Battle of the Ports Remastered - R-Type (アール・タイプ) Show

[@iXien]

We worked hard during 2 years on free time to develop the 2012 version on CPC. So thank you for the praise. I personally converted all the fantastic musics from Masato and it was a difficult job to convert 6 channels musics to the 3 channels of the CPC, especially since having music and SFX simultaneously was important for us. If you play with SFX only, sounds are allocated using stereo depending on the location of the vessels, shots and explosions.

[@RetroCore]

Well, you guys did an amazing job on this update. I'm totally impressed by the work that went in to this game.

[@iXien]

@@RetroCore I think that only the scrolling system could disappoint some players, as it is "on char" and not on pixel, but it was a project development choice that was not motivated by CPC limitations. I think Fano (code) and TotO (GFX & lead design) made a fabulous work, very respecful of the arcade game. Lot of conversions (C64, CPC, Spectrum, ST, AMIGA on first line) took too much liberties in our sense (maybe to get a faster time development) and the idea was to make an experience closer to the arcade one : all the arcade elements, double loop, point system. And the casual mode offers a more attractive experience for a lot of players (at first me as I always been a mediocre player on R-Type, huh). We even included a secret level like in the SMS version (maybe the best adaptation after PCE and X68000).

[@spacefractal]

hmmm. C64 did actuelly only used 2 channels for the music (bass and snares shared a channel) and sound nice. so its might have been easier to do them music based on that version? anyway its a excellent version for sure. no doubt and totally nice to see a morden port like this on a classic system! C64 was actuelly rushed out, so they diddent have time to polish it and after v1 failed to deviver.

[@totoonthemoon3593]

Thank you very much for your comparative video, and for taking time to speak about some of the extra features include into our CPC version. I hope that you have enjoyed to play it. The goal was to redo a Spectrum port, so the in-game ennemies waves and the display system was based around.

[@RetroCore]

No problem!

[@guydawson4101]

One point. The spectrum verson is seen as one of the best ports the system got. With a library of 10,000 games that shows you how amazing a verson it was. The work that went into it with the colourful graphics is amazing and gameplay.

[@martinparker6536]

Agreed the Spectrum version was one one slickest games i ever seen and ive had a Speccy since day dot. one of my other faves on 16bit (amiga and ST) was Blood Money and Xenon 2 !!

[@timoheinonen9570]

@@teddym2808 There are versions of R-Type for ZX Spectrum that have AY music added.

[@caseythink252]

Not sure if you are aware of it or not, but the programmer behind the Spectrum version has written a book about the development of the game. It's a really good read bizzley.com/

[@timoheinonen9570]

@@teddym2808 There are actually at least 3 different versions with different AY music and one of them sounds pretty good.

[@SEGAMasterSystemNerd]

Great remaster Mark, one I voted for! The Master System version has a hidden stage on level 4. My best mate entered the Sega regional contest held in the UK in 1988. He got through to the final witch was shown on Get Fresh with Gaz Top.. he got through by using the secret level which gave him a massive points lead :)

[@RetroCore]

Haha, cool. I remember Get Fresh. Gilbert the Alien was nasty. Also liked how it used Mel & Kim's Showing out as the title theme. Off topic but I always thought the title music to the Fashion Show was great. It wasn't till a year later did I find out it was a track from the Pet Shop Boys.

[@Fattydeposit]

R-Type SMS was developed by Compile. The classic Compile extra life jingle is accessible via the hidden sound test (rotate the D-Pad clockwise / anticlockwise during the continue screen to insert extra credits / access the sound test (which itself has a hidden section containing the sound effects - just keep button 1 held down to cycle further along)).

[@RetroCore]

That's right, not was added to the video discription.

[@amerigocosta7452]

Manfred Trenz is an unparalleled genius as far as C64 goes. He shrunk R-Type in a 1982 machine in matter of weeks. Granted he used much of the code from his own R-Type clone Katakis, whose the litigation about was the reason he was doing the C64 version of R-Type in the first place. Check out his 1992 Enforcer (released under the humble moniker "The Master") for more Trenz shmup awesomeness (really impressive for a C64). It's worth pointing out that the Amiga version also uses two joystick buttons for controls as Factor 5 was always keen on giving Amiga users an arcade/console like experience and they usually delivered really well (except on the Amiga version of Katakis which sucks!). I think there is a recent PC port (R-Type Dimensions EX) that looks pretty much like the 360 version shown here. I had actually no idea it existed on the console.

[@KorenLesthe]

Amerigo Costa Factor 5 and Manfred Trenz... my childhood heroes (plus Chris Huelsbeck) !

[@metalcoola]

Apparently, Irem themselves approached Trenz and RA, and said they won't sue them for Katakis, if they will made conversion for C64.

[@xudes77]

@@metalcoola Not IREM themselves, but ACTIVISON/ELECTRIC DREAMS, who got the license from IREM to convert the game for home computers. Similar story happened to RAINBOW ARTS with NINTENDO and SuperMarioBros, because Great Gianna Sisters was a kind of clone of SuperMario for the C64

[@MegaTerryNutkins]

Great remaster, love the SID chip rendition of R-Type's music!

[@Sakf504]

The 2012 CPC port really shows that the machine is capable enough, if only the developers at the time could do the effort

[@MrVyvyanbasterd]

Correction: Compile did the SMS version, not Natsume. Also: the TG16 version runs at a lower horizontal resolution than the original PCE versions. This was done to reduce flicker.

[@RetroCore]

That's right, note was added to the video discription.

[@RedLP5000S]

Also the PC Engine/Turbo Grafx-16 is a 16-bit system. Stop calling it 8-bit.

[@MrVyvyanbasterd]

RedLP5000S let me know when the 6502 became a 16-bit CPU.

[@lroby74]

@@RedLP5000S It's a 8 bit console with 16 bit graphic.. but always 8 bit is

[@WrightOffsGaming]

Just ace thanks Mark, a wonderful battle with a side by side comparison at the end that's memorising. I love how this turned out across the systems with so many being decent instead of the cack that was churned out. I couldn't say which is my favourite but I really do like the extra long Amiga title music and that fabulous Sid soundtrack for the C64. Actually it's the Pc engine version which in the day was just amazing.

[@RetroCore]

I'm always amazed. At how good the C64 music was.

[@phobos2k2]

I have a lot of great memories playing R-Type on the master system as a kid. It was a great port.

[@afriend9428]

*PC Engine and Master System are my favorite versions but love the C64 music to death!* ⭐️ ⭐️

[@RetroCore]

It's great to hear the C64 audio of R-Type. So Awsome.

[@Fattydeposit]

After watching this video I downloaded a rip of the C64 soundtrack immediately. So good to hear such a radically different, completely banging version

[@afriend9428]

-SG6000- *I know right!?* ⭐️

[@Arcadiality]

Criminal it didn’t get a Saturn compilation. 2, Leo the PC88 version etc. That would be one great pack these days.

[@speedyreidy575]

Factor 5/Rainbow Arts made some the best shmups during the 16 bit era. Nice compilation - Thanks.

[@djameseddah8570]

weren't hired for the job because they already did a clone of r-type called Katakis or something like that ? I think I remember they were even sued for it kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIK7nJ2thMZ5oK8

[@jeffroberts9693]

Excellent as always. I'm loving these remasters.

[@RetroCore]

Thanks for watching.

[@vebxenon]

Thanks for this remastered video!!!

[@TotalCowage]

Just a quick correction; some of the home computer versions did indeed allow 2 button input, at least the Commodore Amiga version did, and you could plug a Master System stick into the A500 hardware to access it. Admittedly I had a cracked version so I don't know if retail was only 1 button, he he. You also missed out that the Master System version has a hidden, unique level. Push up into the gaps on stage 4 to find it. Wonderful little machine the SMS, oh to be young again...!

[@speedyreidy575]

TotalCowage Yes, The dual buttons on the Amiga, I used the quickshot Maverick joystick, it also worked with the Megadrive controller. It was essential in Turrican 😀

[@krisbagnall3683]

@@speedyreidy575 NIce! I am going to try that!

[@iXien]

Yes, in fact home computers can support up to 3 buttons without multiplexing, just pinout. But on computers of the third generation, one button like the original Atari 2600 was the standard. When 16bit home computer arrived, it would be possible to change that but I think joystick manufacturers (Quickjoy,Konix, etc.) were not really motivated to modify their controllers already on the market to add a second and even a third independant button. But it was possible and good programmers know this trick. That's why some Amiga games allow alternatively the use of the second button of a Megadrive or SMS controller : Alien Breed 2 and Tower Assault, Apidya, Blastar, Bubba'n'Stix, Dragonstone, FIFA, Fire'n Ice, Desert and Jungle Strike, Kick Off 3, Leander, Lionheart, Lost Vikings, Mortal Kombat 1 & 2, Mr. Nutz, Project-X, R-Type 1 & 2, Snow Bros, Turrican trilogy, Virocop, Whizz, X-Out, Z-Out, are just a sample of games that natively support a second fire buttons. And if you follow the hardware modifications given by Delphine Software developpers, you can even use 3 button to control Conrad in Flashback. Now using WHDLoad, lot of other games have been patched to use a second button and even an Amiga CD32 joypad with its 7 buttons. In our version of R-Type on Amstrad CPC, you can use a second button to release and call the force module. but if you modify a controller equiped of 3 buttons, you can use a third button to pause or resume the game. Yes, on a simple CPC. Just a shame 3 buttons never became the standard on 80/90's home computers, things would be very different in terms of gameplay...

[@TetsuNideji]

I was first introduced to R-Type by my dad when he bought the R-Types Compilation on ps1 as a kid. I became a hard fan of the series and we used to play both games for hours. I'm hyped for R-Type Final2.

[@johns6265]

The Playstation version, was the best way to legally play the game for about an entire decade, and they threw in the second game too. The C64 version is infamous, so many liberties taken with the levels and enemy patterns. It's simply not a faithful port of R-Type. Same goes for both Amstrad versions. Where are most of the enemies? Self isolating? The Spectrum has higher enemy counts and retains the arcade level layouts which people appreciated after getting stung by ports like Nemesis so people were probably more willing to overlook everything else. The Atari ST version, it was doing most of the game in software just like the Spectrum version so I wouldn't be too hard on it. I rather like rendition of the main theme on the title screen It has a nice classic chip-tune tone. An Amiga was probably set up at a computer desk so you'd have the bottom row keys right next to your Competition Pro. Two buttons wins hands down every time, but but the space bar was just a few Centimetres away so you could live with it. I never understood the missing background that fades in on on the first stage though, a bug? An oversight? Lack of memory? Only Factor 5 can answer that I guess. If you lived in the UK, this was the way to play R-Type for years unless you were importing overseas systems. For the sake of brevity , let's just skip to the final version. R-Type Dimensions. All the accessibility options are good for people who can't normally see the later levels. Switching to the 3D mode does change the game though, there are subtle changes to object behaviours in that mode that can make a difference to where your force goes versus where it's supposed to go and enemy timings The PS4 only disc version is prohibitively expensive, if you want to actually own the game and aren't too fussed about the 3D mode the PS1 version is still the way to go, though that has started to rocket in price too. Not that long ago it was a $20-30 game, now it's $50 and upwards.

[@iXien]

i agree so much with you for C64, spectrum and original CPC versions (we know that CPC and Spectrum version had really little time to develop these ports). But be sure that Easter Egg version of R-Type contains all enemy patterns possible and it is the only home computer port that includes the second loop (with golden R-Type logo saved on main screen to certify that you mastered it on your copy). It has been created by real R-Type lovers. If you don't have time to play it, just have a look on Metr81 or Xyphoe longplays that are really nice. And the CPC-Power website shows all the tricks and secret elements.

[@totoonthemoon3593]

The CPC 2012 version was made to be a "good" spectrum port on CPC. And I can confirm that all the Spectrum ennemies/traps are present, and more! (thank you Bob Pape)

[@Nicomanism]

What do you think of the GameBoy port? That was my first experience playing this classic on a GameBoy Pocket :D

[@gabrielloko30000]

Clearing this game in 1CC once...was something that i will never gonna make it again, but i pratice EVERYDAY because is fantastic when you make it through

[@RetroCore]

That's quite the achievement 👍

[@GregDaniel78]

The C64 version was a bit of a controversial hot-potato. It was actually thrown together in a rush, based on the code for Katakis/Denaris. Which was Rainbow Arts' homage to R-Type itself... Imagine if they had given the job of porting the arcade machine to the team with time to make a proper C64veffort! Still, hands down, the funkiest soundtrack of all the ports imo.

[@jasonwindebank5455]

Many thanks for the video great game as well

[@topofbones]

What an amazing surprise the Amstrad re-release! Wow!

[@RetroCore]

And a good one too.

[@fulgenzio1973]

Thanks for the video, it helps these days. R-Type is probably my absolute favorite shoot'em up. I remember when the first images appeared for the PC Engine, it looks amazing (of course, no Italian magazine pointed out that the game was split in two...). Nice on Amiga too, which is rare.

[@RetroCore]

Maybe they didn't realise it was split in to two. It is though, which is a shame.

[@micronian]

That Java version has some pretty good bass on it's music. Felt it through my sub-woofer, and was very surprised.

[@RetroCore]

It sure does. That's why I let if play a little before talking over it.

[@thefurthestmanfromhome1148]

The UK press were hideously unfair on the C64 version at the time: 40% in Commodore Format Magazine, 59% Commodore Force, 65% by The Games Machine, 67% Commodore User...

[@Hexagonaal]

I remember that they didn't enjoy the bugs, I think the first level boss can fly right through you and gets lost forever :-D

[@titouiban8467]

MAME saves gamers life, I love your videos. IREM pixel art is still noticeable nowadays.

[@jbmaru]

There's also an unfinished R-Type "Deluxe" homebrew port on the ST.

[@RetroCore]

Never knew about that one.

[@nikos.andreou]

Yeap. Pretty good too although it suffers a bit at speed when you have many sprites on the screen. I 've seen a video running on a MegaSTE at 16 MHz and it is incredible conversion on a faster CPU!

[@andy6576]

I think these remastered "Battle" vids are a great idea, Mark! I'd actually forgotten about the days when your videos featured overlay text only and no sign of your gentle very-slight-hint-of-scouse tones...

[@RetroCore]

Lol , my slight hint of scouse always make people think I'm not from Liverpool everytime I go home. Compared to my original accent of 24 years ago it has softened a lot but I doubt the scouse will ever be 100% gone. Anyway, glad you are enjoying these remastered episodes.

[@krisbagnall3683]

Ah thanks for this! I loved this back in the day! I had an Amstrad cpc 464 and that port was shocking!!! Luckily I upgraded to a Master system and was able to play rtype at home finally! Many thanks for the memories!!! Just what I needed to lift my spirits at the moment....nice to forget whats going on in the world even if just for half an hour.

[@RetroCore]

Glad the video could bring you some enjoyment, Kris.

[@krisbagnall3683]

@@RetroCore Of course I really wanted a pc engine at the time but they were relatively unknown in the UK. I remember Dixons having them next to the megadrive but they just didnt sell. Such a great port of Rtype on that system!

[@krissymarklewis1793]

Surprised the Master System version runs so smoothly. I had the spectrum and amiga versions...both were great for the systems they ran on.

[@homiedclown]

The Master System version was a beast of a game, even with the slowdown and excessive sprite flicker it was a real technical marvel for the system. The most important thing was that it played like the arcade game. I could use the SMS version to practice the game, and then go to the arcade, grab the top score and wow people with my R-Type skills.

[@Fattydeposit]

@@homiedclown This is so true. I could consistently get about half way through down the arcade because I was practicing my arse off at home on the Master System.

[@TurboXray]

Fun fact; the US hucard for R-type added some additional (unnecessary) settings that cause additional flicker. The japanese hucards don't have this issue... but when the made the CD version, they took the US hucard settings so it has more flicker than the japanese hucards as well.

[@RetroCore]

That's a bummer. I was not aware they changed the US version.

[@Colin_Ames]

Another excellent BOTP remaster.

[@RetroCore]

Thank you👍

[@wobedraggled]

R-Type Complete is my go to, I actually like the redone soundtrack.

[@RetroCore]

Some of the new music tracks are really good. I like stage 2's up beat sound.

[@doctorx0079]

The Master System version was made by Compile actually.

[@24theMoney]

The greatest side scroller shooter of all time. The futuristic organic gross theme was beautifully executed.

[@ash81b4u]

You said it yourself. If only they made use of the CPC instead of the crappy spectrum ports. Great vid.

[@retropowerit]

Correction, Amiga port was done by Rainbow Arts not Factor 5. Also Amiga port by Rainbow Arts was A FORCED port due to the fact that Rainbow Arts published before Katakis a game which was a direct "tribute" to Rtype in so many ways that they lost the lawsuit against activision who owned the rights for the Amiga port. So Rainbow Arts was forced to publish Katakis under a different name later (Denaris) and port Rtype to Amiga. A katakis reference is present in Turrican 2 during the space ship battle levels. Also what an opening theme had the Amiga version by Huelsbeck! Thanks for the great video as usual!

[@RetroCore]

So why does it say Factor 5 on the title screen? Where they the punisher?

[@retropowerit]

@@RetroCore It is a mess!!! Rainbow Arts as stated in the title screen was the publisher of the game.. BUT it seems that it was DESIGNED by Factor 5 and CO developed by Rainbow Arts... it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Arts Italian WIKI states that they DEVELOPED the game... WHILE EN wiki says: However, before any of these games was Katakis, a 1988 clone produced by Factor 5 for the Commodore 64 and the Amiga. Factor 5 was founded in 1987.. the year Rtype Amiga came out.. and it was a bunch of people from Rainbow Arts forming Factor 5 including Huelsbeck. I think that as WE KNOW DUE TO THE PACKAGING and THE PRESS of the time.. possibly Rainbow Arts after katakis and Giana Sisters was "rebranded" Factor 5.. or it was simply a sub division of the very same publisher. This explains why Rainbow arts had legal issues for katakis and HAD to publish Rtype for the Amiga in repair.

[@reagandow850]

Oh man...my favorite game and what a remaster. This is fantastic Mark. I hope you and your family are doing well and staying safe? What an insane time huh?

[@RetroCore]

Yep, it's crazy. Especially in Europe. Here in Japan there has been no lock downs. Only public events such as concerts have stopped.

[@tonybrian7526]

@@RetroCore of course it's worst in Europe, You Japanesse people don't touch each other, hell I think you're so bad at any kind of social events, even when you dance with another person you're 6 feet away from one to another. Thank God I was born and raise in the old good Europe.

[@reagandow850]

Retro Core - me thinks Tony has an issue with Japanese culture?! Must be all that tea he drinks! ;-)

[@Fattydeposit]

Pretty safe to say that Japan has a difficult relationship with declaring national emergencies.

[@tonybrian7526]

@@reagandow850 Im a Spaniard so it must be the coffee lol on another point of view what I do not like is this guy always always beating up europeans designers systems etc thats what he deserve

[@Batman-jm7np]

Wow at the c64 version. That music, tho. Its lit.

[@KuraIthys]

Yeah, c64 music was something else. Of the other 8 bit systems from around the same time I'd say only the Atari 8 bit systems can (sometimes) do anything comparable, but only in the hands of a skilled audio programmer... And POKEY is a lot more limited overall than the SID chip was. (main thing POKEY has going for it that compensates for it's limitations in skilled hands is that it's relatively good at playing back samples for a system of that age.) SID chip was just amazing for music...

[@delmonti]

Fantastic Video RC! One my all time Fav games..... R-type was the reason I bought the original GameBoy way back in 1991.

[@RetroCore]

It's a very cool game in GB dispite the cuts.

[@PabloVasquesBravoVillalba]

Very nice comparison. Just a note: the MSX version also has FM soundtrack (different from the Master System, despite using the same sound chip), but due to some bugs it doesn't work in every configuration.

[@RetroCore]

It's always a bummer when cool features don't work due to bugs in the code 😕

[@tumppigo]

Great game, great video! Love it when you add comments.

[@RetroCore]

Thanks, Thomas.

[@solarflare9078]

"Irem did for shoot em ups what Final Fight did for beat em ups" It even sounds like it, though I'll have to give the edge on Final Fight on audio. While I didn't like the switch to PCM sfx on CPS1 games starting with that game, I do like it in Final Fight. R-Type sounds closer to a earlier CPS1 game with the FM sfx, which is fine, but man, they're even louder than the CPS1 games.

[@willrobinson7599]

The amiga version did support 2 button joystick so u could shoot off the shield without pressing space,made it alot better to play The c64 version was a masterclass on how to program a shoot em up on the hardware.one amazing theme tune followed by some other good tunes

[@johnebbs3819]

Thanks for this . Stay safe

[@RedRanger2001]

The downside of the PS1 compilation gamed called "R-Types" costs over $55 dollars secondhand in America. So Raspberry Pi is the alternative.

[@kyorin6526]

This was great on the C64, but Katakis (done by the same team I believe) was even better. If I remember correctly, it got banned after Irem complained it was too similar to RType, and they had to modify it and re-release it as Denaris... I'm old now though and might not be remembering 100% correctly.

[@RetroCore]

You are correct. It wasn't Irem themselves tough but the European distributor of R-Type who got upset. Demanded Katakis be recalled then have the same team port R-Type.

[@AzumiRM]

Wow, you actually liked the Amiga for once!

[@RetroCore]

It's not the first time 😉

[@gjtrue]

Awesome! I really hope R-Type Final 2 does well. 😎

[@RetroCore]

Fingers crossed.

[@PardoItalo]

19:51 Now imagine it on the Saturn...... (Thanks for another great video!)

[@RetroCore]

If only. Sadly Irem weren't too big on making Saturn games. There are a few but not many.

[@WeskerSega]

@@RetroCore That's because Irem was never interested on Sega consoles, unfortunately. The few Irem games available for systems like the Sega Master System or the Sega Saturn were licensed by external developers/publishers. Heck, the Sega Mega Drive doesn't even have a single Irem game in its library, not even a externally licensed one.

[@captaincommando2602]

Going to the Game Boy port, it was made by Bits Studios, the team behind the slow but at least playable Super Nintendo port of GunForce.

[@RetroCore]

It can't be any slower than the SNES version.

[@spacefractal]

Also the C64 cutted down in various areas. This shows Trenz only had 6 weeks to complete the port. Its a good game, but could do have more polish. The was also a v1 version, that version was newer completed......

[@jorgeng7251]

I remember when this hit the arcades. There really wasnt anything like it. It was too tough for me to get into though 😊

[@RetroCore]

Agreed. Back in the day this was a whole new level. Even now it holds up better than most games of the time period.

[@inklingex4433]

Amazing video! I really much appreciate for your efforts of putting all existing ports of R-Type. Also, I can see why the SHARP X68000 port's difficulty spikes looked hard than the arcade original. Making the difficulty spikes of the original arcade game more of the kiddy ride, don't you think? I like that remixed R-Type theme at the end of the video.

[@RetroCore]

Ah, that R-Type mix is the stage one BGM from the PC Engine CD game.

[@inklingex4433]

Ah. I thought that remix was came from something a R-Type fan made that music rather than the official PC Engine CD one.

[@andy6576]

I remember me and my best mate used to double-up on the Amiga version; one would play, the other would tap the space bar on command! We managed to get to the third or forth level but never further. Great fun though (then I'd kick his arse at "Speedball 1")

[@RetroCore]

Haha, that's one way to overcome the keyboard issue.

[@technischemaschinenfabrik5882]

Really a super video!!!

[@RetroCore]

Thanks!

[@topofbones]

I've the Master System one in my collection, but sadly It doesn't sounds like the amazing japanese release. Amazing remaster from the original BotP Mark!

[@MegaTerryNutkins]

You can do an FM synth mod on the original SMS (not the SMS 2), most game cartridges still had the code intact to play the improved audio on an FM capable machine.

[@dbnpoldermans4120]

@@MegaTerryNutkins I would recommend to just get a Japanese Master System. + FM sound + auto fire option built in + 3d glasses adapter built in

[@topofbones]

@@MegaTerryNutkinsSadly, I've the most popular model 2

[@mazonemayu]

Why I’m so good at R-Type: learned it on the Spectrum 😂😂🔫

[@Lightblue2222]

Awesome show!

[@thefurthestmanfromhome1148]

The Atari ST is a 16-bit computer, but many in the industry referred to it as a souped up ZX SPECTRUM, great value for money, but relies on it's fast CPU for performance. But having said that, when you look what was achieved with R-Type on the Spectrum, the ST version should of been much better.

[@dreamcastfan]

R-Type is one of those games I really want to love but it’s so impossible that I just end up frustrated and angry after spending 30 minutes trying to beat level 6. Much like Gradius once you’ve died you might as well just give up. The only shooter I’m any good at is Axelay, and that’s a combination of it giving you all your power ups back after you die and the slowdown making it possible to navigate busy screens. Maybe one day someone will do a romhack to R-Type make it easier for scrubs like me. 😉

[@nekononiaow]

If you reach level 6 at R-Type, you armed definitely very good at shoot'em ups Sir. What you wrote looks like the equivalent of "I can only run the 100m under 10s, I am really not that good at sprinting". 😉

[@RetroCore]

This is a cool feature but some may concider that as cheating.

[@dreamcastfan]

Retro Core Yeah it’s definitely cheating. I often find that sort of thing helps me to learn a game though, a good example is Gradius III, I’ve been using a patch that stops the difficulty scaling up as the game continues and now I can beat it without it (but only on normal). I did notice in MAME yesterday that R-Type actually has a dip switch setting to make the ship invulnerable. That makes it too easy, but it’s interesting they have something like that.

[@zanegandini5350]

You may as well cheat with an arcade game like R-Type, it was designed to be almost entirely impossible to a normal player, so there's really no shame in it.

[@KuraIthys]

Yeah, that death thing is quite true. I played Gradius Advance to death, and after a while I went into the options and switched it to 1 life only, because frankly if you die you're not coming back from that anyway. Only problem in gradius Advance's case is one of the later stages WILL kill you near instantly if you don't have all the speed pickups, and I usually find it almost unplayable that way so I don't like doing that... I can reliably get to the 3rd or 4th stage on the hardest difficulty without dying... And when I wasn't out of practice (haven't played it in years) I'd get through the entire playable portion of the game on the easiest difficulty. (from memory Gradius doesn't generally let you play the whole game if you pick the easiest difficulty.)

[@trickysoft]

Wonder why the C64 didn't bother with the iconic rotating enemies on the first level and why they and a couple of others shots move so fast. Great comparison video, that for putting it together.

[@ZEUSDAZ]

Amiga version is class, that title screen music is stunning and in-game sound fx are arcade perfect, yes a few colours are missing but all the levels and playability are there,...BUT for the best amiga shmup experience you all need to play Hybris, makes Xenon 2 look like a cheap budget game!

[@RetroCore]

Let's be honest, Xenon 2 is a crappy game. Looks nice but that's bout it.

[@JorgeAraujo97]

The arcade graphics hold up pretty well for a 33 years old game, but the music is quite timeless in this game.

[@tatsujincorp]

So does the PC Engine port, which is almost a 1:1 replica for the most parts. Still in my Top 5 Shoot’em up hall of fame list. ♥️

[@JorgeAraujo97]

@@tatsujincorp R-Type was one the killer apps on PC Engine, it really made the console look so far ahead of its time.

[@KuraIthys]

@@JorgeAraujo97 It certainly IS far ahead of it's time when you see what it's capable of. It's specs compare favourably to the SNES and Mega Drive. I find people that call it an 8 bit system a bit weird though. Yes, sure it's running a 6502. (albeit the fastest I've ever seen in anything released in the 80's), but it can address several megabytes of memory, and it's graphics chip is a 16 bit chip with the capabilities you'd expect of 16 bit hardware... In some ways it's capabilities outdo both the SNES and Mega Drive in some areas...

[@arioca]

You’re not gonna believe me buy I was paying R-Type Dimensions today on my PS3 and wondering if you made a video comparing all the different versions of R-Type. Thanks for posting this exactly today!

[@Whigu]

This is remastered version so he has done some long time ago.

[@RetroCore]

Haha, now that's a coincidence.

[@morrowlterraslove]

Wait a video of R-Type Alpha? Where do I find it?

[@illegalquantity]

llllll R-Type was a very good idea. Well done! |>

[@RetroCore]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@williammcguire130]

The PC Engine Hu Card version isn't just the best port... it's the best game on this list, arcade included.

[@wargameboy72]

That's my favorite to! 😊

[@MarcBarkyMarta]

Compile and that Master System port. I'd say they were one of the absolute top tier Japanese devs when 8-bit machines were the standard. Love the TG16/PCECD versions best though (and PlayStation is a close 2nd for me as well)!

[@wargameboy72]

Me too! 😊

[@mr.y.mysterious.video1]

Bought the snes on release in the uk and for the first few months only about 4 games were in the shops so I ended up buying r type which I normally never would have done. Loved the soundtrack more than the game, level one has a tune too long for the level, you needed the sound test to hear the best part. Then converters appeared for the console and I suddenly had access to a big library of games from japan and never touched r type again

[@RetroCore]

R-Type on the SNES is based up on R-Type 2. It's OK but it's far too slow for my liking.

[@donalcrowley7682]

Strange there was not a Mega Drive port

[@gamingcrazy7013]

It is indeed wierd, though you can of course play the Master System version on the Megadrive via the Power Base Converter 😉

[@thefurthestmanfromhome1148]

The FULL C64 R-Type story: www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/rtype-v1/

[@Alienboi2005vidsandstuff]

this version 10:28 makes this version 7:35 look good

[@SilentRealm6677]

atari st later got unofficial version called r-type deluxe what improved aspects of atari st port

[@ArnauddeKlerk]

You can play the AMIGA & MSX versions online in your browser: AMIGA: www.file-hunter.com/AMIGA/#R-Type MSX: www.file-hunter.com/MSX/index.php?id=rtype Have fun!

[@angelriverasantana7755]

I couldn't help but notice ya said R-Type Alpha rather than Delta. Different Greek letter, lol

[@Superdimensional]

I’d say the Turbografx 16 verison is still the king, it took all the way until PlayStation to get anything as close. The Xbox 360 version is probably now the definitive way to play based off the arcade, but I’d still say TG16 is the champ

[@wargameboy72]

You said it, Bro. I feel the same way.

[@geoserenity]

A series about the different games in a series like rtype might be pretty interesting. Although, they would probably be pretty long videos...

[@RetroCore]

They would and also need a lot of research. Something that's tricky to do with a normal life at work, 😕

[@vinodtewari951]

“Sound of a flatulent pig” 😂

[@shinbakihanma2749]

I'm just sad that we never got the TRUE and PROPER R-type sequel... named S-type😂🤣😆

[@shinbakihanma2749]

@@mastersproutgamer9327 Just... shut up, killjoy.

[@shinbakihanma2749]

@@mastersproutgamer9327 Ok, I'm sorry for telling you to shut up, but you are a killjoy.

[@AllieRX]

R-Type Dimensions is also on the Switch.

[@MVC2fan1]

@Frozen Retro ! Is a hybrid console of the eighth-generation. It was released 3 year ago.

[@gamingcrazy7013]

@Frozen Retro ! Nintendo's current console! 😉😊

[@gamingcrazy7013]

And I have the physical collector's edition! 😎

[@williamstewart1638]

What about the Playstation version?

[@wargameboy72]

The PS1 version is awesome!!!!! If played on real hardware there is no slowdown at all.

[@mid-jump_attack]

I can still remember seeing the R-Type cabinet back in the day. The thing that REALLY stood out was the Nintendo logo. This convinced me that the NES and probably the SNES too. Even the arcade cabinet looked liked like Nintendo cabinet except this one was black. As I waited R-Type was on everything except Nintendo. It was a show piece for Amiga at computer stores. I would see a released for the Sega Master System and the Turbo Graphics 16. Then the SNES got a Super R-Type, but it wasn't the same.

[@RetroCore]

The R-Type cabinet had a Nintendo logo?

[@Bloodreign1]

Nintendo helped Irem to release the game, I believe only in the US though.

[@homiedclown]

@@RetroCore In Canada it sure did, and I'm assuming in the US as well. The title screen even shows "Licensed to Nintendo of America Inc." on it. Here's a picture of it. vaasagamedays.fi/fileman/Uploads/Uutinen47_kuva1.png

[@RetroWolf13]

Awesome I made a video on Rtype not so long ago what a classic

[@MahmoudEhab2023]

wow that's actually interesting and i really wish you make a battle of the ports for metal gear 1

[@RetroCore]

Sadly that would take too long to play all the versions. It is something I can look in to though for a future video.

[@theshitpostdumpster91]

fun fat: the amiga version was dun by factor 5 (the turicon/roge squadren guys) under contract, as part of a cort settlement over their clone katacus. the story goes that when Activision got wind of this, they delivered an ultimatem: either make the amiga version, or we'll sue. Of course, factor 5 chose the former.

[@stephenhall2980]

Wow,some epic misspellings there dude, congratulations!

[@burgertim7878]

The game boy part is missing a sound channel, the game does have percussion.

[@jermarcusm.robinsonwaller1063]

Did you know that the PS4 Version of R-Type (Found in R-Type Dimensions DX) has a arranged soundtrack??? It's a pretty good port in my opinion!!!!! Not only that there's a typo on the script for the PS1 Port part of the video!!!!! At 19:43 to 19:45 you meant a video for R-Type Delta WHICH of course is a PS1 Exclusive!!!!!

[@RetroCore]

Yes, all versions of R-Type Dimensions have the arranged soundtrack. I forgot to mention that. It is pretty cool.

[@RetroCore]

Ah, good old typos. If I remember I can fix that later on. Thanks for letting me know.

[@AzrialAlaria]

Good to know there is more R-Type love coming this year friends!

[@RetrodudeG]

All hail the amiga version! 😃👍

[@ezequielgomez7083]

My Rank of best port of R-Type 🥇1st TurboGrafx-16 🥈2nd GameBoy 🥉3rd MSX

[@alexisken3824]

hace un video de la NEC PC-88VA

[@KISSbestfan]

Thanks for making this remake ! Whats in your opinion the most difficult R-Type game ? While I heard from many people its Super R-Type, I'd say its probably the R Type III.

[@RetroCore]

I've haven't played R-Type 3 is years so I can't comment on the but between the others I'd say the original is the toughest. Super R-Type and R-Type II are basically the same game. I can get quite far in that before losing a life.

[@kalofkrypton]

R-Type III on the GBA was pretty tough. I was playing on a Micro though...

[@frankschneider6156]

I'm again and again fascinated what a comparatively simple 8-Bit system was capable of pulling off. Probably the most underrated of all consoles of all time.

[@sumdood8563]

How do you sort the order of ports? Best to worst? Worst to best? Most to least interesting. Order of release? I have to know.

[@RetroCore]

No real order. Sometimes it is in order of release while other times it's leave the best till last.

[@argedismun2]

Love the gameboy port

[@jeanogato3327]

What about Gradius remastered?

[@RetroCore]

All in Good time.

[@Bloodreign1]

I thought Compile did the SMS R-Type?

[@tatsujincorp]

It also did.

[@RetroCore]

They did. My mistake.

[@Bloodreign1]

As someone who happens to own both SMS R-Type and Darius II, seeing these companies (Compile and Natsume) make these 2 games for some reason makes me very happy, though I do love me some Irem and Taito games.

[@Blo0dAnhell]

Super R-type is good?sincerity please