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Game entry
R-Type
1987 · Shoot 'em up, Arcade · Atari ST, Commodore 64, Amiga, PC-8800 Series, Arcade, MSX, Sharp X68000 · Electric Dreams Software
After 82 duels settled by the community, R-Type stands no. 4,686 among the best video games of all time on GameForever, with 1,358 ELO points and 32% of wins. Its best standing outside the world ranking: no. 24 out of 27 (1987).
World rank
no. 4,686
ELO score
1,358
Wins
32%
Duels played
82
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 1,358 ELO points over the last 215 days.
Head-to-head
Direct record on the most played match-ups.
- against Metal Slug 3 50% 2 duels played · 186 points behind
- against Half-Life: Alyx 0% 2 duels played · 445 points behind
- against Mega Man X2 0% 2 duels played · 237 points behind
- against Mega Man 9 50% 2 duels played · 111 points behind
- against Door Kickers 50% 2 duels played · 222 points behind
In the same genre
All Shoot 'em up games →
Keep exploring
Around this spot
The games R-Type sits between in the world ranking.
More games from Electric Dreams Software
The standing
Where R-Type ranks
The world rank mixes every family of games. Here is where R-Type stands in each of the ones it belongs to. Its best standing, all families considered: 24 out of 27 (1987).
| Ranking | Position | Games competing |
|---|---|---|
| World ranking | 4,686 | 5,110 |
| Shoot 'em up | 64 | 67 |
| 1980s | 135 | 154 |
| 1987 | 24 | 27 |
The community
The debate
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