For decades, the R-Type series has been heralded by gamers and critics alike for being a revolutionary shooter. At the same time, its difficulty often has left casual gamers in the dust. Its newest edition, R-Type Dimensions Ex, silences any naysayers, with an awesome Infinite Mode, that makes the game more accessible than ever. As a result, this may be the coolest version to date.
Consisting of all the original levels for both the original game and its sequel, R-Type Dimensions Ex has a ton to offer in terms of gameplay. The Infinite Mode, similar to a game the likes of Celeste, gives you infinite lives. This mode is one that casual players will fall in love with, as they’ll be able to experience the game without worrying about dying. For a series that dines on difficulty, this mode could have been a disaster. Instead, it serves as a wonderful way to infinite new players into the world.
Add in a multiplayer mode and the ability to play the game in its original form and with new 3D graphics and it’s both a treat for older gamers and a good entry point for new players. Simply put, with so many haphazard ports out now, it’s awesome to see IREM put the time and effort into the game. The end result absolutely serves the legacy of the series justice.
New graphics and new visuals aside, R-Type Dimensions Ex thrives the most because you’re able to play the game in its original form, on the go. The functionality of the Nintendo Switch and the speed and challenge of the series are definitely a match made in shooter heaven. Get ready to work those thumbs.
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Patrick Hickey Jr. is the author of the book, “The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult and Classic Video Game Developers,” from McFarland And Company. Featuring interviews with the creators of 36 popular video games–including Deus Ex, NHLPA 93, Night Trap, Mortal Kombat, Wasteland and NBA Jam–the book gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of the most influential and iconic (and sometimes forgotten) games of all time. Recounting endless hours of painstaking development, the challenges of working with mega-publishers and the uncertainties of public reception, the interviewees reveal the creative processes that produced some of gaming’s classic titles.
