R-Type Final Switch Review

R-Type Final

Developed By: Granzella inc.

Published By: NIS America

Date of Release: April 30, 2021

Price: $39.99

 

 

The R-Type series has had a long and storied history, spanning over decades and appearing in arcades as well as nearly every console in existence. It is a magnum opus of the horizontal Shoot-Em-Up (SHMUP) genre, and all of the entries hold up magnificently to this day. And now in 2021, R-Type Final 2 has burst onto the scene like Dobkeratops' second head. Developed by Granzella and published by NIS America, it has a lot to live up to.

 

 

Thankfully, R-Type Final 2 doesn't mess with the tried and true mechanics of the series, and puts quite an emphasis on amazing level design and spectacular setpieces, all made possible by Unreal Engine 4. The care they put into optimization is clear as day, as despite running on the fairly moderate Nintendo Switch the graphics are sharp, the action is fluid and there are excellent lighting effects as you traverse the hulks of dead spaceships and bring the fight to the Bydo. On top of that the action is set to a gloriously fitting score, definitely on track with the rest of the series.

The gameplay is classic R-Type, though with a twist that you can design your own ship this time around. You'll dodge bullets and frag your foes while you weave through the seemingly endless mazes of the levels. It never gets to be a fever pitch of bullets like in other games of the genre, R-Type has never been a danmaku series. The difficulty curve is just right too, with well tuned modes to choose from. All in all R-Type Final 2 is an excellent entry in the series, despite the odd naming choice. I'd definitely recommend it to any SHMUP fan.