Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

R-Types faithfully preserves the core mechanics that made the original R-Type series a landmark in side-scrolling shooters. You pilot the iconic R-9 and its successor, the R-9A Arrowhead, through waves of biomechanical foes and industrial landscapes. The trademark Force Pod—a detachable, indestructible drone—remains central to combat strategy, allowing players to adopt both offensive and defensive postures on the fly.

One of the most welcome modern additions is the ability to save your progress at the start of each level. This feature radically cuts down on tedious repetition, letting newcomers and seasoned veterans alike jump into the action without the frustration of restarting from the very beginning. Combined with unlimited continues, these quality-of-life improvements make R-Types more accessible while preserving the hardcore challenge of later stages.

The pacing and enemy patterns are as meticulously crafted as ever. Stage bosses unfold in multi-phase battles that demand memorization, reflexes, and clever use of weapons. Whether you prefer the homing shot, the charged beam, or the varied sub‐weapons, each tool feels balanced against the meticulously designed encounter layouts. These tweaks modernize the experience without diluting the original’s punishing charm.

Graphics

Ported pixel-for-pixel from the arcade, R-Types delivers visuals that remain stunning decades after their debut. The hand-drawn backgrounds—rife with organic textures and mechanical details—hold up beautifully on the PlayStation screen. Every metallic corridor, pulsating alien nest, and star-speckled void showcases vivid color palettes that never look washed out or blurry.

The sprite work for both player craft and enemies is intricately detailed. Explosions bloom with layered animations, debris flies in all directions, and the Force Pod shimmers when charged. On modern televisions, you can appreciate each frame of animation, from the slithering baby Bacterians to the towering end-level Behemoths.

To complement the classic graphics, R-Types includes polished FMV sequences at the intro and conclusion. These movies add dramatic flair to the proceedings, offering a glimpse of the R-Type universe in motion. While not essential to the core shooting action, they serve as a tasteful reminder of the series’ legacy and narrative stakes.

Story

R-Types recognizes that the original titles were never text-heavy epics, yet it provides enough lore to keep sci-fi enthusiasts engaged. The included in-game library unlocks background articles on the Bydo Empire, the R-9 series of starships, and the wider galactic conflict. This digital compendium is presented with scans of original concept art, making it feel like a miniature museum exhibit.

Although the action is front and center, small story beats—revealed between levels or in FMV cutscenes—add emotional weight. You’ll sense the desperation of humanity’s fight against a seemingly unstoppable bio-mechanical foe, captured in terse dispatches and mission briefings. These narrative snippets give context to the pixel carnage, turning each boss encounter into a crucial battle for survival rather than just another set piece.

For lore hounds, R-Types’ library becomes a treasure trove of design sketches, spaceship schematics, and alien physiology write-ups. Whether you’re curious about the tension beams powering your R-9’s primary cannon or the life cycle of the Bydo spores, the extra documentation enriches your appreciation of the game’s art direction and worldbuilding.

Overall Experience

R-Types stands as a definitive way to experience two of the most celebrated shoot ’em ups in arcade history. The pixel-perfect ports preserve every bit of detail from the coin-op machines, ensuring purists feel right at home. At the same time, modern conveniences—save points and unlimited continues—lower the barrier of entry without compromising the series’ legendary difficulty curve.

The compilation feels like a lovingly assembled package for fans and newcomers alike. Extras such as the FMV sequences and the in-game library lend the title a sense of completeness, transforming it into more than just a rehash of old code. They celebrate R-Type’s design philosophy and reinforce why the series remains influential across genres.

Whether you’re seeking a trip down memory lane or a challenging shooter that still stands tall today, R-Types delivers an experience that feels both timeless and refreshed. With its combination of tight gameplay, striking visuals, and rich supplemental content, it’s an essential purchase for any enthusiast of classic arcade action.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10