R-Type - PC Engine

Review comments

R-Type is a side scrolling shoot 'em up best known for its extremely tough and strategic gameplay. You control the R-9 spaceship as it launches a last-ditch effort to repel the evil Bydo empire.

The R-9 comes equipped as standard with a small gun which can only take down the smallest of enemies without firing several shots. By holding down the fire button, it can be loaded up so as to release a large burst of energy, eliminating all but the strongest enemies in its path.

The stages of R-Type are made in an organic style, certainly inspired by the Alien movies. When it came out, it was considered trend-setting since it broke off from the stereotypical sci-fi mould of other shoot'em'ups. In part, the levels themselves are your enemy, which is exemplified by the fourth, where spider-like creatures weave webs that cover the screen and block your path, or levels with intricate tunnel systems.

Retrospective comments

The PC Engine port is a faultless rendition of the arcade original with literally no differences. The music is outstanding and memorable. Irem were ahead of their time with the graphics and gameplay in this horizontal blast em' up. Every level featured a huge end boss with a weak point to shoot out. Level 3 in particular is outstanding where you take on a huge mother-ship which fills up 10 screens!! By today's standards R-Type is quite a hard game. However with perseverance one can usually progress a little further each time. It is an essential buy for any shoot em' up fan!

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