Review: Enjoyment

Some like it, some don't, but most will enjoy this classic shooter ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide

Review: Overall

Irem has once again become one of my favorite developers. Not only are they crafting a new 3D R-Type title, they just released the first two arcade titles on one PlayStation disc complete with a timeline and history of the game's storyline and characters. So you get your classic gaming in a double dose as well as get to read up on the story behind the games that never got much detail in the arcade.

Let's take it one game at a time. R-Type is the oldest of the two games on the disc but it's still amazingly fresh and challenging, relying more on pattern memorization than weapon pumping speed. I admit, it gets rather frustrating at times but with unlimited continues it's only a matter of time before you learn the pattern, pick up the right weapon, and charge through the levels, dodging bullets and enemy crafts. Graphically, everything is in-tact from the arcade version, except the slowdown which was a welcome advantage during some of the more intense areas. Now, the game is excessively hard where the slowdown would have given you that extra second to move out of the line of fire. Despite that, R-Type is as fun and challenging as it's ever been!

R-Type II is the next title and, once again, encapsulates all of the graphical flare of the arcade original, keeping all the graphics, sound, patterns, and challenge in-tact. This one is by far the hardest of the two with larger enemies, more diverse patterns, moving obstacles to avoid, and tons more enemy fire to swerve through. Also on hand is the new "beam" attack, replicated perfectly, which actually instills a split second of slowdown when it fires; a challenging and powerful weapon to master.

The control has been adapted perfectly and is completely configurable, though the default set up works pretty well. The Square button fires your main weapon and charges the "beam" when held down. The X button releases the force while the Circle button is used for rapid fire, something never featured in the arcade version.

R-Type's classic weapons are perfectly represented, from the bouncy blue lasers to the blue and red ring laser, they're all here including the force attachment that makes these shooters a unique experience, even after decades of shooter games. For those who don't know, the force is a pod that can attach to the front or back of your ship and deflects most enemy fire. You can detach it and let it roam around the screen, using it to reach hard to kill enemies or as back up fire on bosses. Of course, without it you won't have that powerful shield. The bit is also on hand adding an extra bit of firepower and shield but they're pretty rare.

R-Type and R-Type II are classics, weather you liked them or not, they largely started the side scrolling genre and still remain fun, challenging, and fresh after all these years. For fans of either title, this all-in-one package is a great addition to your library. ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide

Review: Graphics

Perfect representations of the arcade graphics with practically no flaws ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide

Review: Sound

Classic R-Type tunes that are also represented perfectly from the original versions ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide

Review: Replay Value

Two games for the price of one, plus the game's challenge and patterns will have you coming back for weeks ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide

Review: Documentation

Plenty of info on the universe, the games, and the controls ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide