R-Type is a legendary side-scrolling shoot ’em up released for the Arcade in 1987 by Irem. Known for its punishing difficulty and innovative strategic gameplay, you pilot the R-9a “Arrowhead” spacecraft on a mission to destroy the hostile alien Bydo Empire. The game pioneered features like the detachable Force pod and chargeable Wave Cannon, setting a new standard for the genre.
The objective is to navigate your ship through alien environments, destroying enemies while avoiding projectiles and stage hazards. A single hit will destroy your ship. By collecting power-ups, you can attach the invincible Force pod to the front or rear of your ship to absorb enemy fire and shoot specialized lasers. On a standard keyboard, use the Arrow Keys to move, Z or X to shoot, Shift to insert a coin, and Enter to start.
- Charge your shots: Hold down the fire button to unleash the powerful Wave Cannon, which is essential for taking down larger enemies and bosses.
- Master the Force pod: The Force pod can be detached to act as an independent turret or re-attached to your ship’s rear to protect against attacks from behind.
- Memorize the levels: Enemy patterns and environmental hazards are consistent. Learning where enemies spawn is the key to surviving the later stages.
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