R-Type Final

"The Swan Song of a great series and a great genre"

Shooting games are becoming as obscure as Bigfoot, but unlike our furry friend of the Pacific Northwest, at least there is a legitimate shooting sighting occasionally.

R-Type Final is the last game of the venerable series.

The Good: It sports over 100 ships when all are unlocked (though you only start with 3). Not every ship is completely original, but there is enough differences between them to warrant 101 different ones (unlike some games that will have 100 of something, but it could just as easily be cut down to 5). Even though there is only 7 levels each time you play, several of the levels have variations that really about doubles that number. True to its arcade roots, one can sit down with R-Type Final for 20 minutes to a half hour and have a fulfilling experience, but you can also be drawn in for hours at a time, just wanting to beat that one boss or unlock that next ship.

The Bad: Slowdown. I wish Irem had time to optimize this game more. The slowdown doesn't kill the game, and many gamers actually find it helpful, giving them more time to get into the correct position. That being said, after you play the third level several times, the slowdown is an annoyance. The only other complaint, and its very minor, would be the time in between battles. Shooters are suppose to give you the adreneline rush, yet this game has many points where you will be sitting still for more than 10 seconds at a clip. Now, 10 seconds doesn't seem like a very long time, but during the game it can feel like an eternity. But, these are 2 very minor gripes in an otherwise excellent game.

The Ugly: The bosses. These are not creatures you would want to bring home to meet the parents, nor would you want to fight in real life outside a bar. That being said, they fit the game beautifully. Also, its downright ugly that this game is $50. If many half finished games ship at $50, its a shame that Irem is only getting $30 for this game. But, ugly for them, is great news for the consumer.

Recommendation: Buy It!

This and Ikaruga are the best (and really only) shooters in recent years. While Ikaruga carries a fast pace and memorization requirement (and its a game I would also give a 9 to), R-Type is more methodical. It has a slower, more human pace to it, and it is very welcomed. The game debuted for $30, and its worth every penny. Odds are, not many copies will sell, and it will likely be a game people talk about for years to come. Buy it, treasure it, and thank the heavens that Irem didn't butcher its final run.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/07/04