Review: R-Type Dimensions (PlayStation 3)

The coin-op classics, R-Type & R-Type II, are together at last! Fight through all 14 Bydo-infested stages in original 2D or all-new 3D graphics – and swap back and forth on-the-fly. The classic game-play remains untouched, and a new Infinite game mode allows continuous progression from the game start to the final boss… the Bydo will not evade you this time! Both game modes can be played as single player or multiplayer missions. Pull yourself together, save the earth and strike down the evil Bydo Empire!!

Pros:

• R-Type Dimensions has two games in one, R Type or R Type 2. Both games are represented in the menu in all their retro arcade cabinet goodness with original them tunes.
• Two modes to pick from, Classic mode is the game type that everyone knows, Have 3 lives and see how far you can get. But the other mode Infinite is new and gives you, Yep INFINITE lives so you can finally see all the game has to offer.
• Two different camera angles can be selected before play. One is your classic side on 2D effort, Whilst the second option is an angled more 3D effort. The second option gives you a different take on the battlefield and really shows off the backdrops.
• Two graphics modes, Again with a classic retro graphics one or you can opt for a more polished shiny HD look. Not only do the graphics change but so does the music going from the classic bit tune ost to a more remixed upbeat version. The best part of both of these is you can change the graphics style anytime anywhere with a single press of a button!
• Controls stay true to the original with a simple approach. You can fire either one bullet at a time or go for a rapid-fire combo. You can use the stick or d-pad for movement.
• Pickups will be everywhere in the game and grant limited new weapons or new pods that can shoot or protect you better.
• Big huge screen hogging bosses to take on.
• R Type brings 8 levels whilst R Type 2 offers up 6 levels to blast your way through.
• Full online leaderboard support that has many filters like friends, weekly best and by game mode classic or infinite.
• R-Type Dimensions is a small download size for the more storage savvy among us. Weighing in at 267MB.
• Offline co-op mode for both games and both classic and infinite. You can revive your partner in the game.
• If you are new to the game then you can attack it as a retro shooter with new features that add a score chaser element to proceedings.
• R-Type Dimensions maintains all the atmosphere and gameplay of the originals.

Cons:

• R-Type Dimensions has long loading especially at the start of the game.
• Swapping graphics with the crazy camera angle option (the new angled one) makes the game sluggish for a few seconds as it judders into action.
• Hit detection is oversensitive, especially when going near walls but this could be user error.
• R-Type Dimensions price point is a tad high for how small the games are.
• Both games are short even in infinite mode. In the case of classic mode and my skills, It is REALLY SHORT!