Let’s blast some aliens.

I’ve known my way around an R-Type game since I was a kid. The classic shoot ‘em up has been around since the 80’s and has evolved over time. It’s been a while since I actually played one, but when asked to review R-Type Dimensions EX, I was more than willing to. Going back to the old school classic was a treat, and with its new coat of paint attached to it, it is something I think veterans and newcomers can enjoy.

Platforms: PS4, Switch, PC

Containing both R-Type and R-Type II, Dimensions EX has a very simple concept – pilot a spaceship from left to right while shooting everything that appears on screen. Simple enough, but when paired with collisions with the environment, enemy projectiles, and the enemies themselves, there’s no wonder that R-Type is still a difficult game to this day. While memorization of enemy placement is viable, some good reflexes can make or break a level run as well. All the upgrades and speed ups are here as well and getting a fully upgraded ship really shows how much players can completely wreck the opposition. Be careful, though, getting hit just once means death and starting at a checkpoint with a standard ship again.

The biggest upgrades are the visuals and music. With a simple push of a button, I could switch from the new stylized HD graphics of the EX version or go to the old school 8-bit look and music without even having to leave the game or go into a menu. It was a slick detail and one that old school gamers will enjoy.

The game offers up local co-op play as well, and while it would have been nice to see an online mode, at least there is the option to play with a friend, and with a friend around, make the game a bit easier to handle. The game has the classic three lives play or the more lenient mode where there are no lives and players just start of the last checkpoint they made it to.

Shoot ‘em up fans will find a very nice set of games here. The HD upgrades look great and the music is fantastic. People looking for a trip down memory lane will have a good time as well and players looking to see the old school in action will get to see R-Type in its original glory. This is one mini collection that is done right and still keeps the old school feel while looking fresh.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.