ITT: Vertical or horizontal shooting games where you control something that isn't an aircraft/spacecraft, human, or a robot.
One of my favorite examples is Namco's Dragon Spirit. Powering up the dragon to grow extra heads is very cool, and you can transform into different elemental-type dragons, too. Not to mention some fantastic, very catchy and melodic music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfrxZsdWwD0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M78Zusov-nc
The sequel, Dragon Saber, is also highly recommended.
There's a shooter where you control an ungodly abomination that eats the enemies and incorporates them into its being, but I forgot the name.
>>3653393
That's "Chimera Beast", from Jaleco.
steel empire
>>3653365
>>3653365
In the hunt, obviously.
>>3653365
Also, Apidya and Agony for Amiga. There was a great Amiga shmup where you control a dragon, but can actually unmount it at the level.
Moon Patrol
>>3653482
my diiiick
Kolibri:
https://youtu.be/ds5klrkqvCg
>>3653537
>There was a great Amiga shmup where you control a dragon, but can actually unmount it at the level.
Lionheart? It's a platformer with some shmup parts.
Bio Hazard Battle is what you want.
>>3653534
Came in here to post this.
Similarly, pic related.
>>3653365
2hu
>>3653537
>look up Apidya
>this is a boss, and so is a decomposing sewer rat
that's fucked
Another dragon game. The gimmick being that the dragon is invincible, it is the rider you have to worry about protecting.
>>3653765
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWUVXTvPxjE
I found it; i actually was talking about Dragon breed. I didnt play Lionheart though.
>>3653779
That seadevil looks surprised.
>>3653365
I played the NES version so much, even though the music you posted technically sounds better, it just does not work for me compared to what I am used to.
>>3653365
Biohazard Battle
The entirety of the Parodius series, with penguins, Playboy-like fairies and stick guys on paper planes, among others.