ExpandedPlayStation 4PC (Microsoft Windows)Nintendo Switch2018

R-Type Dimensions EX

This compilation once again includes the first two games, R-Type and R-Type II, both of which feature the original 2D graphics as well as a new 3D recreation, with the player being able to switch back and forth between the two modes at the press of a button. EX also featured new music remixes, whereas the original release used the arcade soundtrack.

Community

Critics

Trailers

Screenshots

Very Positive

11 Steam reviews

Review History

Reviews

11 total

≥h

Steam User 9355STEAMRecommended

Wow! I bought this masterpiece yesterday. It runs flawlessly on my Retroid Pocket 5. It's one of the best - the best? - R-Type experience I've played so far. It matches 100% to Retroid Pocket 5. it's a must buy.

Feb 15, 2026·1h·Verified

Steam User 7304STEAMRecommended

懐かしさで購入。昔の画質でも遊べて、高画質モードもある。だいたいのPCでも動くだろうから安心。
良ゲーですね。

Feb 15, 2026·1h·Verified

Steam User 6015STEAMRecommended

Fun if you are into side scrolling shooters. I prefer the pixel graphics, and I like how you can swap back and forth.

Feb 6, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 1798STEAMRecommended

R-Type Dimensions EX is a carefully crafted revival of two of the most influential side-scrolling shoot ’em ups ever made, developed by Tozai Games, Inc. in collaboration with ESQUADRA, Inc. and published by Tozai Games, Inc. Rather than attempting to reinvent the formula, this release focuses on preservation, accessibility, and respectful modernization, bringing R-Type and R-Type II together in a single package that celebrates their legacy while smoothing some of the rough edges that defined the original arcade experience. It is a game that understands its historical importance and treats its source material with care, making it both a tribute and an entry point for new players.

At its core, the experience remains unmistakably R-Type. Players pilot the iconic R-9 fighter against the relentless alien Bydo Empire across a series of tightly designed, horizontally scrolling stages filled with environmental hazards, enemy ambushes, and screen-filling bosses. The gameplay is methodical rather than frantic, emphasizing precision movement, pattern recognition, and careful positioning. Unlike many shooters that encourage constant firing and speed, R-Type demands restraint and foresight, often punishing reckless play. Every section of each stage feels intentionally designed to test spatial awareness and mastery of the game’s mechanics.

One of the defining elements that still sets R-Type apart is the Force unit, a detachable orb that can be launched forward or attached to the front or back of the ship. This single mechanic adds a remarkable layer of strategy, functioning simultaneously as an offensive weapon and a defensive shield. Learning when to deploy the Force, where to position it, and how to use it to block enemy fire is essential to survival. R-Type Dimensions EX preserves this system exactly as it was, allowing players to appreciate just how forward-thinking and influential the design was when the originals were first released.

The most visible addition in Dimensions EX is the ability to instantly switch between classic 2D pixel art and updated 3D visuals at the press of a button. This feature is more than a novelty; it offers two distinct ways to experience the same stages. The original visuals retain their sharp, deliberate clarity, which many purists still prefer for reading enemy patterns and bullet trajectories. The modern presentation adds depth, lighting effects, and reworked backgrounds that give the environments a more cinematic feel without altering level layouts or gameplay behavior. Being able to swap styles on the fly highlights how strong the underlying design is, regardless of visual treatment.

Audio presentation follows a similar philosophy. Players can choose between the original soundtracks and remastered versions that add richness and modern polish while staying faithful to the tone of the originals. Sound effects remain punchy and distinctive, reinforcing the weight of weapons and the menace of enemy attacks. Together, the visual and audio options allow players to tailor the experience to their preferences, whether they are seeking pure nostalgia or a refreshed presentation.

While the original R-Type games are infamous for their difficulty, Dimensions EX introduces several options to make the experience more approachable without undermining its identity. An Infinite mode allows players to continue through stages without being pushed back by repeated deaths, reducing frustration and making it easier to learn enemy patterns. Adjustable speed settings let players slow down the action to study complex sections or increase the pace for an added challenge. Stage select functionality further encourages practice and mastery, transforming the game from a punishing endurance test into a more flexible learning experience.

The inclusion of local cooperative play adds another layer of appeal, allowing two players to tackle the campaign together. Cooperative play changes the dynamic of encounters, offering moments of shared tension and coordination as players manage space and threats simultaneously. While not a replacement for the intense solo experience, it provides a fun and engaging alternative that broadens the game’s appeal, especially for shared sessions.

Despite these modern additions, R-Type Dimensions EX remains firmly rooted in old-school design philosophy. The total number of stages is limited, and the experience is relatively short by modern standards. There are no procedural systems, meta-progression loops, or extensive customization options. Instead, replay value comes from improving performance, mastering difficult sections, and challenging oneself to complete stages with fewer mistakes. For some players, this purity is part of the appeal; for others, it may feel sparse compared to more content-heavy modern shooters.

Ultimately, R-Type Dimensions EX succeeds because it understands what made R-Type special in the first place. It preserves the deliberate pacing, strategic depth, and oppressive atmosphere that defined the originals while adding thoughtful options that make them more accessible to contemporary audiences. Whether approached as a nostalgic return to a legendary series or as a first encounter with a foundational shoot ’em up, the game delivers a demanding, rewarding experience that stands as a testament to timeless game design.

Rating: 8/10

Jan 9, 2026·14h·Verified

Steam User 4352STEAMRecommended

R-Type Dimensions EX remains a true test of piloting skill, even today. Jumping back into it after discovering it back in the day really shows how this shoot ’em up has always embraced its reputation: difficult, demanding, unforgiving, yet incredibly rewarding.

What still stands out is how faithfully this version preserves the spirit of the original episodes. The gameplay hasn’t been softened or over‑modernized: you still get that razor‑sharp precision, those patterns that punish the slightest mistake, and that unique feeling of progressing purely through skill.

One of the best ideas in this edition is the ability to instantly switch between retro graphics and the remastered version with a single press of the controller. This small gesture creates a direct bridge between two eras: from raw pixels to polished 3D in the blink of an eye, giving the experience real historical and nostalgic value.

In the end, R-Type Dimensions EX isn’t just a remaster — it’s a faithful tribute to a time when games forgave nothing but rewarded everything. A title that reminds you why you came back to it then, and why you still come back today

Jan 8, 2026·1h·3·Verified

Steam User 4223STEAMRecommended

- gg.

Jan 3, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 3355STEAMRecommended

It's a fabulous game. Fabulously hard, but very, very rewarding.

Dec 29, 2025·24h·1·Verified

Steam User 6778STEAMRecommended

Amazing remastering of the game which I played long time ago. It is simply joy to play. I

Dec 28, 2025·5h·Verified

Steam User 7907STEAMNot recommended

Se compra por la nostalgia pero es un juego con el que es mejor quedarse con el recuerdo. Desagradable, el movimiento de la nave es demasiado sensible y una dificultad que no tenía el original.
La dificultad consiste en he tenido suerte y esta vez no me han disparado a bocajarro. Pues vale.

Dec 27, 2025·26h·Verified

Steam User 1941STEAMNot recommended

Ich pack dann mal lieber wieder die SNES aus...

Einen älteren Controller (USB SNES) zum Laufen zu bringen ist nur über Umwege möglich, ich musste x360ce nutzen. Spiel wurde leider im Unity Müll umgesetzt ohne Config Files.
Teils einfach zu schnell, strikte 50/60 FPS Begrenzung wäre klasse. (klar würde über die nvidia/amd software gehen, ist aber nervig)
Es fehlen grundlegende Auflösungen für die heutige Zeit.

Dec 27, 2025·Verified

Steam User 2580STEAMRecommended

実際に遊んでみるとローポリゴンと低解像テクスチャが
気になって昔のドット絵職人はすごいなと気づかされる。
IIは海外版で国内版とはアイテムの出現パターンとか敵の耐久度が違うらしい。
おススメしにくいけどセールで安かったらどうぞって感じ。

Dec 25, 2025·Verified