R-Type
1987 · Shooter · Arcade
Overview
R-Type is a 1987 horizontally scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Irem for arcades. The player controls the R-9 "Arrowhead" starship in its efforts to destroy the Bydo, a powerful alien race bent on wiping out all of mankind. The R-9 can acquire a glowing orb called a "Force", giving limited protection from enemy fire and providing additional firepower.
Deep Dive
R-Type is a 1987 horizontally scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Irem for arcades. The player controls the R-9 "Arrowhead" starship in its efforts to destroy the Bydo, a powerful alien race bent on wiping out all of mankind. The R-9 can acquire a glowing orb called a "Force", giving limited protection from enemy fire and providing additional firepower.
Developer Story
R-Type was developed by Irem in 1987. The Force pod — a reflective orb that attached to the front or rear of the ship — was a completely original mechanic. The pod blocked bullets, reflected certain enemy fire, and served as an independent weapon. Unlike most shooters, R-Type required precise memorisation of enemy patterns rather than reflexes — every stage was a puzzle with a specific solution.
Did You Know?
- The Force pod — detachable, attachable, reflective — was one of gaming's most original weapon mechanics and was never successfully replicated by another game.
- R-Type required pattern memorisation rather than reflexes — dying and learning was the intended design philosophy.
- The Bydo — the game's antagonist organism — was later revealed in sequels to be a future version of humanity transformed into a weapon.
- Stage 3's giant battleship, which players flew through from the outside to the inside, was one of the most ambitious level designs of 1987.
- R-Type's demanding difficulty and puzzle-like structure gave it a cult status that persisted long after most contemporaries were forgotten.
