I've always sucked at R-Type, so I wasn't expecting to be good at the newest iteration, R-Type Dimensions. Even though I knew it would be embarrassing to repeatedly lose in front of the Japanese gamers waiting in line to play, I still gave this Xbox Live Arcade title spin for Destructoid.
R-Type Dimensions contains both shooting classics R-Type and R-Type II, but they both have a new face. The game can be played in its classic 2D form, or, with a press of the right bumper button, a slick new 3D re-imaging of the same game. What's really cool is that you can switch from the 2D to 3D view and back on the fly. In one mode, accessed by pressing the Y button, you'll find yourself looking at the classic game, framed in a mock arcade cabinet.
As far as gameplay goes, this is R-Type, and nothing has changed. You can move your ship with either the D-pad or the left analog stick, and the A button fires. Holding it down will charge your guns, a necessary power in R-Type.
I gave R-Type a spin, playing through the first level. I hit the change button to see how the transition from 2D to 3D looked right away. The two sort of fade into each other. When you switch to 3D, the movement shifts slightly from straight left-to-right to a sort of angled look, which seems to be moving you into the right side, as if you're going deeper into a corridor. This gave me no problems, but the move between two modes is sort of disorienting if there is a lot of on screen action. Then again, only those with a death wish would switch modes in the heat of battle. Being the terrible player I am, I let the Japanese gamer behind me finish out the stage while I admired the new 3D graphics. The final boss looked fantastic with his polygonal makeover.
When released, R-Type Dimensions will sport 14 stages total. Both of the included titles will support 2-player co-op via Xbox Live. We're looking forward to getting our hands and eyes on the later stages of R-Type Dimensions soon.
Contest:
12:44 PM on 10.13.2008
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It's the only game i have on my sega master system, but thats beside the point.
I can't wait for this to hit Xbox Live Arcade. I want it now. :D
I'd tap that.
DO
WANT
INSIDE OF ME.