R-Type
R-Type is a 1988 shoot 'em up developed by Irem, originally an arcade sensation later ported to many home systems. Players pilot a starfighter against the biomechanical Bydo empire across horizontally scrolling stages filled with intricate enemy patterns and enormous, grotesque bosses.
Its defining innovation was the Force, a detachable pod that could attach to the front or rear of the ship, absorbing enemy fire and dealing damage while acting as both shield and weapon. Managing this pod, along with a chargeable beam weapon that unleashed a powerful blast when held, added deep strategy to the deliberate, methodical gameplay that rewarded memorization over reflexes alone.
R-Type set a new standard for the genre with its atmospheric design and demanding challenge, influencing countless later shooters and their handling of power-ups. The original and its sequels have been re-released in compilations and on classic-game services, keeping its tense, tactical shooting available to modern players.
Where can you play R-Type today?
Device by device, which of the 5 alternatives below you can play on it.
- PC
- Steredenn (€ 12,99), R-Type Dimensions EX (€ 14,99), R-Type Final 2 (€ 39,99) and 2 more.
- Mac
- Steredenn (€ 12,99), R-Type Dimensions EX (€ 14,99) and R-Type Final 2 (€ 39,99). All 3 on Mac
- Linux
- Steredenn (€ 12,99), R-Type Dimensions EX (€ 14,99) and R-Type Final 2 (€ 39,99). All 3 on Linux
- iPhone
- None of the alternatives to R-Type runs on iPhone.
- iPad
- None of the alternatives to R-Type runs on iPad.
- Android phone
- None of the alternatives to R-Type runs on Android phone.
- Android tablet
- None of the alternatives to R-Type runs on Android tablet.
- PlayStation
- Steredenn (€ 12,99), R-Type Dimensions EX (€ 14,99), R-Type Final 2 (€ 39,99) and 1 more. All 4 on PlayStation
- Xbox
- Steredenn (€ 12,99), R-Type Dimensions EX (€ 14,99), R-Type Final 2 (€ 39,99) and 1 more. All 4 on Xbox
- Switch
- Steredenn (€ 12,99), R-Type Dimensions EX (€ 14,99), R-Type Final 2 (€ 39,99) and 1 more. All 4 on Switch
- Steam Deck
- Steredenn (€ 12,99), R-Type Dimensions EX (€ 14,99), R-Type Final 2 (€ 39,99) and 1 more. All 4 on Steam Deck
Games like R-Type
Modern alternatives to R-Type, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Steredenn Indie
€ 12,99A roguelike indie shoot 'em up with intense boss battles.
Steredenn is also an alternative to 2 other classics
Steredenn runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
R-Type Dimensions EX
€ 14,99A faithful remaster of the first two R-Type arcade classics.
R-Type Dimensions EX is also an alternative to 1 other classic
R-Type Dimensions EX runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
R-Type Final 2
€ 39,99The modern sequel continuing the legendary shoot 'em up series.
R-Type Final 2 is also an alternative to 1 other classic
R-Type Final 2 runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Andro Dunos II Indie
€ 14,99A modern horizontal shooter built exactly on the Neo Geo template, weapon levels and all.
Andro Dunos II runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Jets'n'Guns 2 Indie
€ 15,79Side-scrolling shooting with an absurd arsenal to buy and bolt on between missions.
Jets'n'Guns 2 runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Unsupported.
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