R-Type Dimensions coming to Xbox Live Arcade

[parallaxscroll]

I have been playing R-Type since summer 1989, a little time after came out for the Master System in the U.S. I never got to play the original coin-op arcade machine, although with MAME I was able to experience what the arcade was like, and was also able to find a copy of R-Types for the PlayStation which has near-exact replicas of R-Type and R-Type II.


I was really excited when I learned that R-Type Dimensions was not yet another attempt at a 3D sequel like Delta and Final, but a remake of the first two games. This is for me, literally, a dream come true, even though it might not be what everyone else wanted.

IMHO this HD remake / remix of R-Type and R-Type II for Xbox Live Arcade looks absolutely stunning. It might also come out for PSN, but as of right now, it's going to be for XBLA only and it should be released sometime in Q1 2009, probably for $10 or so. Whatever XBLA games cost.

This will be a real treat for me, because I plan to finally get a 360 in the coming months now that the (hopefully reliable) Jasper units have made their way to stores.

What strikes me about R-Type Dimensions is the graphics have been remade with high quality new artwork and lighting effects in high-definition, and there is a new angled perspective. All of this is optional. You can play with the original old sprite graphics. Or you can play with the new remade HD graphics in normal perspective. You can switch between old graphics, new graphics *and* angled perspective, on-the-fly. So lets say you like the new HD graphics but don't like the new perspective, no problem, you can play without the shift in view but with the updated visuals. Something for everyone in terms of visual presentation.

There is also, for the first time in R-Type I & II, 2-player co-op mode, locally, or over LIVE!


Check out these videos:

TGS 2008 trailer
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41124.html
http://www.gamersyde.com/stream_8957_en.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgSdQ8JUrX8

additional TGS video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfdcKmwB7q0
Check out the entrance to the BYDO base as it shifts from original graphics to new graphics with all the new detail and new perspective @ the 0.18 mark. This is the 'best-case' for why the new graphics and new perspective actually work to a good effect, IMO. I don't know if anyone agrees, but for those that might, you probably won't think so from any other footage or screenshot, except that part. I was skeptical myself about the new graphics and especially the new perspective, but that part blew me away and convinced me it'll work.

recent developer interview with more footage
http://www.gamereactor.eu/grtv/?id=3568
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc0_21HOSYo




all released screenshots
http://www.gamersyde.com/news_7195_en.html
http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/1...39/imgs_1.html























http://www.gamersdailynews.com/story...-for-XBLA.html

“R-Type Dimensions” combines the genre-defining coin-op classics “R-Type” and “R-Type II,” with a twist. Although classic gameplay remains untouched, “R-Type Dimensions” elevates the experience to greater heights with brand-new additions and enhancements. For the first time, “R-Type Dimensions” allows multiplayer co-op play locally or over Xbox LIVE for up to two players.* Fight through all 14 Bydo-infested stages in the original 2-D or all-new 3-D graphics with the ability to swap back and forth between the two seamlessly. Strike down the evil Bydo Empire and save the earth in “R-Type Dimensions.”

Features:

“R-Type Dimensions” features include the following:
• Single player and co-op play. Locally or on Xbox LIVE for up to two players
• “R-Type” and “R-Type II.” Two full playable classic coin-op games
• All-new Infinite game mode. Assuring completion of games regardless of skill level
• Classic game mode. Play that exactly mimics the original coin-op experiences
• Statistics tracking. Track all the player’s vital stats
• Two free gamer pictures. Can be unlocked by players of all skill levels
• Achievements. Range from easy to advanced, making them appropriate for every skill level
• All-new 3-D graphics plus 2-D original graphics. Swap between graphic modes on the fly

This game will be the reason I sign up for an Xbox Live Gold membership, I can't wait ^__^