R-Type Dimensions - An HD remix of R-Type + R-Type II for XBLA!

[handygrafx]

I have been playing R-Type since summer 1989, a little time after came out for the Master System in the U.S.   I never got to play the original coin-op arcade machine, although with MAME I was able to experience what the arcade was like, and was also able to find a copy of R-Types for the PlayStation which has near-exact replicas of R-Type and R-Type II.


I was really excited when I learned that R-Type Dimensions was not yet another attempt at a 3D sequel like Delta and Final, but a remake of the first two games.  This is for me, literally, a dream come true, even though it might not be what everyone else wanted.

IMHO this HD remake / remix of R-Type and R-Type II for Xbox Live Arcade looks absolutely stunning.  It might also come out for PSN, but as of right now, it's going to be for XBLA only and  it should be released sometime in Q1 2009, probably for $10 or so. Whatever XBLA games cost.   

This will be a real treat for me, because I plan to finally get a 360 in the coming months now that the (hopefully reliable) Jasper units have made their way to stores.

What strikes me about R-Type Dimensions is the graphics have been remade with high quality new artwork and lighting effects in high-definition, and there is a new angled perspective.  All of this is optional. You can play with the original old sprite graphics.  Or you can play with the new remade HD graphics in normal perspective.  You can switch between old graphics, new graphics *and* angled perspective, on-the-fly.  So lets say you like the new HD graphics but don't like the new perspective, no problem, you can play without the shift in view but with the updated visuals. Something for everyone in terms of visual presentation.

There is also, for the first time in R-Type I & II,  2-player co-op mode, locally, or over LIVE!


Check out these videos:

TGS 2008 trailer
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41124.html
http://www.gamersyde.com/stream_8957_en.html

additional TGS video

Check out the entrance to the BYDO base as it shifts from original graphics to new graphics with all the new detail and new perspective @ the 0.18 mark.  This is the 'best-case' for why the new graphics and new perspective actually work to a good effect, IMO.   I don't know if anyone agrees, but for those that might, you probably won't think so from any other footage or screenshot, except that part.  I was skeptical myself about the new graphics and especially the new perspective, but that part blew me away and convinced me it'll work.

recent developer interview with more footage
http://www.gamereactor.eu/grtv/?id=3568

all released screenshots
http://www.gamersyde.com/news_7195_en.html
http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/142/14271739/imgs_1.html























http://www.gamersdailynews.com/story-4814-RType-Combo-Pack-for-XBLA.html

"R-Type Dimensions" combines the genre-defining coin-op classics "R-Type" and "R-Type II," with a twist. Although classic gameplay remains untouched, "R-Type Dimensions" elevates the experience to greater heights with brand-new additions and enhancements. For the first time, "R-Type Dimensions" allows multiplayer co-op play locally or over Xbox LIVE for up to two players.* Fight through all 14 Bydo-infested stages in the original 2-D or all-new 3-D graphics with the ability to swap back and forth between the two seamlessly. Strike down the evil Bydo Empire and save the earth in "R-Type Dimensions."

Features:

"R-Type Dimensions" features include the following:
• Single player and co-op play. Locally or on Xbox LIVE for up to two players
• "R-Type" and "R-Type II." Two full playable classic coin-op games
• All-new Infinite game mode. Assuring completion of games regardless of skill level
• Classic game mode. Play that exactly mimics the original coin-op experiences
• Statistics tracking. Track all the player's vital stats
• Two free gamer pictures. Can be unlocked by players of all skill levels
• Achievements. Range from easy to advanced, making them appropriate for every skill level
• All-new 3-D graphics plus 2-D original graphics. Swap between graphic modes on the fly

This game will be the reason I sign up for an Xbox Live Gold membership, I can't wait ^__^

[Joe Redifer]

Might be good if I didn't have to play at that shitty angle... err wait.  I already said that somewhere.  Angle is optional.

Anyway, might be OK depending on price.  The fact that you can switch on the fly means that the gameplay is unaffected by the new graphics.

[handygrafx]

Yup. The developer did not even have source code to work with, they completely reverse engineered the ROMs, built the new graphics from scratch, but kept the level design and gameplay identical to the originals.

[Mobius]

Nice.  As little interest as I have in retail 360 releases, I sure love XBLA.  I'll be getting this one.

[Tatsujin]

the idea is neatand the 2P coop mode very welcome, but the new HD grafx looks such stiff and sterile, i think we hardly can become friends. without the 2p coop, there would be less than no reasons to purchase it (if i had a box). i'm already owning nearly all consolized r-types available.

[handygrafx]

I will be getting this for the new detail added in 3D and 2-player mode alone.    The new 3D graphics are not that bad, I have seen so so sooo much worse with other 'retro' games over the last few years. Take Sega Ages Golden Axe on PS2 for instance. That was horrid.   R-Type Dimensions seems to be up there in quality with Sega Ages  Fantasy Zone.    Of course nothing will replace highly detailed sprites but I will take what I can get

[Duo_R]

I played Super Street Fighter II Turbo with the new HD graphics, and I absolutely loved it. It really looks amazing, but still captures the artwork of street fighter. I have no doubt this game is going to look incredible, and still play like the classic. This is going to be a no-brainer for me and XBLA will be getting more gameplay while my Xbox 360 games I got last year will continue to collect dust.

[nat]

I think this looks really awesome, but I can't really think of anything that'd convince me to pay for a Microsoft product (console). I suppose I could go steal an XBOX 360, but I'm not really the type who's down with the idea of going to jail.

The best I can hope for is that it'll be released for Wii in some form...

[handygrafx]

I think this looks really awesome, but I can't really think of anything that'd convince me to pay for a Microsoft product (console). I suppose I could go steal an XBOX 360, but I'm not really the type who's down with the idea of going to jail.

The best I can hope for is that it'll be released for Wii in some form...

If it gets released on any other platform besides Xbox 360, it would be PS3's PSN.    I suppose there's a remote chance it could be released for Windows, but it certainly won't be coming to Wii since Wii cannot do HD graphics.

[handygrafx]

I played Super Street Fighter II Turbo with the new HD graphics, and I absolutely loved it. It really looks amazing, but still captures the artwork of street fighter. I have no doubt this game is going to look incredible, and still play like the classic. This is going to be a no-brainer for me and XBLA will be getting more gameplay while my Xbox 360 games I got last year will continue to collect dust.

It seems with R-Type Dimensions, people either love the new look, or just hate it.  Seems to be about a 50/50 split on that, with no middle-ground.   I happen to really like it.   I'll buy & download it the day it hits.  I've seen small budget games on XBLA, PSN, WiiWare, PS2 and PC that look so much worse.  I'm glad they're keeping the gameplay the same. 

Maybe after Dimensions, someone will do the same to Pulstar, or make an all-new R-Type game that surpasses Delta and Final.

[CrackTiger]

I think that they should include the original versions with every option imaginable. Then everyone's happy.

[Joe Redifer]

They are, you can turn off the fancy new graphics on the fly.  Unless you are talking about all of the ports  That would be cool, especially to flip through them all on the fly to contrast and compare.  I'd turn on the SMS version, go into the bonus stage and then switch to the arcade version and watch the game crash to a black screen.

[Digi.k]

BTW the game is up on XBL now people!

For 1200 ms points which i think is a little steep..

http://kotaku.com/5144687/this-week-on-live-arcade-r+type-dimensions



or you could just download the trial demo for free which is about 148.84 MB  I think there are some r-type themes on xbl too for a fee...

[ParanoiaDragon]

If it ever comes to PSN I'll buy it, still don't have a reason to get a 360 yet, maybe when the 720 comes out, & they make a 360lite for super cheap, I'll get one...maybe.

[handygrafx]

I got the full release.  Man, the new visuals are really, really sweet    and it's awesome to have the ability to switch between remade 3D and original 2D graphics on-the-fly.

The coolest thing about the new graphics is, the new angled perspective, which is optional.  You get that perspective with the camera set to crazy. Then you get to see detail in everything that you could only imagine was there before.  You cannot imagine how cool the huge battlecruiser of level 3 looks in this mode.

It's simply a must buy.  Don't let the $15 price and inability to configure the buttons turn you off from getting R-Type Dimensions.

[Joe Redifer]

How is the sound?  It IS arranged, correct?  The arcade sound is very poor and is unacceptable.  Hopefully they at least offer the SMS PSG sound, SMS FM sound or TG-16 sound... all of which sound much better and more pleasurable than the arcade.

[geise]

I've been on the fence for this game.  I'm kinda with Tatsujin on the look.  I also don't like re-buying games I already own.  I also wish they added R-Type 3 in there as well.  To me the new angle seems pointless and distracting.  Sometimes I just feel that some games are good enough to be left untouched/updated.  R-Type is one of those games.  I understand low res oldschool games look like ass on an HD display but still.  Who knows though, maybe I'll break down and buy it.  It is R-Type after all.  I guess I can buy a game more than once.

[Ceti Alpha]

I've been on the fence for this game.  I'm kinda with Tatsujin on the look.  I also don't like re-buying games I already own.  I also wish they added R-Type 3 in there as well.  To me the new angle seems pointless and distracting.  Sometimes I just feel that some games are good enough to be left untouched/updated.  R-Type is one of those games.  I understand low res oldschool games look like ass on an HD display but still.  Who knows though, maybe I'll break down and buy it.  It is R-Type after all.  I guess I can buy a game more than once.

I'm a fan of scanlines, but you can actually get a pretty decent picture on your HDTV with old, low res games. I know, it ain't no CRT action, but if you lower the sharpness you can get a pretty good image.

This thread has reminded me to pick up the TG R-Type. I've been hesitating buying games I've already owned in the past (besides DE - that was one of the first games I bought when I started collecting TG again. heh), but R-Type is such a classic and it's great on the TG HuCard. I hear the SuperCD R-Type Complete isn't as good as the TG Huey.

[Joe Redifer]

Nah, the CD has pace-breaking cut scenes every two levels and an awful rearrangement of the music.