The coin-op classics, R-Type & R-Type II, are together on the PlayStation®Network! Fight through all 14 Bydo-infested stages in retro 2D graphics or shiny 3D graphics – and swap back and forth with the touch of a button ‘on-the-fly.’ The new 3D graphics are accompanied by fully re-imagined arrangements of the timeless R-Type music tracks! The classic game-play remains untouched while the new Infinite game mode allows continuous progression from game start to final boss… the Bydo will not evade you this time! Both game modes can be played as single player or local multiplayer. Pull yourself together, save the earth and strike down the Evil Bydo Empire!!

* Two complete games – includes all 8 original R-Type levels and all 6 original R-Type II levels
* Switch between new hi-res 2D/3D graphics with revamped music, or play the classic versions with the push of a button
* Infinite Mode and Level Select – learn the levels inside and out for the perfect, 1CC runs
* Co-op Mode – 2 players can play together “couch co-op” style
* Slow motion play function – weave through bullets and enemies with ease
* Controller key configuration – change the button layout to match your play style
* Worldwide leaderboards, player statistics, and PS3â„¢ Trophies

R-Type Dimensions brings R-Type and its sequel to the PS3, and it does so in style. This release features the original arcade version of each game (perfectly emulated) as well as updated versions with remixed sound, 3D graphics and trophies. To make things even better, you can instantly switch between the arcade version and the 3D update at the press of a button, with no slowdown at all.

You can play the game in the old-school Classic arcade mode with the same rules and restrictions as if you were playing in the actual machines back in the day (limited number of lives, when you die you’re sent back to a specific checkpoint, your score will reward you with extra lives at set intervals), or you can play in the new Infinite mode where every time you die you immediately rise from the dead to continue fighting the good fight, the catch being that every single death is counted and the total is uploaded to the leaderboards along with your score.

As for the games, they’re excellent members of the Sidescrolling Shoot’ em up genre, and they’re still fun to play 25+ years later. Your spaceship can fire at enemies either with regular energy shots or with charged shots that are stronger, but that keep you vulnerable for a few seconds, or it can obtain powerful weapons from specific enemies that contain upgrades that are a must if you want to see the ending.

The first upgrade is the Force Pod, a very handy extra that can be attached to the front or the back of the ship so that it can be used as protection from enemy fire. It can also be launched and kept separate from the ship, damaging any enemy it touches while also being able to send energy shots of its own. Once you have the Pod, you can also obtain stronger weapons, such as a laser that is shot at an angle and bounces off walls, and you can also get a pair of extras called options which will help to protect you from some of the enemy fire coming from above or below.

Only a few of the trophies are awarded for completing all levels in each game, and several are actually tied to performing specific actions at set levels. And then you have the ones that ask you to do something crazy like finishing the first two levels of R-Type by using only the rapid-shot button (and in a single game without using a continue), or killing 10 enemies with a single shot.

Overall, R-Type Dimensions is a great package that brings arcade-perfect ports of R-Type and R-Type II into our homes along with the updated graphics and sounds of the new 3D mode that provides something new for veterans of the series. Having leaderboards, Classic and Infinite Mode and full trophy support is just icing on the cake.

[review pros=”Excellent port.
Great work on the 3D graphics and remixed sound” cons=”Would have loved R-Type III in here as well” score=90]

Disclaimer

This review is based on a copy of R-Type Dimensions provided by Tozai Games.