R-Type Final Review

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(More customer reviews)So it's come to this, has it?
One of the most lauded side-scrolling shooter series in history has reached its last chapter.Irem's appropriately named R-Type Final has come to the PS2 thanks to Eidos' Fresh Games label, and it is a bittersweet occurrence.On one hand, Irem has said that this game marks the end of the venerable R-Type series.On the other, it's more than a fitting curtain call for the franchise.
The basic gameplay hasn't really changed much throughout the series.RTF is not a manic, reflex-frying bullet-dodger like last year's Gamecube masterpiece, Ikaruga.It's a more methodically paced, strategic game that feels different from most shooters.For one thing, R-Type has always been less about score and more about simple survival.Enemies approach from all sides, from waves of drones to screen-filling bosses.You won't dodge incoming fire as much as plan your progress, find and take advantage of tiny safe zones, discover weak spots, and time your counterattacks.R-Type tests your memory, reflexes, and anticipation, and can be demanding.You will have to learn attack patterns, measure to the pixel where to wedge your ship, and learn to manipulate the infamous Force Module (the ubiquitous detachable satellite that is immune to enemy fire).There is a measure of trial-and-error here, but the reward of reaching a new level or taking out a troublesome boss always makes the effort worthwhile.R-Type Final sticks to these well-worn conventions, but this is more than a simple case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
One major improvement is in the technical department.The last installment in the series, R-Type Delta (PSone), was a fantastically realized creation that sported some incredible level and creature design, some of which were updated versions of bosses and enemies from the original R-Type.RTF continues this tradition.There is a level that consists entirely of travelling along one huge spacecraft, taking it apart piece by piece.Fans will recognize this, and love it.Bydo mutants appear on all sides, and you'll battle mechanical, organic, and cyborg foes, all amidst a beautiful shower of effects and scenery.While there's no doubt that this is the best-looking R-Type, it still retains the details that identify the series.And don't worry - the occasional slowdown can actually be a help.Delta's speed control also returns, and the game has five difficulty levels.The easier levels will drag a bit for the shooter veteran, but jack it up to the insane "R-Typer" to experience the game as Irem intended.
There are, however, a new feature or two that must be mentioned.The first is branching levels.Depending on your performance within levels, you may visit one of several different sequences.It doesn't feel added on or superfluous, keeping the levels flowing like nothing happened.But it is a welcome addition, especially when considering the other, more drastic new feature.
R-Type Final has around a hundred ships to fly.That's right:100.Quite a difference from Delta's mere four!The ships vary wildly, from recon versions to transforming fighters, each with their own unique weapons.New craft are unlocked by performing various in-game tasks, like total flight time with specific ships or completing branching paths.This gives the game quite a bit of replay value, as unlocking all of them will take many hours.Some of the ships aren't nearly as cool as others, and some verge on being overpowered, but the constant reward process keeps you motivated.
You can now also customize your ships.Before you fly, you can pick ship & canopy color, missile type, bit type, etc.This helps you stick to your own style of play, and keeps the game fresh and interesting.How you equip your ship can have a lot of influence on how the game plays.
Yet another new feature is the A.I. Battle mode.Rather than being a head-to-head two-person battle, this lets you pit your ships against a friend's (or the game's A.I.) in computer controlled combat.It's fun to fool around with, but you'll more than likely be done with it quickly.
Irem says R-Type Final is the ultimate installment in the series, a "Thank You" to R-Type fans everywhere.It's hard to argue either point.While there will undoubtedly be those who question the new additions to the formula, in the end, RTF stands as a brilliant modern dedication to one of the premiere side-scrollers.It is sad to see the series end, but what a wicked way to go out, indeed.
Thank YOU, Irem.

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Product Description:
R-Type Final -- To defend against alien invasion humanity created biological super-weapons called the Bydo. But the Bydo were too powerful & turned on humanity. Each time they were repulsed -- but the remaining Bydo are planning an all-out, last-ditch assault on the Earth. Operation: Last Dance has begun, to finish the Bydo threat, once and for all!

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