shoot 'em up that offers some great variety. Before you start a level, you will choose your main gun, side gun, and bay missiles. You will acquire more guns as you progress through the game. Levels change from vertical to horizontal, which keeps the game fresh. The vertical levels use Mode 7 to make it look like the surface of a planet is rotating as you fly over it (which still looks pretty good). Level design is excellent, and the music is a real standout. This is arguably the best shoot 'em up on the SNES.
Why I love it: This is my favorite shoot 'em up on the system. Although other shmups are good, such as Gradius III and Super R-Type, they're too hard. Axelay, while difficult, is structured so that you actually have a chance of beating it. I love that the levels change from horizontal to vertical--it just makes the game more interesting. The graphics here are really good (that lava boss, wow) and the music is VERY good too.
I never played this on the SNES, but I always wanted to. Looked really good. But my movie rental place either didn't have it or it was always out. Can't remember. But I wasn't about to pay full price for it. I did play it years later on the Wii Virtual Console and it was pretty good. Neat music and graphics.
Glad you got a chance to play it.
Man, what a showcase game for the SNES! I'm just glad it was pretty AND quality.
Yeah, Konami knocked it out of the park with this one, strong on all fronts!
Man, I really missed out with never having a SNES.
You sure did. You weren't one of those Genesis losers, were you? 
I totally was. Ha ha.
Yeah, cool game. Konami used to be the shit. Another SNES shmup that's up there with this, R-Type 2 and G3 is Space Mega Force/Super Aleste
Konami was on fire during the 16-bit days, just about every game they put out was gold.
I actually haven't played those shmups, have to give them a try if I get the chance.
I want to set up a demo kiosk in my room that runs video game intros. The best ones are these shmups. They're so colorful and eye catching.
Yeah, and some shmups have anime intros, which is pretty cool.
I just watched such an anime intro for Indivisible. It's super cool and fun to watch.