R-Type Delta review (PlayStation)

Like all of the recent series updates, R-Type Delta spares no expense in the aesthetics department. The traditionally 2D series has been completely made over in beautiful 3D, sporting the kind of graphical polish one would expect from Square. Each of the game's levels is interestingly detailed and never feels repetitive like many of Einhander's staid levels did. In addition to myriad little graphical touches, R-Type Delta uses tons of effects and transparency to give the game an excellent sci-fi look and feel. The enemies are equally varied, each sporting unique explosions and attacks. Many enemies and bosses are taken right from the original games and modeled in 3D, adding a pleasing nostalgia to the experience for R-Type veterans. R-Type Delta is much more colorful than the traditional PlayStation game, almost to the point of being garish. All of this graphic polish does come at the cost of the game's frame rate, however. The game's speed drops are noticeable but never interfere with gameplay and are even welcome at times. The game's sound is top-notch, scoring the game with a catchy fusion of rock and techno that changes with the game's surroundings. For example, diving underwater in the second stage changes the music to a much mellower, aquatic variation on the stage's theme. Sound effects are somewhat underplayed but still effective. In addition to many new sounds, a number of classic R-Type sound effects are present to take the nostalgia one step further.

If there's one PlayStation shooter to own, R-Type Delta is that shooter. Despite a handful of frustrating parts, R-Type Delta gives shooter fans exceptional gameplay, variety, and replay, in addition to carrying the spirit of the original on in style.