R-Type (ARC, 1987)
Graphics-8 Sound-7 Control-8.5 Challenge-8.5 Story-5
Level Design-8 Frustration-9 Fun-8 Originality-7
Overall Score-8
+
Great variation
memorable locations
good bosses overall (large sprites)
difficulty options
different second run
interesting mechanics (use an orb as shield, switch fire directions and place it in strategic positions), pretty intense
+/-
Some bosses are timed
no weapon inventory (some parts get much harder with the wrong weapon)
-
Trial & error (stage 5 especially, bosses, fast attacks, knowing when to change direction on the orb)
hit detection isn't perfect (usually forgiving though)
somewhat far between checkpoints
uneven difficulty curve (gets much harder if you die later on, stage 5)
somewhat lame final boss/level when fully powered up
mostly annoying sound effects, some safe spots/cheap tactics with the orb, somewhat slow paced at times, stage 3 & 4 backgrounds are completely black, no manual speed adjustment (full speed is very sensitive)
Level Design-8 Frustration-9 Fun-8 Originality-7
Overall Score-8
+
Great variation
memorable locations
good bosses overall (large sprites)
difficulty options
different second run
interesting mechanics (use an orb as shield, switch fire directions and place it in strategic positions), pretty intense
+/-
Some bosses are timed
no weapon inventory (some parts get much harder with the wrong weapon)
-
Trial & error (stage 5 especially, bosses, fast attacks, knowing when to change direction on the orb)
hit detection isn't perfect (usually forgiving though)
somewhat far between checkpoints
uneven difficulty curve (gets much harder if you die later on, stage 5)
somewhat lame final boss/level when fully powered up
mostly annoying sound effects, some safe spots/cheap tactics with the orb, somewhat slow paced at times, stage 3 & 4 backgrounds are completely black, no manual speed adjustment (full speed is very sensitive)