Game Boy · Action
R-Type
| System | Game Boy |
|---|---|
| Released | 1991 |
| Genre | Action |
| Developer | Irem |
| Publisher | Irem |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | R-Type |
| Legacy | Deep cut |
R-Type is an action game released in 1991 for the Game Boy, developed by Irem.
It landed about 2 years into the Game Boy's life. Other notable Game Boy releases from 1991 include Metroid II: Return of Samus, Final Fantasy Adventure and Yoshi.
It is part of the R-Type series; on the Game Boy you can also try R-Type II. The series also appears on other systems with R-Type (Master System) and Super R-Type (SNES). Irem also made Kung-Fu Master, Undercover Cops: Hakaishin Garumaa and Racing Damashii for the Game Boy.
R-Type is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you've played the Game Boy hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing R-Type is like
Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.
Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.
R-Type cheats & codes
22 codes on file (Game Genie, GameShark, Xploder, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | FAE-C5E |
|---|
If you like R-Type, the Matrix also picks…
Alleyway Classic
Darkwing Duck Classic
Mega Man V Classic
Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge Classic
Mega Man III Classic
Mega Man IV Classic
The Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle 2 Classic
Playing Game Boy games today
Game Boy games were designed for short bursts on the go, which makes them ideal for a coffee break today. Many are available through Nintendo Switch Online, and original carts play on any later Game Boy model.
R-Type FAQ
When did R-Type come out on the Game Boy?
R-Type was released for the Game Boy in 1991.
Who made R-Type?
It was developed by Irem.
Is R-Type multiplayer?
No. R-Type is a single-player game.
How long does R-Type take to play?
As an action game, R-Type typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.