R-Type cover art

Game entry

R-Type

1987 · Shoot 'em up, Arcade · Atari ST, Commodore 64, Amiga, PC-8800 Series, Arcade, MSX, Sharp X68000 · Electric Dreams Software

R-Type is ranked no. 3,884 among the best video games of all time by GameForever voters, with an ELO score of 1,414 and 32% of duels won.

World rank

no. 3,884

ELO score

1,414

Wins

32%

Duels played

44

About R-Type

R-Type is set in the 22nd century, and the player flies a futuristic fighter craft called the R-9a "Arrowhead", named for its shape, and because it is the ninth model in the 'R' series of fighter craft (but it is the first of the series to actually be used in combat; the previous models were all prototypes). The mission is to 'blast off and strike the evil Bydo Empire'. The R- in the series title originally stood for "ray", as in a ray of light. It was a reference to the many different types of ray-like weapons in the first R-Type. his was later retconned in R-Type Final to refer specifically to the production code as well as a term of endearment for the player fighter craft, the "Round Canopy".

The original R-Type was well received by most gaming critics. However, it was also infamous for its relentless difficulty. It earned 7th place in IGN's Top 10 most difficult games to beat. The gameplay of R-Type is noticeably distinct among shoot 'em ups. Invariably the player will lose, not because of an inequality in firepower, but because of the design of the levels themselves. There is usually a 'correct' way to get through a level, but players must learn these by experience - i.e. by losing and restarting from earlier in the level. The game innovated with its weapon system compared to contemporary shooters, featuring a chargeable shot (beam-meter), and detachable 'force' pod; levels were designed to require different tactics and ideal weapons (air-air, diagonal, or air-ground laser).

ELO progression

Score moved from 1,500 to 1,414 ELO points over the last 123 days.

Head-to-head

Direct record on the most played match-ups.

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