R-Type Dimensions EX Review
Release Date: November 28, 2018
Developer: Irem
Platform: Nintendo Switch (reviewed), Steam
Price: $14.99
R-Type Dimensions EX on the Switch is two games in one. It’s arcade ports of R-Type and R-Type 2. It includes all 8 original R-Type levels and all 6 original R-Type II levels. The gameplay is unchanged and is as challenging as they were in the arcade. But if you are not as skilled as some, Irem has made the game more approachable to casual shooter fans. They have included an Infinite mode that gives you endless lives.
While many will cry foul at this, I find it refreshing. As someone who is a fan of shooters, I am not very good at them. I have played this game for years and would get frustrated to the point of rage quitting. In this mode I may die, a lot, but I still have fun seeing the levels I never had before, even though it may take me 20 lives to get there. The game does keep track of how many lives you lost and your total score and once you beat the game it uploads the info to online leader boards. So there is reason to go back and try to beat your previous totals and get better at the game. Also these leader boards are separate from your normal mode, so you hardcore players wont have to worry about being lumped in with “the nOObs”.
There are two different graphic modes in the game which can be changed on the fly. The classic 2D and new 3D versions. It is very cool to switch back and forth to see the difference in the graphics. Even the music has been upgraded and will switch between new and classic when changing the graphics. The game looks and plays fantastic both in docked and handheld mode. Swapping back and forth really shows the detail in both graphic versions and is a welcome addition.
Even though this is pretty much the same game that came out on 360 and PS3 many years ago it is still worth picking up today. With the ability to play in handheld mode, swap between 2D/3D and infinite mode makes it a great game for the hardcore and casual shooter fans alike.
PROS:
2D/3D Graphics and Music are Great
Infinite Mode is Great for New Players/Casuals
CONS:
Not Much Change Over Older Release
Thanks to Tozai Games for providing a code for review.