R-Type Dimensions EX Review – PlayStation 4

Born in the arcades and reborn for home gaming, R-Type is perhaps one of the more famous (or infamous) bullet-hell shooters around, having lasted more than three decades and spawning numerous sequels, ports, and remakes, and here we go with yet another one.  R-Type Dimensions EX is actually something quite different, a bit special, and for fans of the franchise, an exciting opportunity to relive the past with an all-new updated presentation.  If this is your first time with R-Type then buckle up…

This newly remastered title combines both coin-op classics, R-Type and R-Type 2 in both their original forms as well as fancy new versions with updated graphics and wonderful new score.  Purists will appreciate the fact that the core games are fully intact, playing and controlling just like they did in the 80’s.  Each game is selectable from the rotating cabinet menu and offers its own set of menu options and leaderboards.  The games are playable solo or two-player local co-op with a few new options and game modes tossed into the mix.

Classic mode is just what it sounds like and will have you sweating bullets as you try to complete the game (or make it to the next checkpoint) with just three lives.  The new Infinite mode gives you unlimited lives, which makes it easier for newcomers to experience the complete games and unlock the stages that can then be accessed later in Classic mode.  The leaderboards will also shame you by displaying just how many lives it took you to beat a level.

There are some cool visual options as well, including your choice of starting the game in retro or updated presentation mode.  Regardless of this choice you can seamlessly toggle between the two with a tap of the triangle button, instantly spanning 30 years of time and technology.  It’s one of the best transition effects I’ve ever seen – even better than what HALO offered when it got an HD update.  Not only do the visuals go from blocky retro pixel art, the music also updates from old synthesized arcade music to a remastered score that’s as impressive as the visuals, and it all happens so effortlessly that it never disrupts gameplay.

While this new update features slick 1080p graphics you have to remember the original was running on a 4:3 CRT and the designers made sure to include both a Widescreen and 4:3 option to keep it pure.  Perhaps one of the coolest options is the Normal vs. the Crazy Cam; a slick isometric twist on the side-scrolling shooter that gives the game added depth.  It’s a shallow angle – a bit like Zaxxon but not quite that much perspective, making it a fun new way to play the game without losing any of its core essence.

Both R-Type games have the same control set with a rapid-fire primary weapon and a charged shot missile attack.  You can also acquire a weapons pod that can get powered up and docked to the front or rear of your ship for added firepower, or you can detach the pod and have it act as your wingman.   There are some new features in R-Type Dimensions EX including a Maximum Power-Up mode as well as Fast-forward and Slow-motion; all of which can change up the way you play and put a great twist on the challenging gameplay of the original design.

It’s games like this that show just how far gaming has advanced in 30 years; especially when you can span the two version with a tap of a button.  Yes, those ancient 80’s visuals can be difficult to look at, perhaps not as difficult due to the recent popularity of pixel art games, but graphics aside, R-Type has always been part of the DNA that has been used to create nearly every bullet-hell game ever made.  With insane level designs, outrageous boss fights, and impossible numbers of enemy ships, robots, turrets, and bullets flying around it’s easy to become overwhelmed.  Thankfully, R-Type Dimensions EX throws in a few updated quality of life features that keep the game challenging while making it more accessible to a new generation of gamer and a must-play title for fans of the genre.

Updated Visuals vs. Original Comparison

Author: Mark Smith
I've been an avid gamer since I stumbled upon ZORK running in my local Radio Shack in 1980. Ten years later I was working for Sierra Online. Since then I've owned nearly every game system and most of the games to go with them. Not sure if 40+ years of gaming qualifies me to write reviews, but I do it anyway.

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