Jan 9, 2008

Technically, they weren’t lying when they called the last game R-Type Final. This apparent sequel might look and scroll like a conventional shoot-em-up, but really it’s a universe apart. A turn-based strategy shooter, it’s a test of mind rather than reflexes. Once you’ve fumbled your way through the menus, you set up your attack fleet, each squadron of ships occupying one or more hexagonal tiles. Alongside the usual fighters and scouts of the R-Concept fleet, you’re also responsible for capital ships and power-ups. If you want to couple R-Type’s famous Force upgrade to a particular squadron, for instance, you have to position the two accordingly.

It’s fairly logical, and things soon get lively as your fleet sizes increase to cope with ever-greater opposition. It’s also obvious strategy-RPG stuff, full of quick cutscenes and hitpoint exchanges. But above all it’s R-Type, back from extinction in unusual form, but never unrecognisable. Fans might feel confused at first, but they won’t be disappointed.