The graphics for PlayStation’s R-Types are very Super Nintendo, partly because both R-Type and R-Type II are arcade classics directly ported to the PSX. So don’t expect flashy graphics -- instead, kick back with a bit of nostalgia. There is a very cool FMV at the beginning of the game to kind of catch you up to speed on the history of the game. Although R-Type and R-Type II are very similar in many ways, the graphics are more intense and lifelike in R-Type II. The sound is again, very arcade-like. You’ll be having flashbacks in no time. Both games are entertaining, and I’m sure you’ll be impressed with R-Types’ new PlayStation version.

In R-Types, you have two choices: R-Type and R-Type II. Both games are very similar and follow the same storyline, but your ship and weapons are improved in R-Type II. Both play pretty much the same. It’s fairly easy to get started, but your ship seems to drag along while the enemies are on hyper-speed. Dodging the masses of enemies does get easier as you pick up certain power-up items like beefed up weaponry, more speed, and a helpful assistant called “Force.” It’s an extra ship that attaches to the front or back of your ship and can be sent out into the fray to run interference for you while kicking enemy booty. Basically, get out there and KILL everything while picking up goodies along the way to protect your ship and up your armament. It’s as addictive as it ever was, but don’t be expecting anything fancy. It looks Super Nintendo, BUT it’ll still keep you tied to your PSX if you are an old-school shooter fan.

Well, it’s easy to jump in and play R-Types, but mastering it is quite a feat. As I mentioned, your ship seems to move way slower than all of the enemies, and believe me, there are a ton of them! More than likely, you’ll start at the beginning of a level many times. Some levels get so crowded with the blood-thirsty Bydo after your scrawny hide, that it’s all you can do not to crash into them or the walls and floor. Forget about having your wits about you enough to try to aim for them!

Game operation is pretty basic. They attack you. You shoot them and try to survive until the next level. R-Types does work nicely with the Dual Shock compatible controller, and also has some nice optional user settings such as cockpit/screen adjustment and screen scroll. (Pause the game to get to these options.) When you start a game, you have to push Select to add a “Credit” so you can play. When they say straight port from arcade, they mean it! Be greedy like me. Keep hitting that Select button till your finger bleeds. I stopped at 30 Credits, but it looked like no end was in sight. Also, you can increase the number of ships you start with from two to five. Hehe.

One really cool feature is R-Types’ Library Ver. 1.0. This is a section you can visit which includes the Geneology, History, and Data of R-Types. Go to Geneology to check out all of the ships available in the game, as well as their stats. There are 3D pics of each ship, so you can spin them around and see the entire ship. When you select a certain weapon, the ship will spin to the weapon’s position on the ship and a pop-up box will describe it. In History, of course the background of the war with the Bydo is described, as well as the creation of the R-Types. A “photo” of the ship created will pop up when you select that history tidbit. In Data... well, duh. It lists all of the enemies from both R-Type and R-Type II (separately, of course) with pics so you can learn to spot them. I said all this to say that this is possibly the coolest feature of the game. It’s obvious that much time was put into the Library, so definitely check it out. It will help to give you an edge in the game. Plus, it’s way cool.