The Final History of R-Type

The Final History of R-TYPE Shoot 'Em Ups - From the original Arcade R-Type in 1987 to R-Type Final 2 in 2021, a complete history of IREM's iconic shoot em up series. R-Type is arguably the most well known shooter next to Konami's Gradius and has graced over a dozen home systems, from the Sega Master System to the Super Nintendo, TurboGrafx, MSX, Playstation, Amiga and many more. Often imitated but never duplicated, the combination of devious, puzzle like gameplay and alien atmosphere made R-Type one of the best selling arcade games of it's time. Do you have a favorite R-Type? Do you know them all? With the new R-Type Final 2 release just around the corner, discover something new about this legendary IREM series. And pay homage to the almighty Dobkeratops, the most recognizable boss monster in all of shmups.
#r-type #shootemup #shmupsareshooters
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Special Thanks to the following for contributing gameplay footage:
JAIMERS - R-Type Arcade I & II 2-ALL
• R-Type (Arcade) - 2-AL...
• R-Type II - 2-ALL Clea...
CHINOPOLIS
Armed Police Unit Gallop 1-ALL
• Armed Police Unit Gall...
R-Type LEO 1CC
• R-Type Leo 1cc
Check out the No Slowdown SA-1 HACK of Super R-Type by Vitor Vilela
github.com/VitorVilela7/SA1-Root
Support his great work on Patreon:
/ vitorvilela
CHAPTERS
00:00 - R-Type: The Bydo, the Myth, the Legend
03:59 - R-Type Arcade: A Smash Hit
05:15 - Home Ports Galore: Turbografx, Sega, Playstation and more
09:14 - A New Dimensions
11:16 - R-Type II
15:15 - SloMo-Type [Super R-Type Super Nintendo]
16:53 - No Mo SlowMo: SA-1 HACK Super R-Type by Vitor Vilela
17:58 - Nintendo Strikes Back! R-Type III Third Lightning
20:59 - R-Type Metal Slug: Armed Police Unit Gallop
23:08 - R-Type LEO: The Lost Gem
25:24 - Disaster Strikes IREM Closes
26:37 - Rising from the Ashes: R-Type DELTA in HD!
31:41 - The Coolest R-Type EVER - DELTA Deconstructed
34:48 - Never say FINAL [R-Type Final]
39:25 - R-Type FINAL 2 PREVIEW
41:17 - R-Type FINALE
44:18 - The Almighty Dobkeratops [CREDITS]
Games Shown in this video:
R-Type Arcade I & II
R-Type TurboGrafx16
R-Type Sega Master Systems
R-Types Sony Playstation
R-Type Dimensions EX Xbox360, PS3, PS4, Switch
Super R-Type SNES
R-Type 3 Third Lightning SNES
Armed Police Unit Gallop
R-Type LEO
R-Type Delta
R-Type Final
R-Type Final 2
R-Type Tactics/Command I & II
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[@scottedwards7374]

A 40 minute masterpiece. Wasn't expecting something this comprehensive on one of my favourite series! Great job.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It's astounding that nothing already existed. I always look first, because of great stuff already exists out there, I try not to repeat and do something different. So when I couldn't find a single RType retrospective I knew it was going to be my next one.

[@TexasHollowEarth]

Awesome, but why no mention of R-Type CD for PC Engine CD? R-Type Final 2 is my most anticipated, upcoming title.

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@TexasHollowEarth I did need to at least mention it during the turbo section and considering I own the game you’d think I would have! 😅 Same game but with cut scenes and remixed music. I just ran out of time to go back and edit it in before the deadline. That and giving more coverage to Tactics are the two things I’d have liked to add.

[@personavisceration371]

@@ShmupJunkie The Command/Tactics titles are far better than they deserve to be. A modern remaster of both would be excellent.

[@juststatedtheobvious9633]

@@ShmupJunkie Maybe a director's cut? I'd have also liked to see a bit more on the ports, if possible. The Amstrad CPC has two of them, and the second really shows how much passion there is for the series. Meanwhile, the GBA port of III is a cautionary tale of ambition and betrayal. I hope I don't sound ungrateful: none of what's missing compares to what you've already included. Finally, someone gets Delta! It's by far my favorite in the series, and your review was a masterclass. Even Gallop and Leo get their due. I wasn't expecting that. PS: Do you know why the reproductive themes are all over the series? It's even in the name, and the gameplay. An r-type reproductive strategy is creating as many young as possible, so that no matter how many suffer and die, a few will survive. There's no parental investment in any individual - they're all abandoned, and left to fight for whatever life they can find. Meanwhile, the K-type is represented with your protective shields, and slowly growing power. And it represents nurturing the next generation, so that they can reach their full potential. Fewer offspring, but each one matters more. This battle between the two reproductive strategies sums up the heart and appeal of the entire shmup genre.

[@slopesgameroom]

Insane work on this... Great job mate

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! I Appreciate that. I keep telling people I have as much fun making them as they do watching them.

[@infraredghostinthesmoke6998]

@@ShmupJunkie bro your vid is awardable. ( shh the gameboy version was the best port which is why I suspect Switch version is algorithmically amassing so much corrected traction)

[@infraredghostinthesmoke6998]

@@ShmupJunkie 📚🔮 Your youtube video is blueray worthy of insight. (I was so impressed with your COMPILE video, it imperceptibly reeked of my StarFox 1 journey. ) 👋 bye.

[@Blitzwing83]

I echo your sentiments, SGR. Hey, since Final 2 was released is there any chance of an R-Type complete history somewhere in the pipeline?

[@darwinalvarez9310]

Today with 50 years of age watching this video I vividly remember when I was 15 years old and together with a friend we were walking to the room where they had an R TYPE. We walked for 45 minutes and up to an hour because we used the transport money that we had enough for a token for each one. We were the best in this game as our initials were on the entire podium even though we were never able to reach the end of the game. As you said, the joy and excitement was in the trip. without a doubt the best shooter that ever existed and it is still a challenge today. thank you for bringing me this fond memory

[@TheRestartPoint]

Wow looking forward to getting into this, 44 mins! R-Type means a lot me, I was about 11 years old when it came out and just at the age when I could go in arcades on my own and R-Type was just mesmerising, the music, the graphics, it was like nothing else before it. Even though I already liked stuff like Gradius, Salamander , Side Arms.....R-Type had that style and ominous atmosphere that made it unique.

[@ShmupJunkie]

You put it very well, R-Type had a certain something and atmosphere. And the gameplay was different at the time, not like anything we knw, so playing with the force pod was a breath of fresh air and a new skill to learn. I still have an old photo of me playing the cabinet as a kid that my gramps took of me back then (which I shamelessly used at the end credits for the heck of it haha). But it's a prized possession. It wasn't until the Turbografx version and having it at home that I was ever able to finish it.

[@TheRestartPoint]

@@ShmupJunkie Alas we never got a port that great in the UK coz we didn't get the PC Engine, I made do with the Master System version which was still great for that system. Just wish it had been on Mega Drive!

[@ThatGamingGuyfromthe70s]

The quality of these deep dives in to the shooting series is truly stunning. The amount of work is unreal and your passion for the games really comes through. I cant wait to see what you come up with next.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks a lot man I appreciate that. I'm not always sure what I will do next either. I often go with what I'm excited about at the moment or something upcoming, so this worked out perfect before Final 2 coming out soon. Can't wait for that.

[@john-paulhunt2503]

R-Type is the game I played alot when I young as I fond Gradius to be too easy as I'm one of those weird guys in the arcade shooters.

[@FlecheDeFer]

R-Type 1 is the most important shooter ever, and clearly one of the most important game ever. So many innovations in one game alone!

[@GameplayandTalk]

Amazing video, man! Great delivery, editing, and I appreciate the level-headed, not-too-strongly-opinionated approach. Very professional and it truly does the R-Type series justice. Just in time for Final 2, as well! I'm super stoked for that one.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you, I always appreciate the feedback good and bad. I try to strike a balance between just regurgitating info like reading from a wiki which can be pretty boring, with giving my personal takes on everything. But it's a historical video so I stop short of reviewing anything and more my personal positive impressions or flaws in each one. I always go back and edit the script for anything that's either too dry and informational without any perspective, or the opposite where I focus too much on my take and have to cut some things. I'm really looking forward to Final 2 as well and hoping they had enough time to do it justice. I am OK with delays if it happens, as I'd rather get a good game than any game. But so far it still seems slated for April.

[@seanp8220]

@@ShmupJunkie This was a brilliant video.

[@reagandow850]

Holy crap dude!!! This is just stunning!! You are taking the shmup world by storm. Thanks for making shmups great again!!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Ha thanks man. I think if Timmy shows up with a red MSGA cap I'd get a rash of sh$t but it's a funny idea. Shmups were always great and I'm working hard to bring in new blood.

[@seanp8220]

@@ShmupJunkie Someone so needs to do a mod so that George Soros is the final boss...

[@maunomattila4695]

MAGA of shumps! \o/

[@kbxthegamemaster06]

What's funny about IREM's staff is that they were all over the place. Produce! who planned Image Fight, went on to make several Bomberman games. Some people from IREM helped create Last Resort, and then worked on the graphics for KOF '94. Aicom/Yumekobo also had ex-IREM employees in it, and of course, you have Nazca Corporation. So, yeah, they were *everywhere.*

[@ShmupJunkie]

An eventual IREM historical video will be a lot of fun for that reason, but not so fun trying to organize it into a script that makes any sense haha. I agree there was so much variety in various series they made and different teams all over the place. The one overarching thing I noticed in all their early games, not just shmups, was the balanced approach of playing offensively vs defensively.

[@SolCresta3405]

They also gave us the classic Metal Slug franchise.

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@SolCresta3405 Yeah and I even showed that in the vid too. No IREM means no Nazca.

[@SolCresta3405]

@@ShmupJunkie There’s even a boss in Metal Slug XX that’s similar to R-Type.

[@kbxthegamemaster06]

@@SolCresta3405 They sure did!

[@teseutressoldi3972]

At my 45 years old, after watch this, I couldnt stop some tears from my eyes. It is one of the games that I love the most. Thanks Shmup Junkie!

[@ShmupJunkie]

You're welcome and I am glad you liked it that much. This is still my most popular video... it is RType so I can see why.

[@thetruthsodealwithit2801]

Omg me to the first game I ever got obsessed with and I could do the 3rd level as a 7 or 8 years old and PWO would watch me I want the 80s back

[@MokoLoko777]

45 years old here too.R -type and Gemini wing .My favorite games.

[@lgmediapcsalon9440]

crying? really? I love the game but come on.

[@teseutressoldi3972]

@@lgmediapcsalon9440 It is because of the presentation of the series, made by someone that likes and understand the game. It was like a time machine remembering the old times when I was younger. It is not only the game, but alot of other things.

[@northprime_unlimited]

STILL stands as a masterpiece of the arcade!! Such good memories in junior high school. I felt so empowered playing it because everyone was scared to play it because of the difficulty. When I beat it the first time it was such a great accomplishment in my life (yes I had a life). The music, the graphics, the strategy. For me it is THE GREATEST shoot’em up of ALL TIME!! It is now on my phone and my tablet FOREVER.

[@ShmupJunkie]

To this day it ends up on so many Top 25 lists of all time. One of the few games to continue to remain on them while many older ones fall away. It's just recognized as a masterwork and it's timeless. Other prototypical games get replaced by better, later version like Gradius. But with RType, no matter how many games they made, and some also really good, none of them have replaced the original as just better all around. One of the few original cabinets I would own if I had the space.

[@northprime_unlimited]

@@ShmupJunkie you ain’t lying about that‼️😎👍🏽

[@grimnir7749]

R-type is the one game that I remember fondly from my youth. And I feel like tearing up when I finished watching the video as I remember my life as the game came and go through out the years.... This game fueled my imagination of aliens and spaceships and basically defined my taste in sci-fi which I carried in my professional career. I think I'll watch this video in my death bed :)

[@MegatechBody]

Whaaat!? This is an awesome Sunday surprise!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I should have started shilling it a long time ago if I wasn't so busy trying to finish it. But sometimes a surprise is nice too.

[@MegatechBody]

@@ShmupJunkie No, this was totally the right way to drop this. Thanks for the amazing historical video. Final 2 Hype!!!

[@chadmolitor6691]

Oh God, less than a minute in and I am IMPRESSED with that opening. Awesome transitions and I am so hyped for this video. FINALLY!!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I always take extra time to make the first 30 seconds of a video kick ass. Gotta stir up the hype and it gets me going too when I work on them. The intro is the first thing I usually do, and then re-watching it on and off while I work on sections keeps me going.

[@chadmolitor6691]

@@ShmupJunkie This is definitely one of my favorite videos due to both quality and nostalgia! It always amazes me how damn good the original Rtype looks especially for the time period. I still dont have the balls to even attempt Rtype 2.... that gameplay footage alone makes me almost crap my pants lol.

[@dire51]

I can't believe no one's said it yet... BLAST OFF AND STRIKE THE EVIL BYDO EMPIRE! I don't have too many regrets when it comes to the CD-based consoles, but one of my biggest is not holding on to R-Types, R-Type Delta and R-Type Final.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I was saving it for you my friend, as I knew you would likely be the first to the punch! 💪

[@lorencarlin2087]

Oh how many quarters I put into R-Type arcade at my local 7-11 in the wee hours of the morning when I couldn't sleep. I bought the Sega Master System just so I could have it at home. Wasn't as good, and took me about two years to complete. I bought the SNES for R-Type II and III. That took forever. Many years later, I discovered R-Type Leo. Apparently, only on emulators. It has to be, IMHO, right up there with the original. Slightly less difficult. The music, gameplay, and graphics were just amazing! The entire series is timeless. Kudos to Irem! Thank you!

[@FreshLyte]

I've always enjoyed Leo. It just feels so "arcadey" to me compared to the other R-type games. I'm not necessarily saying it's the best one, I just have the most fun playing it.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Leo is super fun and a shame it's not ported widely. Just the name recognition alone should have gotten it more notice. I hadn't played it or been able to recently and I thought it was absolutely worth it. Maybe there is some licensing issue that kept it from ever getting ports.

[@randycruel]

This is my favorite shooter of all time. I had Lifeforce on my NES (and loved it) but my cousin had this for his Sega Master System. The first stage boss blew my 11 year old mind. Awesome that you did this long video on it. Gaiares is my all time #2. Maybe some day down the line....?

[@ShmupJunkie]

Life Force was the first shooter that I loved as a kid too on nes along with Gradius. And RType was an arcade only experience as I only had old friend with an SMS and they never had it. Wasn’t until the turbo I got to play it at home. I did play a good bit of Gaiares though that’s a fantastic game with great music. Since you love it too check out my hardest shmups on mega drive part two video. You’ll find what you’re looking for 😉

[@tubbiele2]

@@ShmupJunkie never was a fan of Gradius but I really liked Salamander

[@TheHiddenFortress81]

Totally full blown addicted to R-Type Delta right now. Stage 6 is so vicious. It took me all night to figure it out. I love it.

[@supergrafxengine4620]

I am usually very strict about historical KZbin videos... I have to say this is a incredibly damn good video! Bravo 👏 you have my respect.

[@CodyCallaway]

Best surprise Sunday morning ever. What a great video for one of the greatest IPs in shooting history. This has me so excited for Final 2 next month. Don’t know how you find the time to release hour long videos like this weekly, but I’ll just thank you for the time put into these as I watch them over and over again.

[@ShmupJunkie]

To be honest I don't know either 😂... normally it takes me a couple weeks for these historical ones, but it all came together nicely and I had help from others for some of the footage. Still a ton of work but the timing was right and I somehow got it done. I really do love making them so I get engrossed in the process, so really glad to hear you and other enjoy watching them just as much. I can't wait for Final 2 and only have my fingers crossed it lives up to the hype, or at least comes close.

[@electronjunkie5697]

Discovered your channel about a week ago while at work... Would like to say I've gotten zero work done in the last ten days as your videos are literally letting me relive my childhood! Keep up the great work!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Ten days? Good thing I only have under a year's worth of videos here! haha. That makes two of us, I got no work done while working on the video either, but it was worth it. I'm glad you're enjoying them and I'll do my best to keep it up, as I'm pretty much reliving mine as I make them so it's been a blast.

[@ace3093]

I remember the first time playing R-TYPE was on my SMS as a kid. I rented and fell in love with. My next game purchase was that game and I played it more then any other game I had. Thanks for the video great as always.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I never even know the SMS had an RType port until just years ago, just like Ninja Gaiden. Few friends had an SMS and they didn't have the game. It's so impressive i'm sure I would've loved it back then too, before I even know who Compile was.

[@vaderbase]

Your view at shooters is a brainwave for me: to look at it as an action puzzle and not as an impossible hard reaction test. I love this view. Thank you so much.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Yes, that's one thing many don't know about these games. Most are all about practice and learning the game. Everyone that looks amazing has played the game for dozens of hours or more to be competent. And almost anyone can if they enjoy it and want to get better. Skill and experience makes you learn faster, but everyone, even the pros, put a lot of time into getting good at the ones they like most.

[@wrathchild8920]

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen on youtube. Thank you for this. This was so well done, and had to have taken an ungodly amount of work. Ya did it justice my friend. Def gonna subscribe and go through your other videos. I'm just now getting into shmups after 30 years of playing rpgs etc, and it's renewed my love for gaming. Idk why, but I just can't get into other types of games anymore.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I’m really glad you found me and enjoyed it. I really enjoy making these retrospectives and it’s the second one I’ve done after a Compile history video not long ago which was really popular. If you liked this one you may enjoy that too, along with a couple others I keep in my nostalgia playlist. You’re not alone in losing interest in certain genres. At some point you miss the older games that focused squarely on gameplay mechanics and skill, and the rush you get from overcoming challenges. Games are more interactive movies now light on gameplay which is fine too, but you start to miss the actual challenge of playing something focused on skill and overcoming it. It’s why I still love coming back to these old favorites they’re timeless in that way. I hope you enjoy some of my other stuff as I’ve only been at this for under a year.

[@Larry]

If you ever want to cover any more R-Type stuff, there's a great story behind the development of the Commodore 64 version!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I missed out big time in the US not having much access growing up to the cool computer system more popular in Europe like the C64, Amiga, MSX etc. I could only see what little they published in magazines. So I’d love to know more about it. I know there is some great history behind the MSX Nemesis variants but I don’t know the RType C64 story. Did you ever make a video on it? If so I’d love to check it out.

[@menhirmike]

Is that the whole Katakis/Denaris controversy that lead to the team being hired to make the official port since they obviously know their stuff? (And yeah, Katakis is an R-Type clone through and through, and it's awesome!)

[@Codetapper]

@@ShmupJunkie There's a great deal of information about the troubled C64 version in Bob Pape's book called It's Behind You: www.bizzley.com/ And even more detailed information is on the Games That Weren't C64 site: www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/rtype-v1/

[@Shanjaq]

oh man, I rented Super R-Type so many times back in the day it may as well have been counted among those 50k purchases. always played on Novice to avoid losing the Force and definitely running out of continues on naked stage restarts, only much later to bump it up to Easy and more recently Normal (the slowdown and more dense walls of bullets unexpectedly helps with concentration?) I didn't know about Final until a few years ago and now with my own resources was able to find a PS2 just to experience it (also picked up Gradius to round out my nascent PS2 gallery.) The time-looping existential horror theme really stuck with me all these years, I still get a little misty thinking about the implications of some of the lore points I've picked up from OST/Remix YT comment sections and now the Bydoposting Discord as we banter and wait together for the release of Final 2. Thank you for making this video! ^_^

[@ShmupJunkie]

The bydoposting discord must be a trip... if I even had a moment of free time left I would drop in too. I'll bet many there were glad to see this video come out in prep for Final 2. I'm definitely hoping it lives up to the hype. I never played Super much back then, just a little on a friend's SNES, but I had so many shooters to play on the PC Engine, I didn't feel bad. But I was pretty jealous of III as it looked great and I had no way to play it at the time.

[@unlimitedretrogaming]

My friend, what a beautiful homage to this series that is part of our gaming life!! It’s so overwhelming that I need to watch it at least a couple of times since there are a lot of things I didn’t know about. Gallop and Leo definetively never heard of and they look truly amazing. Congrats man!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hey my friend, I'm glad to see you are caught up and doing OK. I've been away from IG for a while working really hard on this video, but I will catch up there soon. Gallop and Leo both deserve a release someday, maybe we will get lucky with a Switch ACA release but I doubt it. They're like the two forgotten games of the franchise.

[@DodonEnthusiasticArt]

Outstanding tribute to this citical series man, you've given me shivers! And make me want to replay the entire series right now. :) Can't wait to see how comes R-Type Final 2! Fingers crossed!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you so much my friend. I'm glad you enjoyed it too. That final stage of Delta does it for me every time... most of the game really. One of my favorites. Fingers, toes and eyes are all crossed for Final 2!

[@ronniepatterson2827]

Ok wow! Im currently in a R-Type mood seeing im enjoying R-Type Final 2 atm, but should've watched this earlier. I love how in depth you went into the beloved series, & glad to see theres shmup based sites like this & a couple more, where the hosts are actual fans of what they cover. Ty Sir.

[@ShmupJunkie]

You're welcome and glad you enjoyed it. I just started playing Final 2 today myself to start working on a review.

[@Abbelboxe]

R-Type Delta's Stage 7.... Masterpiece in every way. Glad to see someone appreciating it. I really hope they add it to Final 2.

[@ShmupJunkie]

That would be an awesome recreation, I'd love to see that too. Perfect idea for a stage remake.

[@Abbelboxe]

They will propably (and hopefully) save it for Final 3, which I just randomly found out to be in development :D

[@demonsty]

omg i cant believe final is almost 20 years old. how did i get this old! as much as i suck at shooters today i did beat rtype on sega master system as a kid. that gives me a little street cred right?

[@strzxgvnuvwvfld3597]

Wow, you're right. More time has passed between Final and Final 2 than passed between Final and the original arcade game. How did THAT happen?!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Dude we are sooo old 😂 crap

[@ShmupJunkie]

Beating any rtype gives you street cred. Beating II makes you a demigod lol. I never got to play the SMS version until just last year! Believe that.

[@demonsty]

@@ShmupJunkie the rtype on the tg16 mini has all the stages right?. not just first half?

[@lucianom3585]

@@ShmupJunkie Totally agree, I saw your video were you point out the moment that made you quit II (the "tanky crabs" shooting from everywhere part), and that was what had exactly happened to me!!!

[@alfredocanas6802]

Amazing work, this has to be the Definitive and most comprehensive video about R-Type on KZbin, by the way I still think the PC Engine and Turbo Graphics 16 is probably the port I like the most, the music/chiptunes probably has a lot do with it, music is essential for a shooter IMHO.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I'm with you on the music, I actually prefer the Turbo chip tunes to the arcade. They really sound fantastic. I play that version the most as well. I was honestly surprised that I couldn't find a proper RType history anywhere on youtube given how popular a franchise it is. This has now been rectified. 😁 I wish I could have spent more time and gotten into detail on the two Tactics games, but it was getting too long. At least I mentioned and showed them so it's not forgotten and those interested could explore it a bit more.

[@SpaceBandit666]

I’m only 3 minutes in and I’m already pumped. I don’t quite have the patience to grind through these shooters anymore but I still love and appreciate them. I recently enjoyed playing the switch online shooter games where I can rewind, so I can at least enjoy the music, visuals and some challenge without ripping my hair out.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Rewind would be a great feature for these checkpoint based games since it’s a nice way to learn them in smaller segments. Credit feeding newer type games takes the fun out of them, at least for me. But something like RType is designed as a puzzle and rewind would be an awesome way for more to play them. Maybe some of the classic RTypes will get modern ports in a collection with quality of life features like that. Hope you enjoy the rest of the video too!

[@ShmupJunkie]

The History of R-Type! The Bydo, The Myth, The Legend. What was your favorite in the series? Discover something new about this legendary IREM series. You can support my hard work on my Patreon here: www.patreon.com/shmupjunkieslushfund Join my Discord! discord.gg/Vp5DX3Yx CHAPTERS 00:00​ - R-Type: The Bydo, the Myth, the Legend 03:59​ - R-Type Arcade: A Smash Hit 05:15​ - Home Ports Galore: Turbografx, Sega, Playstation and more 09:14​ - A New Dimensions 11:16​ - R-Type II 15:15​ - SloMo-Type [Super R-Type Super Nintendo] 16:53​ - No Mo SlowMo: SA-1 HACK Super R-Type by Vitor Vilela 17:58​ - Nintendo Strikes Back! R-Type III Third Lightning 20:59​ - R-Type Metal Slug: Armed Police Unit Gallop 23:08​ - R-Type LEO: The Lost Gem 25:24​ - Disaster Strikes IREM Closes 26:37​ - Rising from the Ashes: R-Type DELTA in HD! 31:41​ - The Coolest R-Type EVER - DELTA Deconstructed 34:48​ - Never say FINAL [R-Type Final] 39:25​ - R-Type FINAL 2 PREVIEW 41:17​ - R-Type FINALE 44:18​ - The Almighty Dobkeratops [CREDITS] R-Type Final 2 Official Site: rtypefinal2.com/ Check out the No Slowdown SA-1 HACK of Super R-Type by Vitor Vilela github.com/VitorVilela7/SA1-Root​ Support his great work on Patreon: www.patreon.com/vitorvilela SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE GAMEPLAY: JAIMERS - R-Type Arcade I & II 2-ALL www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shwgv...​ www.youtube.com/watch?v=foDAD...​ CHINOPOLIS Armed Police Unit Gallop 1-ALL www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwNx6...​ R-Type LEO 1CC www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WJkq...​ Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/turbothunder16/ Follow me on Facebook: facebook.com/shmupjunkie Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/shmupjunkie

[@gjtrue]

So happy R-Type is finally back. I hope Final 2 sells very well too. Also, that intro was pure 🔥🔥🔥. 😎

[@ShmupJunkie]

Gotta make a kick ass intro to get people pumped for what’s to come 💪... I probably enjoy making those most. I hope it sells well too but even more that it’s good. It’ll sell copies on reputation alone I think, but if it sells huge we may get even more. Wishful thinking 😅

[@garrz32]

I swear, every new video get's better and better. I have the PCB for R-Type and it's the one I always come back to, after many years of owning the board, am proud to say I can get to Stage 6 hahahah. One day I will 1cc the game and if it takes another 10 years of trying so be it :)

[@ShmupJunkie]

If I could own just a few PCBs or cabinets the original RType would be one. Very cool you have one. As a kid I could never beat RType on the actual cabinet, and I only did on the turbo version at home afterward. Stage 6 is the real bastard, but it's the most memory heavy. So it's the one I can't pass if I haven't played in a while, but once you get it, it's mostly just boxes and being at the right places, as there aren't a ton of enemies. Either way it's just so fun playing and someday I may have that cabinet when I have the space.

[@XardionZ]

This is one of the best videos on R-TYPE I've seen, perhaps THE best as you go in-depth about the spin-offs that never were released out of Japan. It's great to see people still talking about this series to this day. I still remember how I beat R-TYPE II as a kid; one of my proud achievements but I don't know how I pulled it off. Thinking of pulling out one of my many copies and giving it another go thanks to this video.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I couldn't believe no RType history video even existed when I originally tried to look it up. Once I found nothing I knew it had to be done, as no historical video record of this seminal series is criminal. So I was glad to put it out there.

[@samuraimont]

Great job Leo. One can really understand how much of efforts would have went to compile this video. Thanks for capturing one of the greatest shooters "R-Type"... Cheers. :)

[@Misanola]

This is awesome! Your content and passion are responsible for getting me into shmups. Would love to see more of these quality retrospectives.

[@ShmupJunkie]

You don't know how much I love hearing that, as it's the one of the main driver of my channel and why I am doing this. So thank you it's much appreciated. You can bet I absolutely will and have had a couple others in the plans for a while now.

[@headman82]

What can I even say other than thank you so much for this great video on my favorite shoot ‘em up franchise

[@ShmupJunkie]

Being your favorite, if you enjoyed it then I did something right. 🤘 Since there is no other historical video on youtube besides this I felt a responsibility to do it the most justice I could.

[@headman82]

@@ShmupJunkie you did a great job summarizing the series

[@ChrisCaskiemrgilder]

Deliciously exhaustive, and the perfect appetizer in preparation for Final 2. Thanks for all of your hard work!

[@ShmupJunkie]

You're welcome and glad you enjoyed it. Keeping my expectations realistic for Final 2, but also hoping it surprises us with a game worthy of the series.

[@raymurakawa6621]

The term "Grotesque" became synonymous with R-Type for editors and fans in Japan, so when you uttered that word in the intro, I knew you were a real fan. I've played R-Type 1, 2, Leo in the arcades both in the US and Japan, but my most memorable was on a Boat from Osaka to Shodoshima when R-Type 1 was just released. I eagerly ditched my parents and ran to the mini-arcade and jammed my 50yen piece into the R-Type tabletop that was ironically placed right next to Xevious, where a couple twenty somethings were identifying the crop designs in "Xevi-Go" language. Even at that time I knew that R-Type symbolized the future and an evolutionary step for modern STG's. I no doubt felt like the cool kid on that machine. Me as a youngin' tapping away next to Xevious was a memory that stays with me as a reminder of how much of a quantum leap in game design, visuals, and sound, R-Type was in the arcades at that time. Even till this day I hum R-Type music while doing hosework! Today, on my Birthday I'm blessed to see your doc while downloading R-Type Final 2! What a great time to be alive. Thank you for this great video and may there be more R-Types in our future!

[@ShmupJunkie]

You're right I've heard it used before when talking about this game, but I didn't know it was a thing. It's just an appropriate word for some of the designs and atmosphere. Delta took that to another level and is still peak in my mind in terms of that type of design, along with being one of my favorite. I'm really glad you found the video and enjoyed it so much. I'm just about to finally get to playing Final 2. I don't expect something brilliant as the original anymore, but if it pays some proper homage and I have fun with it, I am happy to get an RType game in this day and age.

[@Catovaria]

Great! Apparently, this is the first large-scale video on KZbin dedicated to this series. Without a doubt, it will be a very interesting 44 minutes. By the way, I am very happy that you have a very clear pronunciation and even I, who do not speak English very well, understand everything. It is good that you do not use a large number of slang words in your speech, which, as a rule, are incomprehensible to a non-English-speaking audience.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I'm also pretty amazed there was no RType historical video on youtube with it's popularity. So I'm happy to have been able to make a good one. It's not an easy task, just like Gradius. I appreciate your feedback and it reminds me that I have a large non English speaking audience as well. Sometimes I use a little slang for jokes and when I am doing something humorous, but I try hard to make it enjoyable for everyone including non-English native speakers. It's a difficult balance between that and also being entertaining.

[@LeosKlein]

Thank you for this amazing video. I started playing the R-Type series with Final, also my first ever Shoot 'em up, at the age of 8. The game was (and still it is) so fantastic that I kept playing it and later on, when I was 11, I completed the game at hardest difficulty and my first ever score run. Despite I beated that score run 2 months ago, I put it as one of my 2 greatest achievement in my gaming history and now I'm trying to push the game to his limits (and reaching the 1000h achievement but I'm still far from it) and thanks to emulator now it's possible to play it without any sort of slowdown and fighting, imho, the hardest Dobkeratops fight in the entire series. When I discovered that R-Type was born in 1987 I started to search other games and ended up to complete R-Type, R-Type Delta at normal difficulty and almost R-Type II. I'm really thankful to this fantastic yet brutal series and now that R-Type Final 2 is coming out I hope that more people can enjoy the game as I did when I was a kid. Again thank you for the video!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

You are welcome and thank you for the great comment. You are still young if Final was your first RType. Very cool that after you went back and played all the older games. Not many people started with Final and went backwards. You played all of the very good ones. If you haven't tried part III yet on Super Nintendo, it's also very good I think you'd enjoy it.

[@sovereignsrite5844]

What an awesome retrospective. Got me even more excited for Final 2! Always look forward to your videos and this didn't disappoint. Thank you!!!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! That’s why I timed the video around a month out to get some hype going for Final 2. And fingers crossed it doesn’t disappoint. Just a month to go it’s exciting.

[@kakolicht]

This video brought me back so many fond memories from the 90's: first renting R-type for the Master System for the weekend so many times (I couldn't afford to buy the game back in those days😭); couple years later doing the same with the SNES R-type 3. Thank you for the video!

[@ShmupJunkie]

I never did get to play the SMS RType until much later. Knew few people with an SMS and they didn't have the game. But I used to rent most of my games too back then, even imports. I miss being able to do that.

[@dr_ubo]

I'm not having enough time to be as active as I've been the last year lately, but I've got to say it, you're going above in beyond with every vid. It's been a whole trip to look back at when you first started out. Everything is panning out, you'll see.

[@ShmupJunkie]

It's a trip for me looking back at my older videos too and how they've changed. I think they are all fun, but the cadence of my speech and many other things have improved for the better. I can't believe how fast I was talking in some of my older videos. I think I was afraid short attention spans would stray if I didn't bombard people a mile a minute. You've done more than your share for the community man and you still will. We will all have times where we have to take care of business. It will all pan out on your end as well... you'll see. 😉

[@angelfranciscomarinolmedil7070]

Awesome Junkie I just love it. This with the Compile history is the best really. Too much love in your vids. Congrats man 👏

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks man! I really enjoy making nostalgic and historic videos like these. And would do them more if they weren't also so involving and time consuming. But I've resolved to make something like this every couple months or so, as KZbin really needs them. I can't believe there was no R-Type history already there, or a bunch of them. Simply mind boggling. One more down... many more to go.

[@angelfranciscomarinolmedil7070]

@@ShmupJunkie yep really weird not seing any video telling about R-type history. R-type is to Shmups what fire meant for humanity millions years ago. It was mi first game for the classic GameBoy when I was child. I bought it even before the console and man what awesome it us. I got stucked on the fourth boss, what a pain in the ass. Took me a while how to beat it but once defeated I could finally finish the game. Damn good old times and what an awesome game R-type is.

[@Daz555Daz]

Great to see R-Type still getting love. A great Mega Drive port is in development and promises to be the premier home port of this classic. It includes the secret Master System level as well.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I’ve been following that project too and it’s looking great! I’m excited to see the final result.

[@retromodernsystems9227]

Another fantastic video! R-type has been beating me up for over 30 years and I still love it !

[@ShmupJunkie]

It still does the same to me any time I haven’t played one for a while. Looking forward to finally trying out Final 2 next week to get beat up some more 😅.

[@retromodernsystems9227]

@@ShmupJunkie I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Final 2, I think it's pretty solid, not my favorite R-type but I will definitely take it and enjoy it.

[@gjtrue]

Pardon my language, but DAMN is that little electric guitar solo at the beginning of Stage 1 in R-Type Delta so awesome. Same for the dynamic music of Stage 2. And man is that weird, abstract, psychedelic stage is so.....bizarre. I inadvertently started a long comment sections theorizing what it's meant to represent and imply about the Bydo Empire. They did such a good job on their first 3D game. Good stuff. 🥰

[@ShmupJunkie]

Delta really is one of the best of the entire series for what you mention and more. I love that final stage and that’s why I went into the whole meta of it, and what it meant to me. I think it was a few minutes segment just for the last level haha. It’s that cool. Rad rad game. It’ll be gone from the ps3 downloads this summer too 😔

[@striderpak]

Great video man

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! It was a long road but I'm happy with how it came out.

[@tansquirrel]

Your ability to analyze all corners of a game's design, let alone in a genre seen as "not deep" like shmups, is impeccable. You're incredibly skilled at articulating the minutiae that separates a good shmup from a great one. Great video as always.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you for that. It's hard to imagine anyone thinking good shmups aren't deep, when they're in fact the one of the most deep genres tht exist. I think Mark from Electric Underground articulates that very well in much of his videos too. Anyone who doesn't believe a good STG has depth likely never sat down and tried to finish one completely from start to finish and all the strategy and practice involved.

[@lucianom3585]

Thank you for this amazing video!!!! One of my greatest video gaming moments was finishing the first R Type ... not without a dishonorable amount of continues :D

[@ShmupJunkie]

What console did you eventually end up finishing it on? For me it was my turbografx. Only way I could get enough practice at home with it.

[@MikeC-ps1tc]

This was masterfully put together! Your presentation is amazing sir! Thank you for sharing your passion for us all to enjoy!!! R-Type for SMS is easily in my top 5! I do wish I had the PC Engine version though! Keep up the amazing work sir!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you I’m glad you really enjoyed it. I’m happy with how it ended up as well. The pc engine mini version of RType plays pretty well and the saves are very helpful for learning. I prefer the music on the turbo port even over the arcade even if the graphics don’t quite measure up and it has more flicker. It doesn’t slow down which is what I care about. The mini isn’t bad at all for playing and learning that version.

[@SouthernMenace]

Superb. R-Type is gaming royalty, and I believe the best game in terms of positioning requirement and spatial awareness in the genre, the fountainhead. Weapon design is absolutely brilliant, and it's impossible to see a blue laser or some pod action without going back to the roots. Thanks for the video.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hit it right on the head. As typical of all early IREM games, they were always thought through and a balancing act of weapon choices and offensive vs defensive play. I love all their early games for those reasons. Every weapon, enemy pattern, stage layout had it's purpose. Very few games were as thought through in every phase as theirs, and R-Type was the poster child. Both first and second, which is also brilliant, it doesn't get the recognition as it was just too damn hard for most to ever fully realize. But expert players I know gush over it.

[@taylor_o]

Awesome! I remember getting so bewildered by all the different R-types back when i started in the wii/ps3/360 era that I just stuck with the original. I never got past the 5th or 6th stage on one credit, but I was blown away... I had no idea the other games were any good, but this video makes me want to go back and clear them all, haha. Great job!

[@ShmupJunkie]

You did better than most man. Few make it past stage 3 or 4. 6 is the real bastard that you just can’t beat until it’s fully memorized. But I’m glad the video opened your eyes a bit. Especially part 3 on Snes and Delta are great and worth checking out as far as the core series. They’re my two other favorites.

[@wrena79]

Loved this! Thank you. Cannot wait for Final 2 and beforehand need to revisit the series from the start again.

[@ShmupJunkie]

You got one month left to play through every one again. Go! Hope you have all your appointments cleared. Making this video was actually a really good opportunity to do similar before Final 2.

[@amerigocosta7452]

Most home computer versions of R-type have weird stories behind them: the C64 version was made in a few weeks by Manfred Trenz (of Turrican fame) as a sort of reparation for his shmup called Katakis that Activision UK (who owned some rights in Europe for Irem games at the time) deemed too similar to R-Type. At least he could re-use a lot of his own code. Trenz was also the graphics artist for Giana, the notorious Mario clone but truth to be told he was one of the most capable developers for the C64 and since that computer has basically an earlier version of the CPU found in the NES, I have no doubt he could have made a fantastic NES port of R-Type if asked. The Amiga version was made in Germany by the very skilled team Factor 5, also in reparation for Katakis, and that was very convenient for Activision UK because at the time they weren't very familiar with the Amiga. It turned out being a great port, better than the UK made Atari ST one which was the source material. Finally the ZX Spectrum port..It's sort of a miracle for the very limited computer, especially because it was made under some of the most extreme crunch conditions one can think of. Its author Bob Pape has written an incredible book (freely available in pdf) about its development and it is a fantastic read about those heroic and pioneering times of game development in Europe when everything, for better or worse, could happen.

[@tubbiele2]

When I got the ZX Spectrum version of R-Type it was out of this world. I imagined a full dedicated team making it. The truth was completely different

[@robsmall6466]

The Amstrad CPC version was so so. The programmer responsible admitted that he had not been given much time to convert it. In 2012 a new version was released that was an improvement in every possible way. I believe it was also ported to the Enterprise as well

[@ShmupJunkie]

I'm still learning and exploring a lot of the MSX, C64 and Amiga etc games, including these ports, not having any of them around growing up. It's crazy how many games I missed out on with them, but now catching up using the Mister. I just learned about Katakis from another comment here that was fascinating too. Trying out the various RType and Gradius ports on all the older computer systems like these has been something I wanted to do.

[@tubbiele2]

@@ShmupJunkie the ZX Spectrum author was given a VHS tape with the game advancing, and the ship being invulnerable. A mate of him made the sprites. Just to understand how amazing it was, many STG were converted to the ZX just by making everything monochrome (Terra Cresta and Xevious come to mind). R-Type was full colour, well, 8 colors, but colorful ones :D. Now I recall another colour STG which was Zynaps by Hewson... Cybernoid too... Well enough rambling :D

[@BlueflagAlpha]

17:14 How many attempts you took to perform that crazy dodging?? That was just insane

[@ShmupJunkie]

LOL I wish, that clip isn't me. It's from Vitor's video showing off his SA1 hack. I don't know if he did it for real, or using a TAS as it almost seems impossible.

[@nathancarpenter2193]

Thats what I was wondering, that was mind-boggling, had to be a TAS!

[@seanp8220]

I have so many memories of getting to level 3. It was always a mystery what lay beyond that level (until youtube). (I am not very good at it lol)

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@seanp8220 Level 3 or 4 is far as I got in the arcade originally too as a kid. It wasn’t until the Turbografx port I was able to play more and get through.

[@JuN0]

TAS of course that dodging was inhuman

[@Ryenobal]

R-Type and the Thunderforce series are my all-time favorites

[@ShmupJunkie]

Can't go wrong with the TF games, 3-5 are are all phenomenal, and the others not bad either. I've yet to ever play the original.

[@mymicrowaveisonfire25]

9:53 that's super sweet giving newbies a real chance to finish the game

[@jeremygregorio7472]

Leo was available on the Irem Greatest Hits collection.

[@ShmupJunkie]

I read about that... it was a pretty obscure computer only release. We could really use a more available port of that cool game, it deserves it.

[@opaljk4835]

Super R Type was either my first or second shmup. Honestly At the age of 10 it was just way too hard for me and turned me off to the genre. However, as an adult it’s become a mission to beat some of the beasts in this series. All the enemies were mesmerizing as a kid, and even though I could only beat stage 1, I always wanted to come back for more

[@ShmupJunkie]

Man that is not the kindest game to start out with lol. I remember some early NES shooters that felt the same way, and it was Life Force that really captured me as it was a good combo of awesome gameplay and visuals with a fair difficulty, along with having the konami code. Hard to imagine starting with Super RType yowsers.

[@Shanjaq]

Super was my first as well! the Force and multi-loop Wave Cannon were unique and highly intriguing to me, also the audio system was just awesome, I'd crank up the sound when my parents were away to hear those glorious bassy explosions and growling guitars at floor-shaking volume :v

[@nman625]

@@ShmupJunkie Super R type was what I had growing up as well. Very similarly to Adam here, I turned it on, found it way too hard, and never really picked it up again. Still have nostalgia for it though.

[@opaljk4835]

Nman625 I don’t know why, but in my time of buying and selling stuff almost every single Super Nintendo collection had either Super R Type or Gradius 3. They just seem to be totally ubiquitous, even among my friends as a kid. Also, Earth Defense Force is usually in there as well. I think all of those games have such killer soundtracks that even if you just played the first level it’s hard not to have nostalgia for those tunes and sound fx. What got me into them as an adult was Thunder Force 3 and MUSHA. I had bought some others, but TF3 really hooked me, and it’s one that can be CC’d by a relative new comer. MUSHA as well. Those might be the only 2 shooters I can do that with

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@opaljk4835 SuperR is still pretty common too and doesn’t sell for much vs III which has gotten crazy expensive. G3 ain’t cheap either now. That SNES market got hot. But back then I remember them being common too 🤷‍♂️ I agree of all things the music brings back the nostalgia most. Likely why the Thunder force games and Musha are still so well loved in addition to them being great games. I was seriously thinking of including TF3 in a great beginner shmups video as I agree, I think it is. It’s on that level with Gate of Thunder vs TF4 which got much harder.

[@shalamarthagawd1889]

You deserve all the praise that’s been pouring into your comments section 💯 The final few minutes of the video doubles as great life advice 🤔

[@ShmupJunkie]

In terms of it being all about the journey and experience and not the destination, I can definitely agree with that!

[@RyuHirakashi1]

This video was an absolute masterpiece! My first r-type game was super r-type for the Super Nintendo. Sadly 2d shooters weren’t a big seller at the arcades I went to but that didn’t stop me from loving this series. Years later I bought delta and final on release. I managed to find the ost for delta a little while later and listen to it regularly. For me delta was the best that the series had to offer. I simply wish we got a hd remaster on steam. I’d snatch it up in a heartbeat. 2d shooters have always been one of my most loved genres since the days of space invaders. My love for this genre hasn’t waned at all. I wish I would have discovered your channel A LOT sooner. Thank you for being there for us fans. I’ll play these games till my last day on this planet! ❤❤

[@ShmupJunkie]

To be fair, my channel has only been around for a couple years, so at least you can catch up on anything I've done that looks interesting. This shotting renaissance seems to have really taken off the last few years so we caught it at a good time. Crazy how many new and rereleased games we are getting now, including R-Type. I'm keeping an eye on Final Evolved coming to PS5 later this year. Though nothing will likely ever trump the original or Delta for me either. Those two are masterpieces.

[@RyuHirakashi1]

@@ShmupJunkie I was shocked at finding out about Final 2. I never dreamed I’d actually get a new game in this series. Too many masterpieces that deserve sequels never get them and this still feels like a dream. I look forward to all of your future content and will most certainly catching up on everything else already uploaded. You’re channel is severely underrated, but only us true fans will appreciate the content you provide! ❤️

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@RyuHirakashi1 Thanks! It’s been growing like gangbusters lately so I can keep fueling this comeback long as possible.

[@ninetendopesaitama2107]

Nice. Shmup Video on sunday and 420. :)

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hell yeah dude. Just watch out if you're indulging in some magic dragon when you get to the RType Delta section, there's a really trippy part that may freak you out 😂

[@bpelectric]

I thought Leo and Gallop were on that system Retro-bit's Generations IV? AFAIK it's a licensed release, too!

[@ShmupJunkie]

The only release I ever heard of for either was on a PC/Mac release that IREM did, kind of a collection. But never for a game console or anything I'd heard of. I'll see if I can look it up as that's intriguing.

[@bpelectric]

@@ShmupJunkie Yeah, you can find some videos of it on KZbin. Search for "retrobit generations4" or "Retro-bit GENERATIONSⅣ". It also has Saint Dragon, a personal favorite of mine. Was my white whale for like 15 years after getting to play it in an arcade once as a kid on vacation and then NEVER SEEING IT AGAIN lol

[@darkridearts]

I cannot WAIT for R-Type Final 2. Just around the corner now

[@ShmupJunkie]

I know a couple people that already got their copy early today. Not me though unfortunately still waiting on mine.

[@FlecheDeFer]

Final was some sort of an emotional game, I really loved it

[@opaljk4835]

It’s Gorgeous in New York City but I gotta watch this first

[@ShmupJunkie]

How cold is it there now? I've visited a few times over the years and love going out to White Plains, but it's been ages. Post covid may be time for another east coast trip.

[@opaljk4835]

Shmup Junkie well today it’s in the low 50s but a bit rainy. However over the last week, it was fucking beautiful. Got into the 60s, and was very sunny. Prospect Park was buzzing, and the record stores just started to open up a little. Spirits were high. People were out and about looking great, which made me realize I need to start thinking about my appearance again. I’ve been home waaaay too much playing shmups and waiting to be called back to work. Really looking forward to going back. And yeah, I have special place in my heart for white plains. I went to school at SUNY Purchase, and it was really the only accessible semi metropolitan area. It’s also home to one of my favorite sandwiches (The Sliced Petite Filet at Iron Tomato) and a fabulous greasy spoon called Star Diner (both still exist, I just checked). I don’t know if you like that stuff, but if you do it can’t be beat. Also, lots of bars and great artist and musician types living around there. I remember this one bar though, it was called The James Joyce, and the only thing even remotely related to him was this tiny framed photo near the bathrooms. I guess he’s Irish so people just name a bar after him cause Irish people drink? You should definitely come out, the warmer months really make this place magical. Some great retro game shops, fantastic food, and incredible places like Red Hook, Prospect Park, Greenwood Cemetery, Greenpoint, the LES, The Village. You’re in LA, right? Idk exactly why I think that, maybe you mentioned it at some point. We’ll be out here after the plague is gone waiting. Well, I’ll shut up now. /end rant. TLDR: NYC is nice right now

[@jeremygregorio7472]

R Type dimensions is also on Steam

[@ShmupJunkie]

I noticed that too later. Seems to have been ported everywhere which is a good thing.

[@kubrick69]

My first R type was on the Spectrum (Im from England ) Had to watch this masterpiece work of yours on my VR Quest 2. Magnificent seeing this R type history so huge. LOOOOL. Thanks junkie !!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Dang! Good thing my mug isn’t anywhere in this video you don’t need that blown up in your face 😅. I try to record everything I can at 1080/60 as I know lots of people like watching on their TVs. First time I heard VR though. Makes me want to bust out the Vive.

[@kubrick69]

@@ShmupJunkie Yeah There is a APP for youtube on quest 2. Puts you in a cinema to watch youtube. From now im only going to watch your work on there, perfect to enjoy your work buddy.

[@NotoriousNobodiesShow]

8 months later & the YT algorithm finally decides to reveal this dope video to me! Brother. Words can’t express how much this R-Type fan appreciates this. I owned the SMS version. (Yeah. We were THAT kind of family… lol) One of the best in the shmup genre!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Isn’t it nice when the algo does its job haha. I love making these history videos and have done a few now. My hope is years from now when I may not even be making videos, it’ll be a great way to help preserve the history for others to enjoy. I couldn’t believe there wasn’t a single proper history on KZbin for this series yet. So I had to remedy that.

[@NotoriousNobodiesShow]

@@ShmupJunkie Doin’ the lord’s work. lol Already caught quite a few of your videos. Please keep them coming! (Until you can’t, of course.)🤘

[@SolCresta3405]

I lost interest in the R-Type series long ago, mainly due to the brutal difficulty of the series and because of the trauma I experienced with Delta. Still suffer nightmares of Stage 5, 6, and the final stage of Delta to this day... Almost like PTSD. Final was probably the only game in the series I cared about. Maybe Final 2 will spark my interest again. Although my bond with Gradius is pretty much inseparable.

[@ShmupJunkie]

No other R-Type got that dark, depressing atmosphere like Delta it's really a masterpiece even if it's disturbing. Playing it in HD looks really nice, but in a way also cleans it up so it's not as gritty as seeing it original on a CRT with those deep blacks. I'm definitely a fan. Stage 5 is a real ball buster it gave me the most trouble out of them all, but it's also the coolest one imo so I loved playing it, with all the floating masses and old enemies. The final stage still blows my mind it's just so cool, and I was glad it wasn't overly hard so you can just enjoy what they did. Such a different series than Gradius, which I honestly love and prefer the faster gameplay. I generally don't like slower paced, methodical shmups but the good R-Types do it so well I have to enjoy them.

[@SolCresta3405]

@@ShmupJunkie But to the point of having nightmares? It’s no wonder why 2005, the year I got the game, was such a darker and edgier year for me. I actually had a nightmare of the R-13 Cerberus ending at one point.

[@ShmupJunkie]

@@SolCresta3405 Ghosts n goblins nes gave me some not happy dreams for sure, almost haunted me. I just had to finish it or it would bother me. So I get those uneasy vibes from it today, but not to what you’re describing. Though delta is far more disturbing I can only imagine. It was the first console they could really go dark with it and make it as gruesome and twisted as it was. And get away with it. The ps1 was the first console I remember as playing much nastier adult games in general. I’m sorry to hear you still have to deal with that today so far removed from that time. It’s like replaying it over and over forced it into a portion of your memory and not in a good way.

[@SolCresta3405]

@@ShmupJunkie That’s why I consider the R-Type series to be a horror franchise. Akin to Alien or Resident Evil. Especially the former since I think the Bydo are definitely inspired by the Xenomorphs.

[@tubbiele2]

@@SolCresta3405 look at the original R-Type poster. It's influenced by Alien to no end

[@southendbusker7534]

i was gonna go out and get covid fit, damn you

[@ShmupJunkie]

At least you can work on getting your thumb covid fit for now 😬

[@seanp8220]

they should make an anniversary covid special level where you shoot lots of coronaviruses etc

[@Sinn0100]

It's R-Type! I have a love, HATE relationship with this game going back to the Sega Master System release. We (father and I) must have clocked thousands of hours into that game finally beating it three years later. What a game series! This video was absolutely excellent...wow what a nostalgic trip that was.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you so much I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's really cool you were able to play that with dad, my folks like most had no interest in games. I played plenty with my boy to make up for it. But at least I have that one photo gramps took of me playing RType on the cabinet as a kid and I'll always cherish that one.

[@Sinn0100]

@@ShmupJunkie I don't think I have ever watched one of your videos and not liked it. You do great work and I love every game you have covered so far. Further, I think it's freaking awesome that you play with your son and that picture of you playing R-Type is very neat. My mom took a similar picture of me playing Samurai Showdown that reminded me of your photo. We look about the same age as well. Just like you, I cherish that picture.

[@bbuildingfan01]

This is a unbelievable awesome job on the history of R-Types can't wait until the end of april for the continuation of r-type finals 2.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks! And yes, I'm looking forward to it as well. Have you tried the free demo yet on PS4 or Switch for Final 2?

[@drifter4training]

Do Ray series !!

[@ShmupJunkie]

You mean Rayforce? Sure I've added it to my list. Wonderful games and the original is still one of my favorite Saturn games. I'm a fan

[@drifter4training]

@@ShmupJunkie all of them.. raycrisis, rayforce and raystorm.. please ?

[@mazonemayu]

“The rush of personal achievement”, I’ve tried to explain this concept to a friend for years now. He always has to beat an actual person in competitive play, to feel good about himself, I just don’t get that...there’s only one person I want to beat: me. Even it’s just that tiny bit further in a stage, or a better score...R-Type is king 🤘

[@ShmupJunkie]

Different strokes for different folks I guess. I've always been the opposite, I'm not that competitive and don't care to play against others. With friends it's fun for the social aspect, but I rarely every play anything online competitively. Fighting games are huge so your friend isn't alone, it's fun competing against others too, just different. I always found fighting games boring playing against the CPU for long, so they really need another person to shine. Shmups are king for competing against oneself.

[@mazonemayu]

@@ShmupJunkie same here mate, I’m not competitive at all, I hate most sports too for that reason 😅 only thing I like to do is skateboarding, it’s just me against gravity 😂. The only game I have ever played online in my life, is Phantasy Star Online on the Dreamcast LoL. And I’m totally with you on fighting games, I like to watch others play em, but they are not for me...shmups on the other hand are king indeed.

[@jcwadkins2100]

Man I swear your videos are the best. Ima a new Shmup fan thanks to your channel i love the hype and depth you bring while describing these games. Would love too see you do even solo quick reviews of single games but with your in depth precise way of breaking these games down. Love it man!!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks. Really glad you found this channel and it's getting you trying out some of these games and the genre as a whole, which is one of the best things I could hear. I've been doing some solo reviews of Indie games that have come out recently, but they are still pretty in-depth. I keep a playlist for them. I've tried to do shorter, quick videos and it never seems to work out and they become long haha.

[@jcwadkins2100]

I mean hey i prefer the longer videos myself anyway just figured shorter videos could mean we get more of the shmup junkie lol!!

[@Chinopolis]

Just like the series itself, this video is an instant classic. You absolutely did it justice capturing not just the history of the series, but also why it's so important in the genre. The explanation on why the difficulty is a part of what makes it so long lasting and isn't something to be complained about like in so many other reviews is spot on. Great pic at the very end by the way, perfectly captures the awe this series instills LOL

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you man, and thank you even more for the great videos I was able to use for Gallop and Leo. I honestly don't think I could've pushed this out in a week if I didn't. That last pic of me is a prized possession, I wish gramps had taken even more of me playing different games. we have very photos of us gaming and playing with friends back then, and they're about as important to me as any game in my collection if not moreso. That one is a keeper.

[@crazyoldschool6342]

R type Final is missing

[@ShmupJunkie]

No Way! It's there right after Delta, you can't miss it. I did Final and a preview for Final 2. Or it better be there anyway 😅

[@crazyoldschool6342]

@@ShmupJunkie 😂 you're right! I missed it some how.

[@MarquisDeSang]

Why is this video not 22 hours long? Common show us everything. lol

[@ShmupJunkie]

hahaha, yeah I wish right. Full longplays of every game. I do wish I had more time to show Tactics, the two games I did not give enough time too and would have liked.

[@juststatedtheobvious9633]

@@ShmupJunkie One bit you seemed to have missed: the Famicom does host R-type. It's just disguised as a Magic Dragon, and you need a rom hack to bring out the hidden potential. Also, you might find the book on the Spectrum port ('It's Behind You.') unexpectedly suspenseful reading. It's free on the internet. Beyond that, well done. A longform video on the series was exactly what I needed just now.

[@IcemanTheDj]

Nice video mann! I played R-type Leo first time back in 1993-1994. I loved so much that it's still my fav and I play it today after 30 years!

[@fivelines2473]

Coincidentally I started playing R-Types recently, being somewhat intimidated by the difficulty of it, but your video made me pick that game up again and making progress! it really grows on you

[@ShmupJunkie]

RTypes on the Playstation? Yes it's a fantastic port. The second game has yet to grow on me, as though it's technically still brilliant, it kicks my ass after a certain point and the aesthetics and music aren't quite up there with the first to keep me coming back for more. But the original I just don't tire of.

[@crazyoldschool6342]

1ST LOL

[@ShmupJunkie]

Hope you enjoyed it man, figure it's long done by now. I had it going from the start and saw you pop up soon as it went live haha

[@shmups_hobby]

Thanks for this, really enjoyed. The Delta subtext analysis was 🤯!

[@ShmupJunkie]

You’re welcome! Delta always blows my mind the game is a masterpiece. Definitely a top 3 RType for me. It was a hard act to follow.

[@thedanielstraight]

This was a fantastic video. Final was my favorite because of all different ships. The demo for Final 2 was incredible, great lighting and effects.... I can't wait for the end of the month.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Coming so soon! Looks like I'll be busy reviewing that once it finally releases. I like the idea of trying different ships and upgrades too. The stages didn't feel as focused as Delta, but I am hoping part 2 kind of combines the good aspects of the two games. Fingers crossed.

[@halfpipehillbillies5591]

Dude I just found your channel yesterday. I watched the pc engine history book 1. Absolutely amazing, and I finally feel like I found someone to relate with. Growing up in the late 80s early 90, my first system was a TG16 that my dad got. Trying to explain even what a tg16 was, is like speaking another language. Most just don't have a clue. But to me, this system and games represents a little bit of magic from my childhood. You are a legend dude, keep it up! I'll be right there with you.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thanks man! Sorry it took so long to reply I am just catching up on comments I missed. It's good to find a fellow turbo owner from back then as we were few and far between apparently. I grew up in a big city, LA which was one of the first test markets along with NY, and I still had no other friends with one. So I was glad to be the only one. We lived it and we remember. I've got part two of that video coming out tomorrow morning, Sunday. I'm sure you'll dig it as I had a lot of fun making it too.

[@halfpipehillbillies5591]

For sure man, its not everyday where you can fund a youtuber doing completely amazing stories like this. I feel like I am stumbling onto summoning salt videos for the first time again with you content. I shared with all my younger brothers, and I don't think they necessarily "get it" when they watched the video, but they do understand that the TG16 was just from a different time, and especially for people over here in the states, it definitely feels like we (TG16 owners) were few and far between. And it's nice to hear the stories of a system that I have such fond memories of. And too see content from another turbo grafx player is kinda nice too

[@ScruffyLookinRGB]

Good work man this is amazing no stone left unturned wow just wow! Top notch through and through.

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed it. I always look back and see the handful of things I missed or cut out for time, but overall I’m happy it came out so well. The series deserved a good history video and I couldn’t find one on KZbin.

[@IgnizNova]

Thank you for this, magnificent job, I just love R-Type

[@ShmupJunkie]

You're welcome. I enjoyed making this one and it turned out great. I'm glad there could be a good RType history video out there now.

[@a.rheser8181]

Fantastic video! Very well made and informative, thank you! This just popped up on my feed, instant subscribe. I always loved R-Type and STGs/shmups in general, but never got good at them. I would always buy them, but never beat them. Loved the music and the giger-esque dystopian future techno-look of R-Type. That’s why I also love Last resort and Metal Black. As you said in your video, I’m one of those guys who were only able to finish R-Type and R-Type 2 in dimensions because of the unlimited life thing. I later obsessed over R-Type final and loved all the lore packed into that Game, and the hopeless, lonely feeling it generates. Looking forward to Final 2. Have a good one, cheers from Germany!

[@ShmupJunkie]

Thank you for the great comment and I'm really glad you enjoyed it. It's really satisfying to make these retrospective videos, and after my first one on the History of Compile shooters did so well (still my best performing video) I knew I wanted to make more. And since R-Type didn't have anything on youtube I could find with a history I figured it was perfect, just in time for Final 2. You're not alone in being a big fan of Metal Black, it's such a little know yet very cool game. I am going to work it into a video someday as more people need to see how cool it is. I myself could never finish R-Type arcade back then and it wasn't until I could play it much more at home on the Turobgrafx that I finally figured it out. But I never got tired of playing the arcade cabinet even if I usually never got past stage 4 there at the time. I've lately become a huge fan of Delta and it may even be my favorite now, especially playing it cleaned up in HD like this. It has so much love and detail put into it, and that final level is just so cool, along with the one where you fight all the floating old bosses. Some masterful level design.

[@a.rheser8181]

@@ShmupJunkie It would be great if Metal Black finally gets the attention it deserves, it really is a gem that not many people know about. Thank you for giving the R-Type series the credit and video-content it deserves. My favourite is Final, so I’m very excited for Final 2. Now that you mention it, I never beat Delta, but now you got me excited for the final level, sounds really cool! Have to dust up my old PSX and copy of Delta sometime. Again, thanks for the cool video! BTW, have you played the shmups by NG.DEV Team? They are from Germany and Last Hope is pretty good IMO, fast Striker isn’t my cup of tea.

[@gregoryaraganto9378]

when i was a child, i loved rtype, remember renting a lot just to beat it on the snes, i was very small didn't know any English and could not remember the name of the game. than when emulators came to be on the late 90s i found rtype and was and amazing moment. Amazing to hear about super rtype hack, great channel, lost touch with shmups, so tahnks for amazing content.

[@ShmupJunkie]

You’re welcome and glad I could rekindle some of that nostalgia for you again. The original was truly something to behold back when it first released!

[@chaseman94]

I'm a Gradius fanatic but I Love this. Thank you for the time and energy putting this together.

[@ShmupJunkie]

To be honest I'm a Gradius guy myself too, I prefer the faster paced shooters, but RType did have a certain something that was unique. It really impressed everyone with it's presentation back on first release.

[@CubamusPrime]

@@ShmupJunkie Gradius and Parodius is my favorite series. But best Shootemup of all time for me is Radiant Silvergun

[@jszekerj]

Here it is!!😻 Excellent video my dude! Sooo so cool. It's a shame to remind me of all the amazing entries in the franchise I haven't played for being such a self proclaim Rtype fan.😭 Delta and Leo I HAVE to at least play at some point, if not own. My main reason for building a custom cab with a Pi is honestly to play those games and the rest I've missed. Bro, that initial Rtype II gameplay had my jaw on the floor man. Wtfff, that was incredible. Bullet Hell Rtype is terrifying!🤣

[@ShmupJunkie]

Dude, RType II is freaking insane, I don't know what they were thinking haha. That last stage is nuts. Almost as bad as watching that Super RType SA1 hack later (which I wasn't playing). You've played quite a few RTypes, and I definitely recommend trying Delta one day, but if you don't try part II, it may save you some frustration. You already love Super so just enjoy that one haha.

[@HideAndRead]

This is my third time watching this video, it's new to me every time. I'll be back as I explore the series!

[@ShmupJunkie]

That’s awesome. I’m glad you’re enjoying it and appreciate you watching. My very first history video I made and it came out nicely for such a great series.

[@liminalsoup3005]

Fantastic video, thanks for making it! R-Type II is one of my all time faves, from the HR Geiger inspired graphics to the mechanics of the ships and weapons, to the puzzle like levels. I remember plunking quarters into the game as a kid in the arcade and never being able to get very far, but loving it anyway. Leo is great for two-player and super fun as well. I feel this game is a bit under rated consider how awesome it is, so thanks again for making a great video on it.

[@8BitBoyUK]

What an utterly brilliant video. I watch the whole thing. Really, well done