R-Type III -Snes- 9

May 27, 2024

I just finished one playthrough of R-Type 3 for the Snes. After you beat the game once, you get sent back to the beginning in “Advanced Mission” mode, which acts as the game’s hard mode to unlock the true ending. But that’s enough for me right now! Normal mode was difficult enough! The R-type games are notoriously hard, and R-type 3 is no exception. I have great memories of playing some of the other entries in my youth, but I was never able to beat any of them until now.

R-type 3 is the best space ship shoot ‘em up on the Super Nintendo, in my opinion. The deliberate pace feels different than most shmup’s, making you think about every single movement you make. This methodical nature makes R-Type 3 feel more like a puzzle game than a shooter much of the time, and I love that. There are only six stages, but each is meticulous in its design. Each section will push you to make the right choices to avoid the enemies’ attacks.

You also pick between three different weapon types at the start of the game. I picked the third option, “Cyclone Force” in my playthrough. You attain many upgrades along the way that greatly evolve your weapon over the course of your run. I love how you choose between rapid fire or slowly charging your shot, and you have the ability to toss out your force device in front or behind you to damage enemies. You can also toggle the type of charge shot you want to perform, between beam shot and hyper shot.

R-Type 3 is not for the faint of heart. You will die over and over again, and lose all of your weapon upgrades each time. Thankfully, there are frequent checkpoints and infinite continues. And the game is generous with replenishing your upgrades immediately after each checkpoint. You can conquer R-Type 3 will enough practice and perseverance, but each segment requires skill and patience.

The graphics in R-Type 3 are fantastic. All the enemy life forms and space ships look really cool, as this series is known for. Every alien foe is unique and imaginative in their design. The sound effects are awesome, too. This is a beautiful looking game with very little slowdown, which is amazing for the Snes shooter with so much happening on the screen at once.

R-type 3 is my favorite shmup for the Snes, and I am giving it a 9 out of ten. I love how it feels like a puzzle game and a shooter at the same time, and it is not to be missed by hardcore fans of the genre.