A Different Type Of Bullet Hell (R-Type DX (GB))

Name: scream4bruce

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Product:	R-Type DX (GB)
Date:	30/10/07 (66 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good graphics, challenging, two games in one, well managed controls

Disadvantages: Sprite flicker issues, dubious boss battles

Making up this cartridge are the original Game Boy R-Type and R-Type II games, their new colour versions, and R-Type DX - the two enhanced games played back-to-back.

The R-Type games do not place much emphasis on it's story - only the original version of R-Type II here sets itself in some sort of context. Still, those with a Game Boy Color (or equivalent) would be forgiven for overlooking the originals, especially when they appear to exhibit similar faults with their enhanced versions (which I picked to play).

Graphically, R-Type DX showcases some neat effects - notably the laser reflecting off the walls - as well as some nice animation. However, the Arrowhead is a fairly sizeable target - making the play area a far from spacious one - and it does not help that the ship's collision parameters are questionable. While the occasional slowdown is forgiveable, enemy fire can often disappear because of sprite flickering issues, making one boss almost unplayable. GRR...

Of the three control configurations the Auto 2 setting is able to cater fairly well for both rapid-fire and charging whilst keeping shield launching convenient. The game does bring a speed-up issue to the table though - none and the ship is perhaps a bit sluggish and one too many it becomes difficult to control - but you'll do well to have it down as food for thought.

As ever in R-Type you learn the hard way that is, by dying you'll come to figure out the only possible way to progress. This at least, demands you concentrate - it's rare that you can just sit back and simply blast away. There are bosses at the end of the stages, but the majority of these can make for an easy encounter because of the relative safe spots, which are not exactly hard to find.

Barring one boss (because of the sprite flicker) I was able to clear all the enhanced game stages on the hardest difficulty setting. This is not the toughest R-Type game for sure, with the infinite continues and level select making it accessible. On the strength of the lineup the game definitely succeeds, but unforunately the graphical problems prevent this from being a great title.

Summary: R-Type DX for Game Boy Color