R-Type

R-Type - the 1988 horizontal shooter for Commodore 64 from Electric Dreams Software.

Fly the R-9 through bio-mechanical gauntlets, dock a Force pod front or
rear, and unleash the charge beam to burn through set-piece bosses across
eight stages.

Core loop
- weave through waves and hazards while timing safe windows
- grab capsules to upgrade the Force and weapons, plus missiles and speed
- charge the beam and target boss weak points to clear the stage

Systems and items
- force module - launch, dock front or back, and upgrade in three stages
- beam - hold fire to charge a piercing shot
- lasers - reflection laser - wave laser - ground laser
- missiles - homing rockets augment your fire
- speed ups and shield orbs add survivability

Level design and feel
Smooth h-scrolling with busy patterns and memorable set pieces, including
the giant battleship stage. Tight collision and snappy response sell the
arcade feel. SID arrangements by Chris Hülsbeck and Ramiro Vaca drive the
pace.

Why it is notable
- C64 conversion coded and co-designed by Manfred Trenz with art by
Trenz and Andreas Escher, music by Hülsbeck and Ramiro Vaca
- developed at Rainbow Arts in roughly six weeks using tech from Katakis
- official Irem license released by Electric Dreams on C64

Tips
- park the Force on the rear to cover spawns while you reposition
- use the charged beam to punch boss cores and dense enemy columns
- swap laser type to fit terrain (reflect for corridors - ground for walls)

At a glance
Year - 1988
Developer - Rainbow Arts
Design and programming - Manfred Trenz
Graphics - Manfred Trenz - Andreas Escher
Music - Chris Hülsbeck - Ramiro Vaca
Publisher - Electric Dreams Software
Genre - Horizontal shooter
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - space toggles Force