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This is the first game in the R-Type series. For other games in the series see the R-Type category.

Box artwork for R-Type.
Box artwork for R-Type.
R-Type
Developer(s)Irem
Publisher(s)Electric Dreams
Year released1987
System(s)Arcade, Commodore 64/128, Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore Amiga, Sharp X68000, NEC PC-8801, MSX, Sega Master System, TurboGrafx-16, TurboGrafx-CD, Game Boy, Wii, Mobile, Android, iOS
Followed byR-Type II
SeriesR-Type
Genre(s)Shooter
ModesSingle player
Rating(s)ESRB EveryonePEGI Ages 7+
LinksR-Type ChannelSearchSearch
R-Type marquee

R-Type (アールタイプ?) is a side scrolling shooter arcade game produced by Irem in 1987. The player controls a space fighter named R-9a "Arrowhead" to defend humanity against a mysterious but powerful alien life-form known as "Bydo", which was later discovered to be not entirely alien in origin. R-Type is recognized as one of the classics of the shooter genre from the 1980s arcade.

R-Type is set in the 22nd century, and the player flies a futuristic fighter craft called the R-9a "Arrowhead", named for its shape, and because it is the ninth model in the 'R' series of fighter craft (but it is the first of the series to actually be used in combat; the previous models were all prototypes). The mission is to 'blast off and strike the evil Bydo Empire'. The significance of the R- in the series title refers to the production code as well as the term of endearment for the player fighter craft, the "Round Canopy".

The original R-Type was well received by most gaming critics. However, it was also infamous for its relentless difficulty. It earned 7th place in IGN's Top 10 most difficult games to beat. The gameplay of R-Type is noticeably distinct among shoot 'em ups. Invariably the player will lose, not because of an inequality in firepower, but because of the design of the levels themselves. There is usually a 'correct' way to get through a level, but players must learn these by experience - i.e. by losing and restarting from earlier in the level.

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