R-Types PS1 box art

PlayStation · Shooter

R-Types

Deep cut

SystemPlayStation
Released1998
GenreShooter
DeveloperIrem Software Engineering, Inc. / Racdym
PublisherASCII Entertainment Software, Inc
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

R-Types is a shooter released in 1998 for the PlayStation, developed by Irem Software Engineering, Inc. / Racdym and published by ASCII Entertainment Software, Inc.

It landed about 3 years into the PS1's life. Other notable PS1 releases from 1998 include Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil 2 and Tomb Raider II.

R-Types supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

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 have a friend to play against
  • you've played the PS1 hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you are not a fan of fast-paced aiming and twitch reflexes

What playing R-Types is like

Shooters are built around aiming and firing, from first-person corridor blasters and light-gun games to run-and-gun stages and multidirectional arcade shooters.

Tip for newcomers: Retro shooters were designed for CRT TVs and original controllers; light-gun games in particular need special hardware or alternative controls on modern screens.

R-Types gameplay screenshot on PS1
In-game screenshot (PS1)

R-Types walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for R-Types.

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Playing PS1 games today

PS1 games range from quick arcade racers to 60-hour RPGs. A selection is available through PlayStation Plus Premium, and if you own the discs you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

R-Types FAQ

When did R-Types come out on the PS1?

R-Types was released for the PlayStation in 1998.

Who made R-Types?

It was developed by Irem Software Engineering, Inc. / Racdym and published by ASCII Entertainment Software, Inc.

Is R-Types multiplayer?

Yes. R-Types supports up to 2 players.

How long does R-Types take to play?

As a shooter, R-Types 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.

Read more about R-Types on Wikipedia. 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.

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