As a series that dates back to 1987, the original R-Type was developed by IREM, and published by Nintendo in North America. Designed as a horizontally-scrolling shooter, R-Type would go on to be a commercial success, being labelled as one of the greatest video games of all time R-Type would go on to receive many sequels and spin-offs.
One such sequel was none other than 1987’s R-Type II, which was never actually released in the west. There was a PC build that claimed to be R-Type II but was actually the second half of the original game, and there was Super R-Type, which was released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Still, it was only a partial port of the original R-Type II, featuring half of the original levels and the other half being made up of newly designed levels.
Another R-Type II game that never saw a release in North America was 2009’s R-Type Tactics II: Operation Bitter Chocolate. As a sequel to 2007’s R-Type Tactics, which was published as R-Type Command by Atlus, it was a turn-based SRPG, and while there is hope for those who once prayed for a western release, the wait continues.
Developed by Granzella, R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos is a long-awaited remake of both R-Type Tactics I and R-Type Tactics II. It was meant to be released at the end of 2025, but this is no longer the case due to being pushed back. Instead, it is now expected to be released sometime in 2026 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.
But there is some good news to be had from all this. You see, having recently had the chance to play R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos, we can confirm it still exists, development continues, and it’s all coming together rather nicely. So, let’s get into it.
For anyone hoping to see some gameplay, you’re more than welcome to skip to the end of this article, but for those who are locked in with reading, we have a few things to say. As a remake, R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos stays true to its roots. It’s still the same side-view tactical shooter game fans know and love, where the correct position is life or death, except now it’s been lovingly recreated with updated visuals that go a long way in modernising R-Type Tactics.
But, since graphics alone aren’t enough to warrant a remake, R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos also features a new campaign that we can’t wait to hear more about in the future. Especially when some campaigns allow you to take on the Bydo Empire and another lets you play as the enemy. Instead, what we can talk about is how, in the demo we went hands-on with, there are three missions available, with each one getting progressively harder.
Each mission begins with a deployment phase, with players free to build their armada out of the ships available to them and deploy them to the field of battle. Once done, it is time to take it in turns, moving each ship until you encounter enemy forces and must rely on every means available to you to obliterate them before they destroy your ships.
Mini cut-scenes play out for each movement and battle, but be warned, it is possible to charge your lasers at the wrong time, and friendly fire is enabled. So, as tempting as it is to unleash a devastating linear attack, it’s always best to move your forces out of the way first, unless you want to give your enemy a helping hand. But, in true R-Type fashion, you can still attach ships to deal more damage, resupply fuel or move a ship back inside the carrier to restore health.
Now, as for our main takeaways, it’s great to see English voice acting supported, the UI menus are clear as day and well-integrated with the game itself, and the soundtrack is absolute fire. In short, R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos is shaping up to be the remake fans are hoping it would be.
