One thing that was interesting about R-Type DX on the Nintendo Game Boy was that Nintendo published it outside of Japan. This was something Nintendo did not do that often so it must have been a quality release for them to put their name on it. Coming out in 1999 R-Type DX was released in a time when Nintendo really had no competition in the portable market. Now, thanks to City Connection, fans of the genre, or those in the know that love R-Type, can enjoy R-Type DX on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam.
Literally the Original Game
If you are hoping for a remake, a re-imagining, or update, I have bad news for you. According to Time Extension R-Type DX Music Encore (that is the official name) will feature emulated versions of these titles –
R-Type R-Type II The DX mode that lets you play through both titles back to back
What is being added here is what City Connection are calling a “what if” soundtrack that will be available in the DX mode. This apparently will be “dedicated tracks” reminiscent of the arcade game matched to key scenes in R-Type DX.
The usual trimmings that modern emulators offer such as rewind, rapid fire toggle, save states, and more will of course be included. At this point though, these seem like standard options, not having them seems like it would be more newsworthy than mentioning they are included. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrAep3Z96lA
A Classic on Modern Hardware
I do not know what the cost will be for R-Type DX Music Encore, considering the perceived lack of effort involved, I hope it is not much. Fans can easily get what this package offers on the surface for free, or just buy the original game and play that.
Being on modern hardware will of course give many fans a chance to enjoy the pixelated shooters on the big screen but, that and the few extras being offered here, is that enough to warrant a purchase?
Let me know in the comments below. For me, if this is too much, I will simply pass. I am not sure what would be a fair price but I can honestly say, if this is more than $20 you are better offer picking up Earthion on all the same platforms, that at least is an original game, 100% newly created with 16-Bit in mind.