GAMEATLASSaved 0
← Retro archive

R-Type

Irem

Shoot 'em up · Arcade · Master System

Compare ↗
R-Type cover art
Cover art source ↗

Screenshots and trailers.

FIELD NOTES

About this listing.

R-Type is set in the 22nd century, and the player flies a futuristic fighter craft called the R-9a "Arrowhead", named for its shape, and because it is the ninth model in the 'R' series of fighter craft (but it is the first of the series to actually be used in combat; the previous models were all prototypes). The mission is to 'blast off and strike the evil Bydo Empire'. The R- in the series title originally stood for "ray", as in a ray of light. It was a reference to the many different types of ray-like weapons in the first R-Type. his was later retconned in R-Type Final to refer specifically to the production code as well as a term of endearment for the player fighter craft, the "Round Canopy". The original R-Type was well received by most gaming critics. However, it was also infamous for its relentless difficulty. It earned 7th place in IGN's Top 10 most difficult games to beat. The gameplay of R-Type is noticeably distinct among shoot 'em ups. Invariably the player will lose, not b

Description from IGDB ↗

  • Shoot 'em up

UNDERSTAND THE GENRES

DOCUMENTED EDITIONS

Release history.

Title Screen record ↗
PlatformMarketDateEvidence
ArcadeJPSource ↗
ArcadeUSSource ↗
ArcadeWORLDSource ↗
Master SystemWORLDSource ↗
PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16USSource ↗

Historical releases adapted from Title Screen, CC BY 4.0.

Reviews & ratings.

How to read these ↗

Player ratings

IGDB community rating

75 / 100 · 66 ratings

See on IGDB ↗

Atlas has yet to match critic coverage for this game.

IF THIS CLICKS

Try something similar.