R-Type Complete CD
R-Type Complete CD on PCE-CD
R-Type Complete CD is a definitive home conversion of Irem's classic horizontal shoot-'em-up, released for the NEC PC Engine CD in 1991 exclusively in Japan. This version takes the original arcade's relentless side-scrolling action and amplifies it with CD-quality audio, animated cutscenes, and additional stages that were created specifically for the platform. The title 'Complete CD' reflects that it includes all the content from the earlier PC Engine HuCard release plus extra levels, making it the most feature-packed home version of R-Type at the time.
The player pilots the R-9a fighter through a series of alien-infested levels, blasting waves of enemies while dodging their projectiles and terrain obstacles. The core mechanic revolves around the Force pod, a detachable orb that can be positioned to block shots or augment firepower, adding a strategic layer beyond simple shooting. Power-ups appear frequently, allowing the player to upgrade the main weapon and acquire secondary missiles, while each stage culminates in a multi-phase boss encounter that tests pattern recognition and reflexes. The game follows a strict linear progression with no branching paths, pushing players to memorize enemy formations and boss attack patterns to survive.
Today, R-Type Complete CD stands as one of the most polished shoot-'em-ups on the PC Engine library, thanks to its excellent port quality and exclusive content that wasn't available in other versions. The CD presentation gives the game a cinematic feel that was rare for the genre at the time, with full-voice intro and ending sequences that enhance the atmosphere. While it retains the brutal difficulty of the arcade original, the addition of a stage select option (unlocked after beating the game) and the ability to continue made it more accessible for home play. For fans of classic shooting games, this is a must-play that showcases the PC Engine CD hardware's capabilities without sacrificing the tight gameplay that made R-Type legendary.
How to Play R-Type Complete CD Online
To begin, choose 'New Game' from the title screen (the menu is in Japanese, but the first option is typically start). The game immediately drops you into the first stage, so be ready to shoot. Your ship can move in all eight directions; hold the B button (S key) to fire continuously while tapping A (X key) to actively reposition your Force pod - a crucial survival tactic. The core loop is straightforward: fly right, destroy everything, collect the floating power-up letters (especially the 'F' for the Force pod and 'P' for weapon upgrades), and survive the boss at the end. Each pod attachment mode (front, back, top, bottom) changes your attack pattern, so experiment to find what works for each section.
The PC Engine CD version includes a password system for stage select after clearing the game once, but initially you'll need to play through in order. If you get a game over, you can continue from the start of the current level without restarting the entire game, which was a generous touch for the time. The Japanese menus are simple: the top option is usually 'Start', the second is 'Options' (for sound test or button config), and the third is 'Password'. Since there's no English patch, just memorize the starting position or use a picture of the menu if needed. Focus on learning boss patterns - they're tough but fair, and the enhanced CD soundtrack makes each attempt feel fresh.
R-Type Complete CD Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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