View source for R-Type

{{Short description|1987 video game}}
{{About|the video game|the game series|List of R-Type video games|other uses|Type R (disambiguation)}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
|title     = R-Type
|image     = R-Type arcade flyer.jpg
|caption   = Japanese arcade flyer
|developer = [[Irem]]{{efn|Master System version developed by [[Compile (company)|Compile]].}}
|publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|Irem|NA|[[Nintendo]]|EU|Electrocoin<ref>{{cite web |title=Video Game Flyers: Electrocoin Sales (UK) |url=https://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=flyer&db=videodb&id=4207&image=1 |website=The Arcade Flyer Archive |access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref>}}
|producer  = Kinte
|designer  = Abiko
|programmer = {{ubl|Sum|Misachin}}
|artist    = {{ubl|Akio Oyabu|Yoshige}}
|composer  = Masato Ishizaki
|series    = ''[[List of R-Type video games|R-Type]]''
|platforms = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[Arcade video game|Arcade]]}}|[[TurboGrafx-16]], [[Atari ST]], [[Commodore 64]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Master System]], [[PC-88]], [[MSX2]], [[X68000]], [[Amiga]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[Game Boy]], [[TurboGrafx-16#Add-ons|Super CD-ROM²]], [[Game Boy Color]], [[mobile phone]], [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]]}}
|released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|May 15, 1987}}|'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|JP|May 15, 1987<ref>{{cite web |title=R-Type (Registration Number PA0000340908) |url=https://cocatalog.loc.gov |website=[[United States Copyright Office]] |access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref>|EU|July 1987<ref name="CVG70"/>|NA|October 1987<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox51unse_16/page/37|title=Nintendo's 'R-Type' Dedicated Game|publisher=[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]]|date=1987-10-24}}</ref>}} '''TurboGrafx-16'''{{vgrelease|JP|March 25, 1988 (part 1)<ref name="pcenginelist88">{{cite web |title=PC Engine Software List 1987-1988 |url=http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NEC1_PCE1987-1988.html |website=GAME Data Room |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827210546/http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NEC1_PCE1987-1988.html |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |language=ja}}</ref>|JP|June 3, 1988 (part 2)<ref name="pcenginelist88"/>|NA|November 1989<ref>{{cite news |title=Availability Update |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/2b0f3849-6358-4d5e-930b-77877546a547 |work=[[Computer Entertainer]] |volume=8 |issue=9 |date=December 1989 |page=14}}</ref>}} '''Atari ST, C64, ZX Spectrum'''{{vgrelease|EU|September 1988<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=June 1988 |title=Street Seen |url=https://archive.org/details/ComputerAndVideoGamesIssue080Jun88/page/n14/mode/1up |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[Ascential|EMAP]] |issue=80 |page=15}}</ref>}} '''Master System'''{{vgrelease|JP|October 1, 1988<ref name="Sega titles - Sega JP">{{cite web |title=Software List |url=https://sega.jp/history/hard/segamark3/software.html |website=Sega Hard Encyclopedia |publisher=[[Sega|Sega Corporation]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621034428/https://sega.jp/history/hard/segamark3/software.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-date=2019-06-21 |language=ja}}</ref>|NA|December 1988<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Availability Update |magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] |volume=7 |issue=10 |date=January 1989 |page=12 |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/aad8c276-4320-4683-b3f5-eb0052fc9175}}</ref>|EU|1989}} '''PC-88'''{{vgrelease|JP|October 1988{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}}} '''MSX2'''{{vgrelease|JP|December 9, 1988{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}}} '''X68000'''{{vgrelease|JP|June 9, 1989{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}}} '''Amiga, CPC'''{{vgrelease|EU|1989}} '''Game Boy'''{{vgrelease|JP|March 19, 1991<ref>{{cite web |title=GAMEBOY Software List 1991 |url=http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NTM1_GB1991.html |website=GAME Data Room |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827211258/http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NTM1_GB1991.html |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |language=ja}}</ref>|NA|May 1991<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/dmg_games.pdf |publisher=Nintendo of America |title=Game Boy (original) Games |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402190758/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/dmg_games.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2016 }}</ref>|EU|1991}} '''Super CD-ROM²'''{{vgrelease|JP|December 20, 1991<ref>{{cite web |title=PC Engine Software List 1991 |url=http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NEC1_PCE1991.html |website=GAME Data Room |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827210913/http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NEC1_PCE1991.html |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |language=ja}}</ref>}} '''Game Boy Color'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 28, 1999<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo Release Schedule |url=http://pocket.ign.com/news/8638.html |website=[[IGN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000824113012/http://pocket.ign.com/news/8638.html |archive-date=August 24, 2000 |date=June 29, 1999}}</ref>|EU|July 20, 1999{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}|JP|November 12, 1999<ref>{{cite web |title=GAMEBOY & GAMEBOY COLOR Software List 1999 |url=http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NTM1_GB1999.html |website=GAME Data Room |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827210647/http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NTM1_GB1999.html |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |language=ja}}</ref>}} '''Mobile'''{{vgrelease|EU|2007{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}}} '''iOS'''{{vgrelease|WW|August 26, 2010{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}}} '''Android'''{{vgrelease|WW|September 12, 2011{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}}}
}}
|genre     = [[Scrolling shooter]]
|modes     = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
|arcade system = Irem M72
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''R-Type'''''|アール・タイプ|''Āru Taipu''||lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1987 horizontally [[scrolling shooter]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Irem]] for [[arcade video game|arcades]]. The player controls the R-9 "Arrowhead" starship in its efforts to destroy the Bydo, a powerful alien race bent on wiping out all of mankind. The R-9 can acquire a glowing orb called a "Force", giving limited protection from enemy fire and providing additional firepower.

''R-Type'' was the first game to run on Irem's 16-bit M72 arcade system. The development team drew inspiration from ''[[Gradius (video game)|Gradius]]'', ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'' and works by [[H.R. Giger]]. The music was composed by Masato Ishizaki, while character designs were by Akio Oyabu.<ref name="STGv9">{{cite magazine|last=Tanaka|first=Haruhisa|title=R-Type Creator Interview (クリエイターインタビュー): Masato Ishizaki (石崎正人)|magazine=Shooting Gameside|volume=9|publisher=Micro Magazine|date=25 March 2014|pages=50–57|lang=ja|isbn=978-4896374551}} ([http://shmuplations.com/rtypesound/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123082717/http://shmuplations.com/rtypesound/|date=2020-01-23}}).</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://clrc.myshopify.com/products/m_r-type|title=R-TYPE ORIGINAL SOUND BOX|work=Clarice Shop|publisher=[[City Connection (company)|City Connection]]|date=2021|access-date=2021-03-09|language=ja|archive-date=2021-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211103215/https://clrc.myshopify.com/products/m_r-type|url-status=live}}</ref> The arcade version was distributed in North America by [[Nintendo]], and was the last arcade title to be released by the company.

''R-Type'' was commercially successful and praised by critics for its graphics and addictive gameplay, but was criticized for its difficulty. It is commonly cited as one of the best [[shoot 'em up]] games, and one of [[List of video games considered the best|the greatest video games of all time]]. Its success inspired [[List of R-Type video games|several sequels and spin-off games]], as well as home ports and releases for digital distribution services. A remake of the game was released as ''R-Type DX'' for the [[Game Boy Color]] in 2000. A 3D remake, ''[[R-Type Dimensions]]'', was released for the [[Xbox 360]] in 2009; for the [[PlayStation 3]] in 2014; for the [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[Windows]] in 2018; and for [[iOS]] in 2019.

==Gameplay==
[[File:ARC R-Type.png|thumb|left|Fighting Dobkeratops, the game's first boss, in the arcade version]]

The game has a generally slower pace than similar shooting games of the time, and emphasizes enemy pattern memorization as much as player speed. It is composed of eight levels, with a [[boss (video games)|boss enemy]] at the end of each. The player controls a small spacecraft and must navigate terrain and fight enemies using the various ship weapons. The player's spacecraft has, by default, a weak but rapid-firing main gun; and a more powerful gun called the Wave Cannon, which requires the player to hold their fire to build up power for the cannon.

During the game, the player can obtain an auxiliary device called a Force. This resembles a glowing orange ball. The Force can be attached to the front or back of the player's spacecraft, or detached to fly freely. When attached, the Force provides one of three different powerful weapons, in addition to the main gun and the Wave Cannon.

When detached, these weapons cannot be used, but the Force will instead resort to a secondary set of guns, which can be fired by the player even if the Force is at a distance from the spacecraft. The Force has a secondary use as a shield; it is completely indestructible and can block most things fired at it, as well as damage or destroy enemies on contact. Game designer Abiko mentioned the behavior of [[dung beetles]] as an inspiration for the Force.<ref name="G15">{{cite magazine|last1=Ishii|first1=Zenji|last2=Suzuki|first2=GOD|url=https://archive.org/stream/gamest0015#page/n12/mode/2up|title=R-TYPE開発座談会; R-TYPE Q&A|magazine=[[Gamest]]|issue=15|publisher=[[Shinseisha]]|date=December 1987|pages=10–12|lang=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/rtype1/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230193200/http://shmuplations.com/rtype1/|date=2019-12-30}}).</ref><ref name="WTF151">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/famitsu0151#page/93/mode/1up|title=ゲームデザ イナー大全集|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|issue=151|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|date=November 8, 1991|pages=85–100|lang=ja}} ([https://shmuplations.com/imadethat/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520011507/https://shmuplations.com/imadethat/|date=2020-05-20}}).</ref>

The "R-" in the title stands for "ray", as in a ray of light, in reference to the many different types of rayed weapons that players use in the series.<ref name="G15"/>

==Development==
{{Expand section|date=November 2020}}
Development on the [[Commodore 64]] version began when [[Activision]]'s [[Electric Dreams Software]] subsidiary obtained the rights. David Jolliff was planning on to program the game with James Smart assisting in program help. The original version was shelved, and as a result of the settlement between the creators of ''[[Katakis]]'' and Activision, Manfred Trenz of [[Rainbow Arts]] had the right to do a port, which was made in six weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=R-Type V1 (C64) - 1988 Electric Dreams - GTW64|url=https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/rtype-v1/|access-date=2021-12-11|website=Games That Weren't|year=1988 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Release and ports==
[[Hudson Soft]] developed a fairly accurate port of ''R-Type'' for the [[TurboGrafx-16|PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16]] console,<ref>{{Cite web|author=blackoak|url=http://shmuplations.com/pcengine/|title=shmuplations.com|website=shmuplations.com|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref> although it suffered from a slightly lower resolution, reduced color palette, sprite flickering and slowdown. Due to the slightly reduced resolution, the playfield also scrolls slightly in the vertical axis whenever the player's ship approaches the top or bottom of the screen. The Japanese release was split across two game cards (HuCards), titled {{nihongo|'''''R-Type I'''''|アール・タイプI|Āru Taipu Wan}} and {{nihongo|'''''R-Type II'''''|アール・タイプII|Āru Taipu Tsū}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogameden.com/hucard.htm?rt1 |title=Video Game Den |publisher=Video Game Den |access-date=2011-08-13}}</ref> while the later North American release contained the entire game on a single card.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rtype/rtype.htm|title=R-Type|website=Hardcore Gaming 101|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202031245/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rtype/rtype.htm|archive-date=February 2, 2016|access-date=2011-08-13}}</ref> The TurboGrafx-16 version of ''R-Type'' has a boss at the end of Stage 6, rather than a prolonged wave of enemies as in all other versions.

The [[Xbox Live Arcade]] game ''R-Type Dimensions'' was released on February 4, 2009, by Tozai Games.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} It is a port of the original ''R-Type'' and the sequel ''R-Type II''. It can be played either with the original [[2D graphics]] or with new [[3D graphics]], and has added [[co-op gameplay]] functionality. A similar version for the [[PlayStation 3]] was released in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/05/20/r-type-dimensions-out-today-on-ps3/ |title=R-Type Dimensions Out Today on PS3 – PlayStation.Blog |date=May 20, 2014 |publisher=blog.us.playstation.com|access-date=2015-09-04}}</ref>

The TurboGrafx-16 version of ''R-Type'' was one of the first games confirmed for [[Nintendo]]'s [[Virtual Console]].{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} The Japanese release for the [[Wii]] is split between two downloads, mirroring the original format of the game.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wii Virtual Console |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/01.html |website=Nintendo.co.jp |access-date=30 March 2020 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wii Virtual Console |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/02.html |website=Nintendo.co.jp |access-date=30 March 2020 |language=ja}}</ref> The Japanese releases for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] and [[Wii U]] use the North American version instead of the Japanese one, presenting the game as a single download; however, the game was removed from the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U stores on July 30, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=R-TYPE {{!}} ニンテンドー3DS {{!}} 任天堂 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000020157 |website=任天堂ホームページ |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=31 January 2021 |archive-date=February 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223223537/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000020157/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=R-TYPE {{!}} Wii U {{!}} 任天堂 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000006528 |website=任天堂ホームページ |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=31 January 2021 |archive-date=November 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115170952/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000006528 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Master System]] version became available as well on the Virtual Console for Japan on May 19, 2009, North America on November 2, 2009, and Europe on September 25, 2009;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-download-this-weeks-downloadable-lineup-truly-sparkles/|title=This Week's Downloadable Lineup Truly Sparkles|date=2 November 2009|publisher=Nintendo of America|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109204855/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/uKBVi6hn_qT2yeFlFBBYKa8dZJ0glUFW|archive-date=January 9, 2019|access-date=2009-11-03}}</ref> however, due to licensing issues, this version was delisted on September 30, 2011, in North America and Europe<ref>{{cite web |last=Sahdev |first=Ishaan |title=Last Chance to Grab R-Type Off the Wii Virtual Console |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/09/28/last-chance-to-grab-r-type-off-the-wii-virtual-console/ |website=[[Siliconera]] |access-date=30 March 2020 |date=September 28, 2011}}</ref> and October 18, 2011, in Japan.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

In 2010, [[DotEmu]] developed an [[iOS]] port of ''R-Type'', published by [[Electronic Arts]], released also for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] in September 2011.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

Tozai Games returned in 2018 and released an updated digital-only version of ''R-Type Dimensions'', now carrying the title ''R-Type Dimensions EX'', for [[Microsoft Windows]] (via [[Steam (service)|Steam]]), [[PlayStation 4]], and [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=R-Type Dimensions EX {{!}} Tozai Games |url=http://www.tozaigames.com/r-type-dimensions/ |access-date=2020-04-09 |website=R-Type Dimensions EX |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616021342/http://www.tozaigames.com/r-type-dimensions/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Strictly Limited Games released physical copies of the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch versions in February 2019, limited to 2,000 and 3,000 copies respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.strictlylimitedgames.com/releases-2/rtype-dimensions-ex/|title=R-Type Dimensions EX|last=BenedictBraitsch|website=Strictly Limited Games|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-09|archive-date=May 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528184408/https://www.strictlylimitedgames.com/releases-2/rtype-dimensions-ex/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Collector's Edition variants were also issued which contained a hardcover artbook, dog tags, stickers and cards, once again limited to 1,000 on the PlayStation 4 and 2,000 on the Nintendo Switch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://store.strictlylimitedgames.com/products/r-type-dimensions-ex-collectors-edition-ps4|title=R-Type Dimensions EX Collector's Edition (PS4) - Preorder|website=Strictly Limited Games|language=en|access-date=2020-04-09|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617101422/https://store.strictlylimitedgames.com/products/r-type-dimensions-ex-collectors-edition-ps4|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://store.strictlylimitedgames.com/products/r-type-dimensions-ex-collectors-edition-nintendo-switch|title=R-Type Dimensions EX Collector's Edition (Nintendo Switch) - Preorder|website=Strictly Limited Games|language=en|access-date=2020-04-09|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810085420/https://store.strictlylimitedgames.com/products/r-type-dimensions-ex-collectors-edition-nintendo-switch|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| align = right
| ARC = true
| AST = true
| GB = true
| SMS = true
| TG16 = true
| ZX = true
| ACE_SMS = 900<ref name="ACE">{{cite magazine |title=Console Wars |magazine=[[ACE (magazine)|ACE]] |date=October 1989 |issue=26 (November 1989) |page=144 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/d/d9/ACE_UK_26.pdf#page=144}}</ref>
| ACE_TG16 = 940<ref name="ACE"/>
| ACE_ZX = 871<ref>[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ACE/Issue15/Pages/ACE1500050.jpg ACE<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| Allgame_ARC = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |title=R-Type (Arcade) - Overview |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10943 |website=[[AllGame]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114112314/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10943 |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=5 August 2021 }}</ref>
| Allgame_SMS = 4.5/5<ref>{{cite web |title=R-Type (Sega Master System) - Overview |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1784 |website=[[AllGame]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114111244/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1784 |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=5 August 2021 }}</ref>
| Allgame_TG16 = 4.5/5<ref name="allgamereview">{{cite web |url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2686&tab=review |title = R-Type - Review (TurboGrafx-16)| author = Sackenheim, Shawn |publisher = [[AllGame]] |access-date =March 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115132759/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2686&tab=review |archive-date=November 15, 2014}}</ref>
| CVG_ARC = Positive<ref name="CVG70"/>
| CVG_AST = 85%<ref name="CVG85">[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=C+VG/Issue085/Pages/CVG08500021.jpg Computer & Video Games<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| CVG_GB = 85%<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Group Test: Aiieee! Aliens! Head-to-Head – The Best Shoot-'Em-Ups Ever! |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=15 May 1994 |issue=151 (June 1994) |pages=106–11 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/d/df/CVG_UK_151.pdf#page=106}}</ref>
| CVG_SMS = 84%<ref name="CVG">{{cite journal |title=Complete Games Guide |journal=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=16 October 1989 |issue=Complete Guide to Consoles |pages=46–77 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/98/CompleteGuideToConsoles_UK_01.pdf#page=46}}</ref>
| CVG_TG16 = 92%<ref name="CVG"/>
| CVG_ZX = 93%<ref name="CVG85"/>
| CRASH_ZX = 92%<ref>[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=Crash/Issue59/Pages/Crash5900027.jpg Crash<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| SUser_ZX = 90%<ref>[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=SinclairUser/Issue081/Pages/SinclairUser08100091.jpg Sinclair User<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| TGM_AST = 82%<ref name="TGM15">[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=TheGamesMachine/Issue15/Pages/TheGamesMachine1500035.jpg The Games Machine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| TGM_ZX = 90%<ref name="TGM15"/>
| YSinclair = 9/10<ref name="ysrnry">{{cite web|url=http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/rtype.htm|title=R-Type|publisher=ysrnry.co.uk|access-date=2015-09-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626201818/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/rtype.htm|archive-date=June 26, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Commodore User]]''
| rev1_ARC = 9/10<ref name="CU48"/>
| rev2 = ''[[Computer Entertainer]]''
| rev2_SMS = 6/8<ref>{{cite magazine |title=SEGA Software |magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] |date=January 1989 |volume=7 |issue=10 |page=12 |url=https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-7-10/page/12}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Mean Machines]]''
| rev3_SMS = 92%<ref name="MM7"/>
| rev4 = ''[[Sega Power]]''
| rev4_SMS = 91%<ref>{{cite magazine|date=May 1991|title=Readers top 10 – Master System|magazine=[[Sega Power]]|issue=18|page=7|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3ASegaPower_UK_18.pdf&page=7}}</ref>
| award1Pub = [[Golden Joystick Awards]]
| award1 = Best 8-Bit Coin-Op Conversion (runner-up)<ref name="GJ"/>
| award2Pub = ''[[Computer and Video Games]]''
| award2 = Game of the Month<ref name="CVG70"/>
| award3Pub = ''[[Crash (magazine)|Crash]]''
| award3 = Crash Smash
| award4Pub = ''[[Your Sinclair]]''
| award4 = Megagame
| Allgame_GB = 3.5/5<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17053&tab=review |title=R-Type (Game Boy) Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115063350/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17053&tab=review |archive-date=15 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

===Arcade===
In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''R-Type'' as the most successful [[table arcade cabinet]] of July 1987.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - テーブル型TVゲーム機 (Table Videos)|magazine=Game Machine|issue=313|publisher=Amusement Press|date=1 August 1987|page=21|lang=ja}}</ref> It went on to be Japan's [[1987 in video games|highest-grossing table arcade game of 1987]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=87' ゲーメスト大賞 〜 ベストインカム |trans-title=87' Gamest Awards – Best Income |magazine=[[Gamest]] |date=December 28, 1987 |volume=17 (February 1988) |url=https://archive.org/details/gamest0017/page/n40/mode/2up |pages=25-38 (36-7) |lang=ja}} [http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v017.html alternate url]</ref> Later in 1988, it was [[1988 in video games|the year's third highest-grossing arcade conversion kit]]<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: '88 ''/ "Game of the Year '88" By Game Machine'' |magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]] |issue=348 |publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]] |date=15 January 1989 |pages=10–1, 26 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19890115p.pdf#page=6}}</ref> and sixth highest-grossing overall arcade game of the year.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=December 27, 1988|title=第２回ゲーメスト大賞 〜 年間ヒットゲームベスト100|trans-title=2nd Gamest Awards – Best 100 Hit Games of the Year|url=https://archive.org/details/gamest0029/page/n44|magazine=[[Gamest]]|language=ja|volume=29 (February 1989)|pages=25–41 (41)}} [http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v029.html alternate url]</ref>

The original ''R-Type'' was well received by most critics. However, it was also infamous for its relentless difficulty.<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/21/top-10-tuesday-toughest-games-to-beat |title=Top 10 Tuesday: Toughest Games to Beat - IGN |date=March 21, 2007 |publisher=ign.com|access-date=2015-09-04}}</ref> Clare Edgeley of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' selected ''R-Type'' as the "game of the month" in July 1987.<ref name="CVG70">{{cite magazine |last=Edgeley |first=Clare |title=Arcade Action |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=15 July 1987 |issue=70 (August 1987) |pages=110–2 |url=https://archive.org/details/cvg-magazine-070/page/n109/mode/2up}}</ref> The following month, ''[[Commodore User]]'' magazine gave it a highly positive review and noted that it drew large crowds queuing up at arcades.<ref name="CU48">{{cite magazine |title=Arcades |magazine=[[Commodore User]] |date=16 August 1987 |issue=48 (September 1987) |pages=76, 81 |url=https://archive.org/details/commodore-user-magazine-48/page/n75}}</ref>

===Consoles===
According to ''Mega Guide'' in 1992, ''R-Type'' had sold "[[squillions]] on hand-held".<ref>{{cite news |editor1-last=Gregory |editor1-first=Mark |title=The Buzz: It's All the Rage 2 |url=https://archive.org/details/MEGA-guide/The%20Sun%20MEGA%20Guide%20%281992-11-28%29/page/n1/mode/1up |work=Mega Guide |date=28 November 1992 |pages=2–3}}</ref>

A 1988 port to the [[Master System]] was immediately recognized as one of the best games available in the [[Sega]] library. A ''[[Mean Machines]]'' magazine review praised in particular the graphics and the high quality of the challenge offered by the game, awarding it an overall rating of 92%.<ref name="MM7">Mean Machines, [[iarchive:mean-machines-magazine-07/page/n87/mode/2up|R-Type Review]], Issue 7, April 1991, pp.88-90</ref> In 1989, ''[[ACE (magazine)|ACE]]'' listed it as one of the top five best games available for both the PC Engine and Master System.<ref name="ACE"/>

A 1995 article in ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' stated that the "PC Engine [TurboGrafx-16] conversion of Irem's arcade smash ''R-Type'' is still regarded as the system's definitive contribution to the shoot 'em up genre."<ref>{{cite magazine|date=March 1995|title=Hudson Soft|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-003/page/n81/mode/2up|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|issue=3|page=78}}</ref> The following year they listed both it and the arcade original (but not any other ports of the game) at number 98 in their "Top 100 Games of All Time", praising its art direction, graphics, design innovations, and huge bosses.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=September 1996|title=Top 100 Games of All Time|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-021/page/n41/mode/2up|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|issue=21|page=38}}</ref>

In a retrospective review, [[Allgame]] editor Shawn Sackenheim described the TurboGrafx-16 version of ''R-Type'' as "(the) most accurate home conversion (of the arcade version) of the game", furthermore stating that "it's the shooter that started it all and it's still a thrill ride from beginning to end".<ref name="allgamereview" />

===Computers===
The [[ZX Spectrum]] version of ''R-Type'' was awarded 9/10 in the January 1989 issue of ''[[Your Sinclair]]''<ref name="ysrnry2">{{cite web |url=http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/rtype.htm |title=R-Type |publisher=ysrnry.co.uk |access-date=2015-09-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626201818/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/rtype.htm |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and was placed at number 6 in their official top 100. ''The Games Machine'' praised the "incredible use of colour" and that it "blows away almost every other shoot'em up on the Spectrum". ''Crash'' congratulated Electric Dreams for "retaining the frenetic arcade feel and producing such a brilliant game". ''Sinclair User'' praised the weapons system and difficulty curve, and ''[[Computer and Video Games|C+VG]]'' called it "an excellent shoot'em up that's both challenging and addictive. An absolute must for Spectrum blasting fanatics".

The game was runner-up in the category of "Best 8-Bit Coin-Op Conversion of the Year" at the [[Golden Joystick Awards]], behind ''[[Operation Wolf]]''.<ref name="GJ">{{cite magazine |title=Golden Joysticks 1989|url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=C+VG/Issue092/Pages/CVG09200062.jpg |magazine=[[Computer + Video Games]] |issue=92 |date=June 1989 |page=63 |access-date=March 30, 2020}}</ref>

The implementation of the music in the C64 version was well received, but this port received average reviews due to performance issues and glitches.

==Legacy==
{{See|List of R-Type video games}}

Irem has developed a number of [[sequel]]s and related games, including ''[[R-Type II]]'' and ''[[Armed Police Unit Gallop]]''. Their ''[[XMultiply]]'', although not part of the series, has similar themes and gameplay, and was released around the same time as ''R-Type II''. However, before any of these games was ''[[Katakis]]'', a 1987 clone produced by [[Factor 5]] for the [[Commodore 64]] and the [[Amiga]].

In 1991, [[Konami]] released ''[[Xexex]]'', a game heavily influenced by ''R-Type'' and ''XMultiply''. The game used similar weapons and concepts, such as the "Flint" being a combination of ''R-Type'' Force and ''X Multiply'' tentacle equipment.

Other games similar to ''R-Type'' are ''Rezon'', released by Allumer in 1991,<ref name="klov">{{cite web|url=http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=9309 |title=Rezon Videogame by Taito/Allumer (1991) - The International Arcade Museum and the KLOV|website=klov.com|access-date=2015-09-04}}</ref> [[Aicom]]'s ''[[Pulstar (video game)|Pulstar]]'' and ''[[Blazing Star]]'' (the latter published under [[Yumekobo]]) for the [[Neo Geo (system)|Neo Geo]], and Technosoft's 1992 title ''[[Thunder Force IV]]'' for the [[Sega Genesis]].

On April 1, 2019, [[Granzella]] announced the development of ''[[R-Type Final 2]]'', a sequel to ''[[R-Type Final]]''.

[[Chris Huelsbeck]] composed new title songs for the Amiga and Commodore 64 versions, which have remained as popular targets for game music remixers. The Amiga theme was composed by Huelsbeck, while the faster C64 theme was composed by Huelsbeck with Ramiro Vaca.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

=== Adaptations ===
* R-9A Arrowhead, Scant, and Dobkeratops appears in the Chapter 30 on the manga ''Warera Hobby's Famicom Seminar''.
* R-9A Arrowhead, Scant, Dobkeratops, Wick, Gouger, Gomander and Warship appears in the Chapter 17 on the manga ''Rock 'n Game Boy''.

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/563212-r-type ''R-Type''] at [[GameFAQs]]
* [https://www.giantbomb.com/r-type/3030-13745/ ''R-Type''] at [[Giant Bomb]]
* [https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=9219 ''R-Type''] at [[Killer List of Videogames]]
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/r-type ''R-Type''] at [[MobyGames]]

{{R-Type series|state=expanded}}
{{Irem}}
{{Portal bar|1980s|Japan|Video games}}
{{Authority control}}

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