Humanity is in crisis due to the invasion force of Bydo. It’s up to you to save the world! R-Type Dimensions was created by Irem, published by Tozai Inc., and developed by SouthEnd. The result of this collaboration has allowed gamers to enjoy the R-Type series in a new way.

I’ve always been a fan of Irem developed games. Just a few of my favorites are Steamboat Chronicles, Disaster Report/Raw Danger, and Spelunker. Perhaps the most famous of all Irem properties is the R-Type series. Admittedly, I’ve never played R-Type games much before. I figured what better time to enter the series than with R-Type Dimensions!

R-Type Dimensions contains the original R-Type and R-Type II games. The games can be played with their classic 2D sprites or new Hi-Res 3D graphics. The cool thing about the graphics is that they can be changed on the fly. You can go from 2D sprites to 3D models and back again in an instant. There are no menus to change or procedures to follow, you just push a button! It so well done that I wish other retro/modern games would have this option.

As for the games, they all retain their original gameplay elements. R-Type I (Eight Levels) and R-Type II (Six Levels) still have the same amount of levels. There’s also R-Types patented difficulty! Thank goodness for the new infinite mode included in this release. Now I can finally beat the first stage. Also included is the addition of Two Player (Online/Offline) co-op and a mission mode (best score through a selected stage kind).

The basic premise of R-Type is to go through a stage evading/destroying enemies, going around obstacles, and defeating a boss at the end. Your ship is equipped with a standard gun and a plasma beam that you can charge. There are also power-ups available along the way to help dispatch enemies. Things like Speed Boost, Bombs, and Missiles for example. They’re all really fun to use but will loose them the instant you get hit. You’re ship can also use a tool called the Force. You can get this object when certain enemies are defeated. The force can be attached to the front/back of your ship. It all depends on the position you grab it from. The force can be used as a shield or weapon amplifier and you can also release it from your ship and draw it back.

Overall, R-Type Dimensions is a great way to get into the series. The 2D graphics still look great and the new 3D models are excellent. The ability to change 2D/3D graphics while you play is a nice touch. There’s also a variety of display options available to customize your experience. Veteran gamers will enjoy the challenge, sound effects/music, and controls. For gamers who don’t want too much of a challenge, infinite mode and Co-op is available. Whatever type of gamer you are, R-Type Dimensions makes the game accessible to a wide range of audiences. I recommend you try out the trial and see if this game is for you. Fans of R-Type and side-scrollers will probably buy it right away.

R-Type Dimension is available on the Xbox Live Arcade for 1200 MS Points.

Pros: Maintains Core Gameplay Elements in 2D/3D, Soundtrack, Infinite Mode, Ability to Change From 2D/3D Instantly.

Cons: Too challenging to play on Normal, Replay Value after Infinite mode. (All minor issues)

Score: 8.5

VGM: “Ending (Like A Hero)”

Thank you to Tozai Inc. for providing a review code for the game.