R-Type Dimensions XBox 360 Live! Arcade Game

Rating:

The coin-op classics, R-Type & R-Type II, are together at last! Fight through all 14 Bydo-infested stages in original 2D or all-new 3D graphics – and swap back and forth on-the-fly. Both Classic and Infinite modes can be played as single player or multiplayer missions; either locally or over Xbox LIVE. Power up and strike down the evil Bydo Empire!!

R-Type Dimensions Box Art

Bottom Line:

• Good graphics, fun gameplay, blast from the past

R-Type Dimensions by developers Tozai Games™ / SouthEnd Interactive™ is a fun remake of the side-scrolling shooter games from the R-Type series.  If you ever played the old games from now what is 20 years you can see the graphics as they were then and also switch to a 3D view to see what they look like today.  The old graphics looks, well, old and the new 3D graphics look really nice for the game.  It's a bit steep at 1200 points but if you like R-Type like I do it's worth it.

Those that have never played R-Type probably won't enjoy the game quite as much but that doesn't prevent the entertainment from taking place.  As you fly to the right in your ship you can shoot down squadrons of enemies to pick up power ups.  The power ups are used to increase the damage your weapon does as well as let you drop bombs, shoot missiles, etc.  At the end of each area you encounter a boss mob and have to use a variety of tactics to kill them.  Some bosses are vulnerable only at certain times while others fire off a hail of bullets that are hard to miss.

The game is easy if you choose Unlimited lives but lets you create the feel of the Arcade with only 3 lives if you so choose.  The game lasts much longer in the 3 life mode though and is recommended if you want to feel like you are in the Arcade.

Some of the features included:

• R-Type & R-Type II –  two full playable classic coin-op games
• Single player and co-op play – locally or on Xbox LIVE for up to 2 players
• All new 3D graphics plus original 2D graphics – swap back and forth on-the-fly
• “Classic” game mode – exactly mimics original coin-op play
• All new “Infinite” game mode – assuring completion of games regardless of skill level
• Stat screen - tracks all of your vital stats
• Two free gamer pictures –  can be unlocked by players of all skill levels
• Achievements – including novelty achievements that provide additional challenges

You can buy the full game on the Microsoft Marketplace now for 1200 points.