R-Type Final

Infobox VG
title = R-Type Final


developer = Irem
publisher = Irem (JP)
Eidos Interactive (NA)
Metro3D (EU)
designer =
engine =
released = vgrelease|Japan|JP|July 17, 2003
vgrelease|North America|NA|February 2, 2004

genre = Scrolling shooter
modes = Single player, multiplayer
ratings = ESRB: Everyone
CERO: 12+
PEGI: 3+
platforms = PlayStation 2
media = DVD
requirements =
input =

"R-Type Final" is a horizontally-scrolling shooter video game by Irem for the Playstation 2 video game console originally planned as the last game in the series; however, "R-Type Tactics" was released for the PlayStation Portable in 2007.

tory

"Final" takes place after several long wars against the Bydo, the main antagonist in the "R-Type" series. The player's first mission is to investigate a mysterious enemy inside a crashed space colony, the remnants of a large battle codenamed Operation Last Dance, a previous attempt to wipe out the Bydo once and for all. This investigative theme is incorporated throughout the game as each level is considered 'research' on the Bydo and unlocks a gallery of in-universe artwork and additional playable ships. Levels are prefaced with hints of the R-Type universe in the form of poetry.

The level physicality and enemies change size and character depending on the difficulty setting chosen by the player, providing different flight paths and playing experience for each level.

Spacecraft

"Final" provides 101 playable ships, including altered versions of ships appearing in previous "R-Type" games, together with many original ones. They are unlocked through a branching system accessed via the R Museum, which was originally featured in "R-Types". The Playstation 2's internal clock is incorporated into each ship's development history (shown through a commemorative plaque) when certain in-game tasks are completed. For example, ships unlocked in 2008 will be seen in the game as having been rolled out in 2168.

At the beginning of the first level, a partially-organic ship flies past the player's fighter. In one of the endings to the game, the player becomes that ship, traveling back in time and fighting against both the Bydo and the R-fighters.

Weapons

Forces

There are 53 Forces with three weapons each, as well as various detached-mode weapons and functions.

Forces have been the prime feature of "R-Type" series gameplay, excluding "R-Type Leo".

*Standard Force: The Force used in the original R-Type.
*Standard Force C: This is a slightly modified Standard Force; the Counter-Air Laser and Rebound Laser are replaced with the Shotgun Laser and Search Laser respectively. These weapons were first introduced in "R-Type II", in addition to the Force's original three weapons.
*Standard Force K: Has weapons based on the split laser and shotgun laser from Super R-Type.
*Standard Force DX: Essentially a more powerful version of Standard Force. It uses the same attacks as Standard Force, but causes more damage.
*Standard Force H: Similar to the Standard Force and Defensive Force in the angular ranges of its weapons, but fires an 'energy honeycomb', which looks like a hexagonal pattern of light.
*Defensive Force: Has basic short-range energy weapons covering the range of angles; a powerful forward Red shot, a twin diagonal Blue shot, and a Yellow 'bomb' which explodes into vertical shots (but is also quite good for a short range frontal attack).
*Defensive Force DX: Like Standard Force DX, Defensive Force DX is simply a more powerful version of Defensive Force.
*Camera Force 1
*Camera Force 2
*Camera Force 3
*Spherical Radial Dome Force
*Spherical Radial Dome Force DX
*Fire Force
*Flame Force
*Leo Force: A six-pronged Standard Force specifically designed for the R-9 Leo.
*Leo Force DX: A modified Leo Force made for the R-9 Leo II.
*Shadow Force: First introduced in "R-Type III". The only totally man-made Force, with no Bydo component. It resembles a green spinning egg between a pair of rotating blades. It comes with a pair of bits called Shadow Bits - ghostlike turrets which can be turned by the player's movement and fire blasters or lasers. It also has a high-speed return which brings it back to the player's ship at speed.
*Cyclone Force: First introduced in "R-Type III". It is a blue, jelly-like orb orbited by two smaller orbs. When detached, three bolts spin around it at high speed with a wide radius, destroying enemies that touch it. The Force does not have a blaster, but can be moved back and forth at will by the player.
*Gallop Force
*Gallop Force DX
*OF Force 1
*OF Force 2
*OF Force 3
*OF Force 4
*OF Force 5
*Rodless Force
*Cable Force: Also referred to as "Chain Force", the Cable Force is a precursor to the Anchor Force. It cannot grapple like the Anchor Force, but has an energy chain that damages enemies.
*Anchor Force: First introduced in "R-Type Delta," as the R-13 Cerberus's Force. When launched, it grapples a target and kills it by sucking all its energy. In certain cases when the Force attaches to a very large target such as mid-level or stage Bosses, it does not let go until the Boss is defeated. The tether begins to move around the screen when the player's craft fires its normal shots.
*Anchor Force DX: Force with a very high Bydo coefficient: if it is left in contact with an enemy for too long, it will briefly turn into a glowing Bydo creature and attack enemies while being totally outside the player's control.
*Tentacle Force: First introduced in "R-Type Delta". It has a pair of thick, metallic tentacles, which flex with the player's movement, allowing the player to control the weapon output. The Red weapon, for example, is a huge pink beam that can be concentrated by bending the tips together, while the Blue weapon is a pair of thinner beams that can be aimed by the tentacles. When detached, the Force becomes an autonomous gun turret.
*Flexible Force: This is based on the ship in Irem's 1989 shoot 'em up "X-Multiply". It is similar to the Tentacle Force in that it has a pair of metallic tentacles, but they are far longer and, as the name suggests, more flexible. In terms of area covered, it is one of the largest Forces in the game.
*Needle Force: Formerly called the Bydo Force within TP-2 Pow Armor in "R-Type Delta". It is a spiked ball that fires in all directions.
*Needle Force DX
*Cube Force
*Drill Force
*Mr. Heli Force
*Shield Force
*Mirror Shield Force
*Beam Saber Force: Available only in the TL series fighters, the Beam Saber Force is a robot that uses a sword when connected to the fighter.
*Life Force
*Flower Force
*Ivy Force: Exclusive to the Mad Forest series, the Ivy Force is similar in function to the Tentacle Force, but has four arms.
*Beast Force
*Bydo Force
*Mist Force
*Metallic Force
*Sexy Force
*Love Force
*Scale Force
*Claw Force
*Gold Force
*Platinum Force
*Diamond Force

Every Force Device fundamentally consists of a core, which is the glowing body within the device, and an external, artificial mechanism called the "control rod". The control rod's purpose is to function as an inhibitor for the core. Control rod components can also be equipped with extra cannons similar to the R-series' default weapon. Some Force Devices, such as the Shadow or Cyclone Force, are even equipped with their own Bit Devices. Thrusters within the control rod direct the movement of the Device, and relays connect the device to the control of the R-craft's onboard computer. The computer automatically handles the maneuvers of the Force Device, and detached Devices will perform differently according to their unique programming. Some will attempt to match the altitude of the R-craft, while others will avoid the altitude of the R-craft. While the computer handles these movements, the action of Recalling, Docking with or Releasing the Force Device to or from the R-craft is under the direct decision of the pilot.

The glowing orb in the center of every Force Device hides its terrible secret: This core is essentially a flesh sample of the Bydo. Bydo flesh has the unique property of being neither matter nor energy, but in a state of constant flux between the two. As such, it becomes a catalytic converter for energy weapons. By concentrating certain wavelengths of energy and subjecting the sample to the beam, new energies are created at wavelengths that are effective against the Bydo. Different energy injection wavelengths are achieved through the use of the colored lenses of the Power-Up Laser Crystals. Essentially, the R-craft is the energy source of the weapon. This energy is refined after passing through an equipped Laser Crystal, and finally, the Force Device, if docked to the R-craft (in most cases) converts the energy into a wavelength that is able to cancel the Bydo molecular structure.

The control rods interface with the organic Force through synaptic roots that extend into the sphere of the core, much like the dendritic extensions of neuron cells. For the Standard Force with four control rods, these roots are hidden beneath the points of attachment of the rods to the Force orb. During the opening sequence of "R-Type Final", a synchronization sequence between the control rods and the Force Core was shown. As the dendrites from the control rod made contact with the dendrites offered by the inner nucleus of the Force, %100 synchronization occurred. Without an inhibiting restraining device or control rod, the Force Orb has the capability to mature into a full-fledged Bydo. The orange ball is merely its embryonic form.

For their crucial significance to the "R-Type" series, a dormant Standard Force is seen resting beneath the waves on the "Final" title screen.

Wave Cannons

There are 83 wave cannons, ranging from laser beams and explosive blasts to pile driver spikes and acid sprays.

Every wave cannon has a number of 'loops' - a loop is when the beam bar is filled all the way. If more loops are available, continuing to charge the wave cannon will fill the beam bar again, increasing the energy of the wave cannon shot. The player will know when the maximum loop has been achieved when the wave meter flashes. Although it takes a long time, with certain wave cannons it is possible to charge a beam so powerful that it can even kill bosses in a single blast.

The most common number of loops is two, but the number varies from one to seven. The loops are labelled Beam - High - Strong - Great - Special - Devil - Bydo.

Bit Types

A Bit is a small pod that hovers above or below the fighter. Up to two can be equipped. There are 12 Bit Types:
* Standard Bit: Damages enemies on collision, and with some Forces, provides additional firepower with one of the weapons (normally the Red weapon).
* Shadow Bit: Leaves short trails which damage enemies.
* Camera Bit: Takes pictures and collects data on enemies.
* Shield Bit: Has the same defensive ability as a Force.
* Red Pod: Fires a blaster and can be aimed in any direction by movement of the ship. Can also be thrown ahead at enemies, an attack called the Pod Shot. First appeared in "Image Fight" in 1988.
* Blue Pod: Similar to the Red Pod, but the blaster can only fire forward. First appeared in "Image Fight" in 1988.
* Yellow Pod: Has no blasters, but is capable of an extra-powerful Pod Shot.
* Green Pod: Similar to the Red Pod, with an extra blaster that fires the opposite way.
* Psy Bit: Only comes in pairs. Has a blaster that fires forward if the ship is moving backward, and vice versa. While the Force is attached, it fires a supporting weapon with the Force's. If the Wave cannon is fired, the Psy Bits detach and home in on nearby enemies, damaging them with an energetic trail.
*Psy Bit +: An enhanced Psy Bit. Operates in the same way as the Psy Bit, but with enhanced weapons. If the Wave Cannon is charged to two loops and fired, the homing attack is longer.
* Bydo Bit: An organic Bit, compatible with Bydo-based ships.
* Mr Heli Bit: A Bit resembling a miniature helicopter. Only available on the TP-3 "Mr Heli". It fires a blaster forward if the ship is moving forward, and vice versa.

Missile Types

There are 10 kinds of homing missiles and bombs.

*Homing Missile: Two missiles which homes into the enemy and destroys it on impact.
*4-Way Homing Missile: 4 missiles which homes into the enemy and destroys it on impact.
*6-Way Homing Missile: 6 missiles which homes into the enemy and destroys it on impact.
*Enhanced Homing Missile: Two missiles which it destroys weak enemies without exploding until it hits on stronger enemies with better firepower. First introduced within the secret ship, the "TP-2 Pow Armor" in "R-Type Delta".
*Eyeball Homing Missile: Same as from the Homing Missile except this is used in Bydo type fighter ships.
*Photon Missile: Launches a single missile with semi-homing ability and is more powerful within impact. First introduced in "R-Type Delta".
*Anti-Ground Missile: Launches a single missile which crawls and destroys ground enemies within impact.
*Scatter Bomb: Launches a bomb capsule. When in impact, a trail of napalm explosions crawl on the ground. First introduced in "R-Type II".
*Vertical Missile: When on ground, the bomb bounces until it explodes on contact. But when dropped on open space, it will shoot out 5 homing missiles in a spreading upward pattern.
*Depth Bomb: Drops bombs with better recovery time.

Dose Attacks

There are 5 different Dose Attacks, the Nuclear Catastrophe (fills the screen with electrical fusion), the Negative Corridor (tears open a "sucking" hole distorting the screen), the Solar Corridor (fills the screen with bright light via a ball of solar energy in the middle of the screen), the Hysteric Dawn (tears a dimensional rift of damaging space and time, two laser helixes spin right at the screen momentarily), and the Scorch Ghost Armada (generates plasma-generated Bydo monsters burning everything on the screen). All but the Solar Corridor appeared in "R-Type Delta".

There is also a VS AI mode, which allows the player to specify attack strategies and pit their ships in a duel with computer-controlled opponent fighters.

The ending of the US version of R-Type Final features a song from "Blue Man Group", whereas the Japanese version has a different ending sung by "Hekiru Shiina". The European version features a completely different song altogether.

Meanings and significances of fighter names in "R-Type Final"

* R-9DH "Grace Note": In music, a grace note is a kind of ornamental embellishment. The R-9DH is equipped with a Long Irradiation Beam, which produces a distinctive pure, clear tone when fired.
* R-9DP series: The pile-driver fighters seem to be named for geographical features in Japan. The R-9DP "Hakusan" has the same name as the town in which Irem is located. Its descendant, the R-9DP2 "Asanogawa", appears to be named for the Asanogawa Ohashi bridge in Kanazawa. The last ship in the R-9DP series is the R-9DP3 "Kenrokuen", which is likely named for the historic Kenrokuen Garden, also in Kanazawa.
* RX-10 "Albatross": Albatrosses are large seabirds; the wandering albatross has the longest wingspan of any bird. Like its namesake, the RX-10 has relatively long horizontal wings. This ship was originally found as the R-X "Albatross" from "R-Type Delta".
* OF-1 "Daedalus": In Greek mythology, Daedalus was a great artificier. He is said to have invented images; this may be a reference to the fact that the OF-1 comes from the game "Image Fight", in which the first five stages are set inside a holographic simulator.
* OFX-2 "Valkyrie": The Macross series' main mecha were fighting machines known as VF-1 Valkyries. These fighters could change from fighter jets to robots, and into a form somewhere in between called GERWALK. The transforming nature of the OF-2 (and all OF series fighters) is somewhat similar to the Macross fighters of the same name.
* OFX-4 "Songoku": Son Goku is the name of a character in the Chinese story "Journey to the West".
* OF-5 "Kaguya": Princess Kaguya is a character in the Japanese story "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter". The OF-5's description in the game itself suggests that it was named for her because the shots of the Green Pod (which only the OF-5 can use) look like bamboo. It stresses, however, that this is merely speculation.
* TP-2M "Frogman": A frogman is another name for a scuba diver. The TP-2M is designed for amphibious duty and is equipped with flippers and what appear to be air or oxygen tanks.
* TL series: The transforming mecha fighters are all named for figures from Greek mythology. The first, and ancestor of the rest, is the TL-T Chiron. In Greek legend, Chiron was the tutor of Jason, Asclepius, Achilles and Heracles. The four descendants of the Chiron are the TL-1A "Iason", TL-1B "Asklepios", TL-2A "Achilleus" and TL-2B "Herakles".
* TL-2A2 "Neoptolemos": Named after Achilles and Princess Deidamea's warrior-son, Neoptolemus. In the game, the "Neoptolemos" is the evolution of the "Achilleus," and given the fighter's advanced combat capabilities, only the best soldiers are trained to pilot it.
* TL-2B2 "Hyllas": Hyllus was the son of Heracles. The TL-2B2 is the descendant of the TL-2B "Herakles".
* RX-12 "Cross the Rubicon": To 'cross the Rubicon' is a phrase meaning 'to commit oneself to a risky course of action'. It originates from Julius Caesar's crossing of the River Rubicon, which was said to be forbidden. The RX-12 is the Bydo Coefficient Test Unit, the ship that was designed to break the limit of energy that could be obtained from Bydo organisms, thus paving the way for Bydo-based fighters.
* R-13 series: These are also named for Greek mythological figures. In Greek legend, Echidna is the mother of Cerberus, and Cerberus was the guardian of Hades. The R-13T "Echidna" is the prototype for the R-13A "Cerberus", which is the ancestor of the R-13A2 "Hades". The R-13A "Cerberus" originally appeared as the R-13 "Cerberus" in "R-Type Delta". The R-13's ending in that game is perhaps the darkest of its three endings: It shows the R-13, trapped in the Bydo forest. The R Museum official write up states that it disappeared during the Bydo Seed Incident in 2164, the year when "Delta" takes place. The R-13B "Charon" is named after a ferryman who brings the dead to the underworld.
*TP-1 "Scope Duck": The Scope Duck's name and faceplate is a homage to the ATM-09 Scopedog battle robot from the mecha anime series Armored Trooper VOTOMS.
* B-1 "Digitalius" and descendants: These ships all resemble plants. "Digitalis" is the scientific name for the plant genus of foxgloves.
* BX-2" Platonic Love": Platonic love is a philosophical term for mutual love of a non-sexual nature. The BX-2 "Platonic Love" has a distinct heart theme, and it is suggested that it somehow utilises the power of love.
* R-9Ø "Ragnarok": In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is the name of the battle that is predicted to take place at the end of the world. There is a "Ragnarok" variant, the R-9Ø2 "Ragnarok II", which contains the so-called 'Final Wave Cannon'; a weapon capable of destroying any enemy (including bosses) in a single shot when fully charged. Perhaps also in keeping with the Norse theme, the ship's designation contains the character Ø, a letter of the Norwegian alphabet. This ship, along with the R-9S "Strike Bomber" and the R-9Ø2 "Ragnarok II", is derived from the R-90 from "".
* R-9F "Andromalius": This ship was named for a demon described in the Lesser Key of Solomon. Andromalius, the last of the 72 spirits described, is described there as manifesting as a man carrying a great snake, which would match with the R-9F's long beams on the top and bottom, and possibly also its yellow weapon, Tentacle Laser. In an alternative interpretation, the R-9F was the experimental test-bed fighter used to manually hold Force Devices that have yet to be stabilized on their own. In a way, the "great snake" is the true nature of a Force Core: an inhibited Bydo Embryo.
*BX-T "Dantalion": This ship was also named for a demon described in the Lesser Key of Solomon. Dantalion is the 71st listed (i.e. a little higher up than Andromalius by some reckonings), and it is his name that is given to the first ship that used Bydo tissue for parts of the ship itself, rather than just the Force. To the humans besieged by the Bydo, this really would seem to be a kind of demon-ship.
* R-9Sk "Principalities" and R-9Sk2 "Dominions": According to Pseudo-Dionysius, the Principalities and Dominions are two of the nine choirs into which the angels are ordered. This is probably in connection with the ships' charge shot, a beam of flame, which could suggest the flaming sword that is often regarded as an angelic weapon (e.g. the sword held by the angel who protects Eden).
* R-99 "Last Dancer ", R-100" Curtain Call ", and R-101" Grand Finale:" "R-Type Final" was initially meant to be the swan song of the "R-Type" series, and these three ships bear the name of the last things seen in a typical theater or ballet production: the last performers of the production, the curtain call where all of the performers appear to the audience one last time, and the grand finale that ties everything together and ends the show. The R-99, R-100, and the R-101 are the last ships earned in the game (unless you meet certain requirements, in which case the R-100 can be acquired early), and each has a role in the storyline with a distinct air of finality, that of the R-Type series of fighters finally ending. The R-99 is the last ship slated to be used in widespread production, the R-100 was to serve as a machine built so future generations can learn from it and its technology, and the R-101 is the final masterpiece that the "R-Type" development team made before disbanding. Being the final ships in the game, they are capable of using every wave cannon, Force, Bit and Missile in the game in any combination.

References

External links

* [http://www.irem.co.jp/official/rfinal/ Official website]
*moby game|id=/r-type-final