Game Informer has landed on doormats around the nation, and with it comes fresh details on id’s brand new shooter, Rage. The game puts players in the boots of a fortunate asteroid strike survivor, who awakens from suspended animation in a big underground Ark.

As is typical of such places, the Ark is full of dead bodies and ruined databases. Unfortunately, the surface world isn’t much better, now a desolate wasteland ruled by mutants and bandits who live in fear of a sinister organization called “The Authority.” No prizes for guessing what you’re going to have to do to stated sinister organization.

There are plenty of reasons for a nerd to attend Baltimore’s annual Otakon. Some go for the cosplay, some for the concerts, some to see the debut of the latest in anime, manga and related merchandise. Any of the above is fine and dandy with me, but the number one reason I wade through the sea of sweaty otaku every year is this: There’s an enormous room downstairs full of Japanese consoles, rocking games that will never come out here.

It’s always a glorious experience, but the current release of so many great shmups on the Japanese Xbox 360 made this year’s gaming room an especially tasty treat. After spending three days destroying my eyes and thumbs in said cavern of wonders, I’ve chosen a few of this year’s most notable new shooters for some hands-on impressions.