A "Shmup," short for "shoot 'em up," is a genre of video games where players control a character or vehicle, typically armed with weapons, to defeat waves of enemies. These games often feature scrolling backgrounds and require players to dodge incoming projectiles while shooting at opponents. Popular examples include Space Invaders and Gradius. Shmups can be categorized into various sub-genres, such as vertical scrolling, horizontal scrolling, and bullet hell. In bullet hell games, players navigate through intricate patterns of enemy fire, emphasizing skill and precision. The genre has a dedicated fan base and has influenced many other gaming styles.