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.
Play it today
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.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steredenn Indie | € 12,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| R-Type Dimensions EX | € 14,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| R-Type Final 2 | € 39,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Andro Dunos II Indie | € 14,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Jets'n'Guns 2 Indie | € 15,79 | Steam Deck Unsupported | PC |
Steredenn Indie
€ 12,99A roguelike indie shoot 'em up with intense boss battles.
Steredenn runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
R-Type Dimensions EX
€ 14,99A faithful remaster of the first two R-Type arcade classics.
R-Type Dimensions EX runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
R-Type Final 2
€ 39,99The modern sequel continuing the legendary shoot 'em up series.
R-Type Final 2 runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
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.
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.
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