SNES version is a classic, GBA version is a disgrace

The evil scum of the Bydo Empire are at it again. So it's up to you to climb into your R-9 Ragnarok vessel and blast off to defeat the mutant alien slime.

This second sequel (or third if you count the Japanese Arcade-only R-Type Leo) was originally just as solid as any other game in the series. This GBA version is tepid to the point of redundancy. The cut-scenes have been omitted so the game is just one level after another. While the graphics look good they have a tacky cheapness about them that is distracting. And don't get me started on the music. The R-Type series is famous for having some of the most coolest of the coolest tunes ever, sort of like a futuristic space-rave. Sadly, in this GBA version they have been cut down to the most horrible sounding and basic midi files. It almost feels like there is no music at all. The gameplay just sucks, plain and simple. Nothing is about skill, instead one must memorise their way around the levels. There is no fun to be had in risk-taking as you will always lose coz the odds are so heavily against you. And too often there are long gaps in which nothing happens, just the ship cruising through empty space. And when you inevitably die you get sent miles back and must do it all over again. Since finishing this near-impossible games requires doing levels over and over again it becomes very repetitive and tedious very quickly.

Anyone keen to check out R-Type III ought to get the SNES version and leave this disgrace be. Unless you like game that will make you tear the hair from your head in frustration and bore the pants off you with the dull levels.

Graphics B- Sound D- Gameplay D- Lasting Appeal F

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The evil Bydo Empire returns in this entry of the R-Type series. So climb into the latest R-Type vessel, the R-90, and blast through six side-scrolling levels on your way to destroy the Bydo mothership. Gameplay is still the classic R-Type way with huge levels and bosses. With your detachable laser unit, you can fire in front or behind your ship. R-Type III now features three different kinds of laser unit, selectable at the start of a game. Each offers different laser types depending on the power-ups collected.

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