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Invest in a better version of R-Type

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: June 07, 2005
Author: Amazon User

If there was ever any doubt that R-Type II was nothing more than a slightly different version of R-Type then R-Type DX should lay them to rest forever.

In 1987 shoot-em-up video games were hardly new. But R-Type gave new meaning to the term 'side-scrolling space-shooter'. Featuring subliminal imagery, awe-inspiring bio-mechanical villains, jaw-clenching gameplay, brilliant music and amazing power-ups, R-Type set a new standard that was soon mimicked in more games to follow than you can shake a stick at.

The story behind the game has earth come under attack from a race of mutant aliens called The Bydo Empire. Instead of sending a whole fleet of warships to fend them off a single R-series space vessel must penetrate the hordes of Bydo scum and make it to the core of the mothership and blast them back to the far side of the galaxy.

It was hard. Very, very hard. And you'd be screaming with frustration. But that was the ingenuous part. IREM deliberately made the game near-impossible so you'd spend more money on it. And by jove it worked on me.

Apart from several R-Type sequels, IREM never mounted to much after this. R-Type was their one hit wonder. Ported onto just about every home console you can think of, the best version of R-Type was always the arcade machine. If you see it, don't think twice about playing. And paying.

Like I said, R-Type was brilliant. And of course a sequel was more than welcome. But the sequel we got was just far too similar to the first. It feels more like an expansion pack than anything else. The first level of R-Type II is virtually the exact same as before. Even the music hasn't changed.

Level 2 did feature a cool, and very hard, underwater stage and there were a couple of new power ups for that crazy force orb. But it was all just too samey. IREM didn't put much imagination into this game at all. On its own, when not standing next to the first, R-Type II is still a great game but is no-doubt a rip-off when regarded as a sequel. With all of the pale imitations of R-Type that followed the original's release then they should have tried harder to make this something special.

You can play this Gameboy Color game in 5 ways. First you have the black and white Gameboy version of R-Type. And let's face it, who wants to play that? Or you can play it in color. A wiser choice. This option also features on R-Type II (now missing the cool underwater level seen in the arcades).

Or you can choose to actually play the game as R-Type DX, which is a combination of both. And you'll never know it. It's a bit dull, the infinite continues don't temp me to play for hours on end and the primitive graphics and sound of the Gameboy Color don't do justice to the usually brilliantly detailed R-Type universe.

Pick up for no more than 1 dollar.

A great game for school nights

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 6
Date: January 28, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Great adaptation of the original arcade game. R-Type has always been one of my favorite games. I love the fact that you get special weaponds while the game develops.

Bad game for people who aggrivate easy.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: March 11, 2002
Author: Amazon User

It rules unless you get aggrivated easy. Then I'd suggest you'd sell it or don't buy it. Here's a quick tip: When you have a pod always collect the power-up unless it endangers you.

BEST ARCADE GAME EVER!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: June 14, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I LOVE THIS ARCADE GAME YOU ARE IN A SHIP KILL ALIENS ITS good and you battle huge bosses lots of color and get new attacks with powerups and hundreds of enemys BUY THIS GAME IF YOU LIKE ARCADE GAMES!!!

Underrated Classic - And still impressive today,

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: May 28, 2008
Author: Amazon User

R-Type was a fantastic scrolling shoot'em up in the arcades, and it's still every bit as fun to play today.

Graphics:

This unassuming cartridge contains not only the first R-Type game, but its excellent sequel as well. And I must say, the graphics - while not arcade-perfect - are amazing for a GBC title. The R-Type II graphics are especially impressive (including multi-layered backgrounds that scroll at different speeds, creating a great illusion of depth), and really push the GBC to its limits. I play this game regularly on my Gameboy Advance, and it looks as good as any GBA shooter I've ever played.

Gameplay:

If you're familiar with the arcade game, you will feel right at home on the GBC version. The gameplay is exactly the same. If you're new to the R-Type series, you will discover a very well balanced game that is easy to learn yet challenging enough to keep you interested. There are a wide variety of power ups for your ship, creative level design, and interesting bosses.

Sound:

The music is straight from the arcade games, and it's very well reproduced. Each level has its own music that sets a tone matching the scenery. If you don't like the music, however, it can be turned off. The sound effects are pretty basic, but don't get annoying. They too can be turned off if desired.

Conclusion:

If you're a fan of old-school shoot'em ups and you own a GBC or GBA, then "R-Type DX" is well worth the money.

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