History Main / CuteEmUp

A [[SubTrope sub-genre]] of ShootEmUp games, which replaces the spaceships, StarfishAliens, robots and lasers with [[CuteKitten kittens]], fairies, octopuses, candies, and all things LighterAndSofter. The stark space setting becomes {{Wackyland}}, and MoeAnthropomorphism abounds.

* ''{{Twinbee}}''

* ''AirZonk''

* Strato Patrol EOS, a minigame featured in ''KirbyMassAttack''.

A [[SubTrope sub-genre]] of ShootEmUp games, which replaces the spaceships, StarfishAliens, robots and lasers with [[EverythingsCuterWithKittens kittens]], fairies, octopuses, candies, and all things LighterAndSofter. The stark space setting becomes {{Wackyland}}, and MoeAnthropomorphism abounds.

Also, as with many {{Weird Japanese Thing}}s, 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.

* Speaking about BulletHell games, ''Bullet Heaven'' (an EpicBattleFantasy SpinOff).

* ''StarParodier'', a cute'em up entry in Hudson's otherwise serious ''StarSoldier'' series.

Also, as with many {{Weird Japanese Thing}}s, 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.

Sometimes these games have stories, and others just have {{Excuse Plot}}s, just like any other game. That means these games are rarely {{Guilty Pleasure}}s. In fact, these games have found a solid niche among gamers.

* ''TwinkleStarSprites'' and other Twinkle Star games.

* ''Gunbird''

* ''Akkanvader'' (better known as ''SpaceInvaders '95: Attack of the Lunar Loonies!'')

* In the same vein, the Vista version of ''Minesweeper'' has an option to replace the minefield with a flower garden. The explosion sound effects turn to chimes.

** Look out for the [[{{Youkai}} hideous spider monster]] with the [[BadPowersBadPeople superpower of spreading disease]]... who happens to be an [[CuteMonsterGirl adorable little girl]] in a [[PimpedOutDress spider-themed dress]] who is [[DesignatedAntagonist cheerful and friendly]].

* ''{{Otomedius}}'', Konami's combination of their own series, Parodius and Gradius. Silliness + Plot + Boobs - Drugs.

But the gameplay is otherwise intact, including [[NintendoHard the difficulty]]. Yes, despite the facades, these games are still [[BulletHell hardcore]], and need ''a lot'' of skill to beat. If you think otherwise, be prepared for a good smack in the face with SurpriseDifficulty.

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But the gameplay is otherwise intact, including [[NintendoHard the difficulty]]. Yes, despite the facades, these games are still hardcore, and need ''a lot'' of skill to beat. If you think otherwise, be prepared for a good smack in the face with SurpriseDifficulty.

* ''{{Pocky & Rocky}}''

* ''Rabio Lepus'' and ''Rabio Lepus Special''

* ''Fantasy Zone''

* ''{{King & Balloon}}'' (the ''original'' cute-'em-up!)

* ''Pocky & Rocky''

* ''Air Zonk''
* ''Harmful Park''
* ''Magical Chase''

* ''Star Parodier'', a cute'em up entry in Hudson's otherwise serious ''StarSoldier'' series.

* ''Coryoon''
* ''GunNac''
* ''King & Balloon'' (the ''original'' cute-'em-up!)

* ''[[{{Touhou}} Touhou Project]]'' 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, [[WatchItForTheMeme Touhou gets a lot of fans that aren't]] [[IReadItForTheArticles all that interested in the BulletHell aspect]].

* ''[[{{Touhou}} Touhou Project]]'' mixes this with BulletHell. The plots are also more intensive than typically expected for this genre.

'''Examples'''

* In the same vein, the Vista version of ''Minesweeper'' has an option to replace the minefield with a flower garden. The explosion sound effects turn to chimes.
* {{Otomedius}}, Konami's combination of their own series, Parodius and Gradius. Silliness + Plot + Boobs - Drugs.

* The "''Pure White Lover Bizarre Jelly''" mini-game in ''NoMoreHeroes'' was a regular shoot-em-up. In ''NoMoreHeroes2DesperateStruggle'', it is now a CuteEmUp.

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* ''Trouble Witches''

* Otomedius, Konami's combination of their own series, Parodius and Gradius. Silliness + Plot + Boobs - Drugs.

*FFTD (Friendly Fire Tower Defense) gives you a tower defense game with the enemies being... cute fluffy bunnies, monkeys, insects and so on... That bleed... And you suck up their organs and brains... For bonus points... Yeah.