R-Type Dimensions coming to Xbox Live Arcade

[parallaxscroll]

I have been playing R-Type since summer 1989, a little time after came out for the Master System in the U.S. I never got to play the original coin-op arcade machine, although with MAME I was able to experience what the arcade was like, and was also able to find a copy of R-Types for the PlayStation which has near-exact replicas of R-Type and R-Type II.


I was really excited when I learned that R-Type Dimensions was not yet another attempt at a 3D sequel like Delta and Final, but a remake of the first two games. This is for me, literally, a dream come true, even though it might not be what everyone else wanted.

IMHO this HD remake / remix of R-Type and R-Type II for Xbox Live Arcade looks absolutely stunning. It might also come out for PSN, but as of right now, it's going to be for XBLA only and it should be released sometime in Q1 2009, probably for $10 or so. Whatever XBLA games cost.

This will be a real treat for me, because I plan to finally get a 360 in the coming months now that the (hopefully reliable) Jasper units have made their way to stores.

What strikes me about R-Type Dimensions is the graphics have been remade with high quality new artwork and lighting effects in high-definition, and there is a new angled perspective. All of this is optional. You can play with the original old sprite graphics. Or you can play with the new remade HD graphics in normal perspective. You can switch between old graphics, new graphics *and* angled perspective, on-the-fly. So lets say you like the new HD graphics but don't like the new perspective, no problem, you can play without the shift in view but with the updated visuals. Something for everyone in terms of visual presentation.

There is also, for the first time in R-Type I & II, 2-player co-op mode, locally, or over LIVE!


Check out these videos:

TGS 2008 trailer
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41124.html
http://www.gamersyde.com/stream_8957_en.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgSdQ8JUrX8

additional TGS video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfdcKmwB7q0
Check out the entrance to the BYDO base as it shifts from original graphics to new graphics with all the new detail and new perspective @ the 0.18 mark. This is the 'best-case' for why the new graphics and new perspective actually work to a good effect, IMO. I don't know if anyone agrees, but for those that might, you probably won't think so from any other footage or screenshot, except that part. I was skeptical myself about the new graphics and especially the new perspective, but that part blew me away and convinced me it'll work.

recent developer interview with more footage
http://www.gamereactor.eu/grtv/?id=3568
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc0_21HOSYo




all released screenshots
http://www.gamersyde.com/news_7195_en.html
http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/142/14271739/imgs_1.html






http://xboxlivemedia.ign.com/xboxlive/image/article/917/917932/r-type-dimensions-20081009021508577_640w.jpg

http://xboxlivemedia.ign.com/xboxlive/image/article/917/917932/r-type-dimensions-20081009021511608_640w.jpg

http://xboxlivemedia.ign.com/xboxlive/image/article/917/917932/r-type-dimensions-20081009021454530_640w.jpg

http://xboxlivemedia.ign.com/xboxlive/image/article/917/917932/r-type-dimensions-20081009021526701_640w.jpg

http://xboxlivemedia.ign.com/xboxlive/image/article/917/917932/r-type-dimensions-20081009021514811_640w.jpg

http://xboxlivemedia.ign.com/xboxlive/image/article/917/917932/r-type-dimensions-20081009021457671_640w.jpg

http://xboxlivemedia.ign.com/xboxlive/image/article/917/917932/r-type-dimensions-20081009021505421_640w.jpg

http://xboxlivemedia.ign.com/xboxlive/image/article/917/917932/r-type-dimensions-20081009021444468_640w.jpg


http://www.gamersdailynews.com/story-4814-RType-Combo-Pack-for-XBLA.html

“R-Type Dimensions” combines the genre-defining coin-op classics “R-Type” and “R-Type II,” with a twist. Although classic gameplay remains untouched, “R-Type Dimensions” elevates the experience to greater heights with brand-new additions and enhancements. For the first time, “R-Type Dimensions” allows multiplayer co-op play locally or over Xbox LIVE for up to two players.* Fight through all 14 Bydo-infested stages in the original 2-D or all-new 3-D graphics with the ability to swap back and forth between the two seamlessly. Strike down the evil Bydo Empire and save the earth in “R-Type Dimensions.”

Features:

“R-Type Dimensions” features include the following:
• Single player and co-op play. Locally or on Xbox LIVE for up to two players
• “R-Type” and “R-Type II.” Two full playable classic coin-op games
• All-new Infinite game mode. Assuring completion of games regardless of skill level
• Classic game mode. Play that exactly mimics the original coin-op experiences
• Statistics tracking. Track all the player’s vital stats
• Two free gamer pictures. Can be unlocked by players of all skill levels
• Achievements. Range from easy to advanced, making them appropriate for every skill level
• All-new 3-D graphics plus 2-D original graphics. Swap between graphic modes on the fly


This game will be the reason I sign up for an Xbox Live Gold membership, I can't wait ^__^

[heybtbm]

I hope it's better than R-Type Final


What was wrong with R-Type Final?

[maxlords]

An R-Type NOT made by Irem? Feh I say.

[Graham Mitchell]

An R-Type NOT made by Irem? Feh I say.

Although the link isn't working for me, he did say "Published" by Microsoft. We still don't know who the developer is.

[Lady Jaye]

Hey, I liked R-Type Final!

[Sabz5150]

Although the link isn't working for me, he did say "Published" by Microsoft. We still don't know who the developer is.

"The game is being developed by Tozai Inc"

If it isn't Irem, it isn't R-Type. And for the record, Final kicked a rather nice amount of ass.

[parallaxscroll]

Final was good but not good enough IMO.

Even with R-Type Dimensions not being made by Irem, I'm hopin' it is something as impressive as AICOM's Pulstar was on the Neo-Geo in the mid 90s.

[G-Boobie]

Final was good but not good enough IMO.

Even with R-Type Dimensions not being made by Irem, I'm hopin' it is something as impressive as AICOM's Pulstar was on the Neo-Geo in the mid 90s.

What, in your opinion, was lacking in Final? I thought it was one of the better shmups of last generation, and easily the most impressive in terms of pure replay value.

[parallaxscroll]

http://www.gamereactor.eu/grtv/?id=3568

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc0_21HOSYo

New developer interview. They had to reverse engineer the original game ROM for this new updated version.

There's more footage here, and IMO the new HD artwork/graphics looks spectacular.

[parallaxscroll]

What, in your opinion, was lacking in Final? I thought it was one of the better shmups of last generation, and easily the most impressive in terms of pure replay value.



R-Type Final had wonderful graphics but it seemed rushed, and the gameplay wasn't very strategic like the original.

R-Type Delta on PS1, although inferior visually, was a better playing game.

[Hwj_Chim]

this game looks cool. I hope it makes its way to the pc so i can play it

[swlovinist]

Good interview, game looks fantastic. I like the direction they went with the game.

[parallaxscroll]

Good interview, game looks fantastic. I like the direction they went with the game.

Me too.

Not everyone agrees though. Some people think it looks like crap. Of the comments I read, it seems about half of people love it, and the other half hate it. Not much middle-ground.

I happen to really like the direction they went with it, like you.

[Graham Mitchell]

I think it looks cool, myself.

Most of my experience with R-type is from consoles, so is the music they're using in the video the new arrangements or is it the actual music from the arcade ROM? I've only ever come into contact with an R-type machine once over 10 years ago, and it sounded identical to the TG-16 version from what I could tell.

[parallaxscroll]

It sounded like music from the arcade ROM, but I'll have to listen to it again carefully to be sure.

The TurboGrafx-16 version had basicly the same music, running through its inferior sound chip which made music sound very 'tinny'.

[Chainclaw]

I know Irem also does Bumpy Trot (I'm dieing to play this series...) and I'm pretty sure there is a PSP or PS3 game coming out in that series, and I know that they do the awesome Disaster Report series, and that has a third game coming out for the PSP.

How many teams do they have? Disaster Report came out, the next year R-Type Final came out, then two years later Raw Danger came out in Japan, and a year after that Bumpy Trot came out.

[parallaxscroll]

If you didn't have the full coin-op arcade machine in your home, this was the best way to play R-Type in the late 80s, if you wanted a more faithful rendition than what the PC-Engine / TurboGrafx-16 could offer:

R-Type on the Sharp X68000
http://mleguludec.free.fr/dossiers/manifestation/infoticaires2005/photos/x68k_rtype02.jpg

It blew away all other home computers versions, including MSX, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, Atari ST and Amiga!

[Overbite]

damn i want one of those things. what else can it do?

[parallaxscroll]

damn i want one of those things. what else can it do?

X68000 can play near-perfect ports of many late 80s / early 90s arcade games.
It's moot now because of emulation and modern consoles that can handle ports or emulations of arcade games, but back then, X68000 was the only machine save NeoGeo that could reproduce the arcade in your home.

[TurboGenesis]

X68000 can play near-perfect ports of many late 80s / early 90s arcade games.
It's moot now because of emulation and modern consoles that can handle ports or emulations of arcade games, but back then, X68000 was the only machine save NeoGeo that could reproduce the arcade in your home.

*Bow Down*

I have always wanted a Sharp X68000
The X68k had many great games and did many ports the best.


ON TOPIC,
I am looking forward to getting this on my Xbox 360. I cut my teeth on R-Type for the Turbo Grafx-16 as a child - paid $70 for it back then and played it for months non stop… best $70 i spend!

It would be nice to see some X-Multiply on the XBLA too (wishful thinking)

[parallaxscroll]

*Bow Down*

I have always wanted a Sharp X68000
The X68k had many great games and did many ports the best.

With normal side scrolling and vert scrolling arcade games, the X68k does conversions/posts the best, and much closer to perfect than any of the consoles. R-Type X68K (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2Tm3QIwv3I) is not of the highest quality, it could've been better, but is still closer to the arcade than the PCE / TG-16 HuCard or PCE CD versions.

One look at Street Fighter II Champion Edition though, would put to rest any doubts about X68K ability, as that game is near-exact to the arcade, closer than the Saturn or PlayStation versions that came out years later, and it's the PS1 version that we have on Capcom Classics Collection for Xbox, PS2 and PSP.

However with Sega's 'SuperScaler' 2.5D games such as Space Harrier, Super Hang-On, AfterBurner II and Thunder Blade, the X68K is not able to do perfect ports, since it lacks a 2nd 68000 processor and the bittler/scaling chips of Sega's highend 16-bit arcade boards, but X68K still does very good translations, much better than what the MegaDrive/Genesis could do with same (or similar) games, and also better than what the Amiga could do, and especially FAR better than what the Amiga usually got (slightly upgraded ports of Atari ST games).





ON TOPIC,
I am looking forward to getting this on my Xbox 360. I cut my teeth on R-Type for the Turbo Grafx-16 as a child - paid $70 for it back then and played it for months non stop… best $70 i spend!

Yes R-Type for TurboGrafx-16 was a killer app, and indeed it cost $69.99, even years after release. In 1991 it was still that expensive, maybe even in 1992. I was fortunate enough to get mine for free, for puchasing a TG-16 in fall 1990. Like Sega, NEC had those free game rebate things, and surprisingly, R-Type was one of the choices. I had a very merry Christmas in 1990 because UPS delivered it on the afternoon of Christmas Eve! What a treat that was.




It would be nice to see some X-Multiply on the XBLA too (wishful thinking)

Yep. As of now, X-Multiply is only on Japanese PS1 & Saturn along with Image Fight.

I would really love to get Konami's Xexex on XBLA, that was a stunning game, better than R-Type II or R-Type Leo IMO. Doubtful Xexex will ever come home (maybe it was released on PSP in Japan?).

[TurboGenesis]

Yes R-Type for TurboGrafx-16 was a killer app, and indeed it cost $69.99, even years after release. In 1991 it was still that expensive, maybe even in 1992. I was fortunate enough to get mine for free, for puchasing a TG-16 in fall 1990. Like Sega, NEC had those free game rebate things, and surprisingly, R-Type was one of the choices. I had a very merry Christmas in 1990 because UPS delivered it on the afternoon of Christmas Eve! What a treat that was.


R-Type was the only one never to drop in price. Ordyne and Space Harrier were at first $69.99 but those price were reduce after a while and I was able to get both at $39.99 each and in the summer of 1991, I break down and buy R-Type (as well as Alien Crush @ $19.99) for full price. I was not lucky to get a free game in those promotions as I bought my TG-16 originally in the spring if 1990 for a whopping $199.99 at K-Mart - (I did get two free SMS games - Ys and Spellcaster - when I bought my Power Base Converter back then)




Yep. As of now, X-Multiply is only on Japanese PS1 & Saturn along with Image Fight.

I would really love to get Konami's Xexex on XBLA, that was a stunning game, better than R-Type II or R-Type Leo IMO. Doubtful Xexex will ever come home (maybe it was released on PSP in Japan?).

I only finally got to play X-Multiply on the Arcade Gears disc on the Saturn about 5 years ago… and it was quite a pleasant discovery as I did not know of the game prior.

As for Xexex, it would be nice to have this game on home console. It is included in Salamander Portable for the PSP, but the d-pad on PSP can have issues (though mine seems to be fine other have complained about theirs)

[parallaxscroll]

R-Type Dimensions for February
Tozai's HD revival gets Xbox Live date.
by Martin Robinson, IGN UK

UK, February 2, 2009 - R-Type Dimensions, the HD revival of the classic 2D shooter series, has been confirmed for a global release and is expected to land on Xbox Live Arcade later this month.

Developed by Tozai, the game is an HD remix of R-Type I & II, adding online co-op to the mix as well as the enhanced visuals. Shoot The Core carried word of the release date, and Microsoft has since told IGN that the game is on schedule for a European release, and that precise timings will be unveiled later today.

The game was looking in good shape on the floor of last year's Tokyo Game Show, where we managed to grab a brief hands-on.

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/950/950021p1.html

[norkusa]

I was going to get this until I heard it was 1200 points.

[parallaxscroll]

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/950/950114p1.html



R-Type Dimensions: History Reborn
Tozai talks with IGN about doing justice to a classic.
by Erik Brudvig

February 2, 2009 - R-Type Dimensions will release this Wednesday, February 4 on the Xbox Live Arcade at a price of 1200 Microsoft points. We first took a look at the game back in October at the Tokyo Game Show where the first concrete details were handed out, but since then have not heard much on the classic remake. With the impending release, IGN recently spoke with a few key members of Tozai, including Sheila Boughten, President, Scott Tsumura, Chief Advisor, and Brett Ballow, Executive Producer, about the studio's history with R-Type and what we can expect out of the download.

R-Type is an arcade shooter that was first released to arcades way back in 1987. It came to be known as a classic, thanks in no part to its legendary difficulty. Its follow-up, R-Type II, saw a more limited release in the US a couple of years later. Both games have been ported to numerous systems over the years, most recently to the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Arcade. R-Type Dimensions is not a simple port, however.

Shiny new graphics.
Tozai was founded in 1996 but originally only focused on IP licensing between Japan, the US, and Europe. "A couple of years ago we decided that we wanted to move into developing games, particularly for online and Microsoft services," said Boughten. Those years have not been put to waste. While most Xbox Live Arcade games have a development cycle that is much shorter and cost effective than full retail releases, Tozai has been working on R-Type Dimensions for over two years.

Such an investment makes releasing R-Type on a smaller service such as the XNA Community games impossible, but it also means R-Type Dimensions won't be a quick and dirty port -- something the Live Arcade has been plagued with. The team's history with the franchise drove them to make something that the old fans would enjoy while still having the flash to draw in new gamers

"I always loved the franchise just because it was so well designed and looked so beautiful," said Ballow after recounting his near failure to finish college because of the game. Purchasing his own arcade cabinet was the only way Ballow could avoid flunking out, he claims. Tsumura has an even more involved history with the franchise. Tsumara, who has been working in the videogame industry since 1978, followed Ballow's story by telling IGN, "Coincidentally, when I was in Japan I worked for Irem Corporation, the IP holder of R-Type, and I was involved in R-Type development and also mainly sales."

And so, after years of work, R-Type Dimensions is nearing release. The package contains both R-Type and R-Type II, both with completely reworked visuals. There is now an option for on-the-fly swapping between the original, classic 2D graphics and the all-new 3D look. Just hit a button and you can move back and forth from one look to the other without pausing the game -- a first for the Live Arcade.

Tozai has also added a co-operative mode for two players that can be played locally or online. "It doesn't really make it any easier," says Ballow. The co-op mode is good for casual or first-time gamers because it makes the experience less overwhelming. R-Type is a classically hard game and the team hasn't changed that formula -- all of the enemy patterns remain intact -- though an infinite continue mode has been added for those who simply can't beat the game on limited credits.

Tozai is also hard at work on another classic remake, Lode Runner. Development on that game is going well, we're told, with the work nearing completion. Be on the lookout for more news on that release in the near future.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Man, that looks gorgeous. I haven't seen a remake look this sweet in 2D detail since Ultimate Ghosts N Goblins. Yet I agree, that price tag is ouch.

[TurboGenesis]

I was going to get this until I heard it was 1200 points.


It won't stop me :-P

I support all shooters to come out…

and for me,
1200 points($15) <<< $70
I gladly paid $70 for the TG-16 back in the days, I'll submit and pay 1200 points… :frustrated:

[Leo_A]

Considering the amount of work this must've taken, $15 sounds just about right. I'm looking forward to this release. I'm not especially a fan of the series, but I enjoy shooters and will gladly buy it.

[Princess-Isabela]

question remains, will you spend $15 on it,
it feels a bit steep for sure.
especially when classic shmup like Ikaruga was $10...
I bought it already, but probably many people won't and it will drop in price soon.

[norkusa]

question remains, will you spend $15 on it,
it feels a bit steep for sure.
especially when classic shmup like Ikaruga was $10...
I bought it already, but probably many people won't and it will drop in price soon.

Yeah, spending $10 on Rez and Ikaruga is a no-brainer but I just can't pull the trigger on a $15 R-Type. I had no problem buying SF2 HD Remix for $15 since I'm a big fan but $15 for a shump seems kinda steep for just a casual R-Type fan like myself.

[MegaDrive20XX]

I played the trial vers. earlier today and I have to say, it fits up there with SF2 HD Remix. Hands-down, a fantastic remake!

[TurboGenesis]

Word on the street is that this game has 'inverted controls'? - also, controls CANNOT be configured.

Can anyone tell what button does what?

I'm plan on playing on arcade stick and I am curious if the button config will work out.

Thanks to those who are able to shed light on what could be a serious issue…

[MegaDrive20XX]

Word on the street is that this game has 'inverted controls'? - also, controls CANNOT be configured.

Can anyone tell what button does what?

I'm plan on playing on arcade stick and I am curious if the button config will work out.

Thanks to those who are able to shed light on what could be a serious issue…


A or LT = Fire
B or RT = Rapid Fire
X= Call/Recall the pod
Y = switches between 2D/3D mode whenever you want


Yes, it's true, the game's control config cannot be altered.

[ubersaurus]

I've no idea what inverted controls would mean for this game. Up is up, down is down.

[TurboGenesis]

A or LT = Fire
B or RT = Rapid Fire
X= Call/Recall the pod
Y = switches between 2D/3D mode whenever you want


Yes, it's true, the game's control config cannot be altered.

Thank You! It looks as if that will work out ok with the arcade stick. I can see where it could pose an issue on the controller though…



I've no idea what inverted controls would mean for this game. Up is up, down is down.

By inverted, I meant like switched around - like how Mega Man Collection is on the Gamecube or Alex Kidd in Miracle World… where the outer button is the action button and the inner button is the secondary button.

[gepeto]

Man the high def graphics are bad ass. It looks like a really great remake. I feel guilty playing in infinate mode.LOL Trying to beat it on the original settings was where the stripes were earned.

15 is steep but seeing how the brand isn't a every six month rerelease I think it is worth it.

[c0ldb33r]

When it hits $10, I'm there.

[robotriot]

I personally don't like the 3D graphics at all. It might have to do with that R-Type didn't have the best 2D sprites either to serve as a base. But a lot of the models just look like quickly extruded shapes that really lack in the depth department. Maybe it's just not my taste.

[roushimsx]

I've been enjoying the first game a good bit, but R Type II is just as meh as I remember it :(

Hopefully a patch comes out at some point that allows players to remap controls. Such a silly omission and considering the Hori FightingStick EX2 is pretty much the most popular 360 stick, it's silly to force the players to play with the preset configuration. It's still usable, but I'd much rather be able to use B for fire. Both Trigger Heart Exelica and Ikaruga supported remappable controls...so...yea...

Slowly relearning the game on infinite mode and hoping to be able to work out a 1CC on Classic mode. Don't know if I'm ever going to really put the time into doing the same for the second game, because I've never really liked it. The first game gets points for nostalgia and I really loved both Delta and Final, but the rest of the R Type games really aren't my cup of tea. :(

[Gabriel]

The game looks great. Truthfully, $15 isn't too bad for a double pack Live Arcade game like this. Still, after playing the demo, I decided I didn't want to buy the full version.

R-Type just isn't my series. I never played an R-Type game until R-Type Final. While R-Type is a good shooter series, my tastes run more toward games like Gradius, Darius Twin, Raystorm, Thunderforce, and Strikers 1945. R-Type is a bit more slow and deliberate than I like my shooters.

But I would have probably gone ahead and purchased it had I not already had the R-Types disc for the PS1. I like the disc, but I don't play it much. I decided I'd save the $15 and just play the PS1 disc, even though the remixed graphics called to me with such a sweet siren song.

But when I found out Raiden Fighters Aces was being offerred for pre-order on Amazon for $30, I couldn't put in my pre-order fast enough.

[heybtbm]

But when I found out Raiden Fighters Aces was being offerred for pre-order on Amazon for $30, I couldn't put in my pre-order fast enough.

I pre-ordered Raiden Fighters Aces from Amazon too. As an imported SHMUP being released by a DS/Wii shovelware publisher, I'd say it realistically has a 50/50 shot of actually coming out (Radigy anyone?). It's ESRB rated, so that's something I guess.

[c0ldb33r]

I tried the demo today. At first I thought "hell yes I'm gonna buy this", but after trying it for a bit, I'm not going to bother. The upgrated graphics are neat, but the arcade mode and "groovy" 3d camera is useless.

I also noticed a glitch: the force ball seems to occasionally get stuck in the wall. This sucks for me as when I play r-type, I shoot that ball out left and right. If I can't trust it to come back to me, I'm screwed.

I'm probably still buy it when it hits 800 points (or if it makes its way to a collection disc).

[gepeto]

Quick question. Rtype 3 for the gba got really really bad reviews was it that bad? I was playing it and it seemed okay to me. Just curious.

[roushimsx]

Quick question. Rtype 3 for the gba got really really bad reviews was it that bad? I was playing it and it seemed okay to me. Just curious.

It's extremely buggy and broken. Dev team got semi-fucked by the publisher on it. No source code and extremely short timeline despite the publisher deciding to sit on the "final" version for months before bothering to consider releasing it. Shame.