 |
| Title: |
R-TYPE DX |
| Publisher: |
Nintendo |
| Features: |
GameBoy / Color GameBoy Compatible
Save Progress Available In Color Version |
| Available: |
Mega Multimedia
Tampines Mall
Tel: 788-7555
Fax: 788-2555 |
| Reviewer: |
Eric |
|
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Introduction
All things considered, R-Type DX should be awarded the title, "Mother of all shooters". Actually, after
the first fifteen minutes, I was even willing to call it, "Daddy". It was that intense!
For those that don't know, R-Type DX is actually five games in one. You not only get the old mono versions of both
R-Type and R-Type II, but also a color enhanced version of the two games. The fifth game is R-Type DX, a mean mother
that is a combination of both games but super enhanced and playable only on the Color GameBoy.
The color versions also have the added feature of a progress save and a rapid fire option. Both of which you will
definitely need.
Game Play
As in all shooters, game play is simple and straight forward. You need to be quick on the trigger button and be
dexterous enough to avoid all the enemies. Of course, the enemies are just as quick with their lasers and missiles.
They also have the annoying habit of kamikaze-ing into your spaceship, so be careful!
R-Type DX is completed in stages, and at the end of each stage is a Boss that's always bigger and meaner. Each
Boss has different weakness, and each one has a specific soft-spot that you must shoot to cause damage. There are
no life bars on the Boss, so most of the time you've got to just keep shooting until either it or you explodes.
But don't worry, the game is full of power-ups (if you can get them) that will increase your speed and fire-power.
If you're lucky enough to get all the power-ups, then it's almost plain sailing and not to mention, a spectacular
color and light show with explosions and lasers galore.
Color & Controls
Graphics and the use of colors were exceptional, and for a shooting game, Nintendo did admirably well to use them
in a manner that made enemies, lasers and obstacles distinguishable. If you try the mono version of R-Type, you
will know what I mean.
The controls were good, although minute adjustments on the direction pad often translates into huge movements on
the screen. So be careful again. Sadly, the GameBoy's directional pad is sorely lacking. Half and hour of furious
playing will undoubtedly leave you with sore thumbs and fingers. For a game like this, nothing beats a good old
joy-stick.
Final Comments
I liked the game. The action is fast and furious, and the enemies are plentiful and varied. It's a hard game too,
even on easy mode, so be prepared for blisters and swearing. At times the game will slow down when there's too
much action on the screen, but don't think of it as hardware ineptness, but rather a reprieve for what is a really
an action-packed shooter. If there's only one shooter that you can choose for your GameBoy collection, then R-Type
DX is the one. |
