Number 159
(18.8 points)
R-Type
1993: 87 (5.6)
1994: 79 (13.2)
Probably the most iconic entry in the horizontally-scrolling shooter genre, R-Type still managed to sneak into the lists despite its age and the wealth of other options out there (and, strangely, the fact that the sequel was on the list at the same time). Is it still a timeless classic?
The 80s saw a steady evolution in the shoot 'em up genre, and R-Type represented a watershed moment, building on the advancements made by Gradius but adding an H.R. Giger flavour to the graphics. You can collect power-ups to your ship, including an item called a Force which attaches to the front or back of your ship, or fly with you separately. You can also charge your shot to release a single, more powerful shot, and it is these two features that set R-Type apart from others. The game was ported heavily to almost every system around, and the Amiga version stays true to the arcade game's roots.
I've always been a bit so-so on horizontal and vertical shooters like this, mainly cause a lot of them are punishingly hard, and this is no exception. Collect your power-ups and your ship becomes a fearsome weapon - until you take one single hit and lose everything, and then you might as well just restart the game. That's not the kind of game I like. I prefer shooters that give you several hits before sending you back to the start of a level, but with your weapons intact, and so I've never been a fan of R-Type, Gradius, or many of these 80s shooters. Still, it's an iconic game which you might like to try.
Recommended TOSEC disk(s):R-Type (1989)(Electric Dreams)
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