R-Type Dimensions EX

If you're an R-Type fan you already know that R-Type Dimensions EX is worth getting. Both games are handled brilliantly, whether playing with the old-school sprite-based art style or the enhanced polygonal one. Interestingly, the gamers who may get the most out of this are those who generally struggle to do well in shoot ‘em ups: the brilliant Infinite mode makes a usually hardcore genre far more accessible, meaning everyone – regardless of skill level – can enjoy the satisfaction of beating the game, submitting their score to the online leaderboards and trying to improve next time.

R-Type Dimensions EX is a solid tweaking of a remaster that was pleasing to begin with. The original titles are classics, and while their difficulty is well known, the tweaks and additions make this more accessible to new players by getting them interested in playing the game the right way. There's already plenty of good shooters on the Switch system, but EX is still a great addition to that growing genre library.

Fans of the original who want the most accurate and perfect experience that looks and feels perfectly like it, will find that some shortcomings, stemming primarily from how this was designed with the technical limitations of monitors of its day in mind, prevent this from being the most accurate way to play R-Type. Those who can overlook minor differences will still find a compilation of two of the greatest representatives of the genre that still play, look, and feel incredibly close to their original releases, while offering ease of accessibility to those two classics for those who never played them, and who don't want to spend tons of money on an original cabinet. Some cruelly missing display modes, and a clear oversight in the infinite mode's design do hold back this compilation to a certain degree on all platforms that it was released on, but, naturally, the Switch will be the only one that can be undocked and taken on the go, giving it a slight edge.

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

R-Type Dimensions EX has everything you need to get back into these classics. A few adjustments made can take some acclimation time. Still, this is a complete package for anyone looking for an old-school arcade shooter.

Ultimately, if you like super challenging shmups and especially if you're old enough to still call them shoot-‘em-ups, then you'll find a lot to love here. Likewise if you're a newcomer to the genre then R-Type Dimensions EX is a great place to start and will hold your hand until you're ready to let go.

As a fan of the shoot em ups I have to say that I liked it a lot, and if you like the challenges I encourage you to try it, although only the owners of Switch or Steam can enjoy it, and it is not excessively expensive 15 lereles for one type of game which is almost forgotten. For me it is a 9 as far as matamarcianos is concerned, but of course, it is a timeless gem and you have to like the genre.

Overall, R-Type Dimensions EX brings you back to a golden era of games without loot boxes or DLC. You were able to enjoy a game in the fullest and know that you got your money's worth on a full game. Released already for consoles like Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, R-Type now makes its way to the Nintendo Switch.

R-Type Dimensions EX is a coding of classics that snugly fits the Nintendo Switch like a comfy old pair of slippers. While the minor quality of life components could be sniffed at, the extra features and visual gimmickry make mastering such an unforgiving piece of history more fun than just a standard cut and paste port of the originals. It’s the crown to top the nostalgic arcade shoot-em-up library that currently fills the shelves of the Nintendo eShop, and a recommended addition to a rapidly growing portable arcade collection.

The best 2D shooters of the retro era return once again, with a good value package that has plenty for new fans and old.