Developer: 3KK
Publisher: ININ Games
Platform: PS5, PC, Xbox One, Switch (2)
Tested on: Switch 2
R-Type Dimensions III – Review
The R-Type series occupies a strange place in our video game consciousness. While it’s never really top-of-mind, we’re aware of it enough that we’re never surprised whenever a new entry crosses our path. We apologise to the R-Type fanbase if that makes us sound jaded, because that isn’t our intent; we’re just trying to frame where we’re coming from. To us, and we imagine a good chunk of mainstream audiences, R-Type is the kind of series that makes you go “Huh. Neat.” before playing for a little while and then moving on, instead of an addictive shmup that you keep playing for weeks on end. We assumed this would be the case again with R-Type Dimensions III, a modern remake of 1993’s SNES title R-Type III: The Third Lightning. As it turns out, Dimensions III left a much stronger impression than we expected… just not for the reasons we’d hoped.
Story
In classic R-Type fashion, Dimensions III’s story serves as simple window dressing rather than an elaborate, character-driven plot. We follow a lone pilot who is sent on a desperate mission. His task is to combat the looming threat of the alien Bydo Empire, armed with nothing but his trusty spaceship, the R-90 Warhead. Dimensions III doesn’t have anything to offer beyond this straightforward setup, but what more do you need for an arcade shmup?
Graphics
Where the original SNES version of R-Type III used 16-bit sprites, Dimensions III takes things into the third dimension (get it?). The game sticks to the series’ distinctive biomechanical style but adds modern polish by going for detailed 3D models and environments. Purists can still switch to the original 2D pixel art at the press of a button though. While there is an undeniable charm to the old school graphics, we did prefer the smooth animations and crisp weapon effects of the newer style. That said, there are some… questionable design choices here, particularly when it comes to enemy designs, which are perhaps a bit too grotesque and visceral. We can imagine even the most open-minded of players will have to do a double take when literal spermatozoids start attacking them. If you value performance over visual polish, we do recommend sticking to those 2D graphics, as the 3D visuals’ frame rate frequently tanks, especially in busy sections.
Sound
Ikuko Mimori’s original SNES score has been faithfully recreated for Dimensions III with live instrumentation. As with the visuals, players can switch back to the original retro synth music if they prefer, although in our humble opinion, the richer, higher-quality sound of the orchestrated music adds depth and gravitas to the on-screen action. Sound effects stay true to the spirit of the series but benefit from the higher fidelity of modern hardware. Explosion sounds in particular have some heft to them, though there is something to be said about the crispness of laser guns pew-pewing too.
Gameplay
While we’ve never been the most ardent R-Type fans, we still appreciate the series for what it offered: traditional, no-frills side-scrolling arcade shmup gameplay. Dimensions III takes that same formula but it fumbles the ball when it comes to execution. On paper, everything looks foolproof: You pilot your ship across six main levels and one bonus level. The ship faces right and the screen continuously scrolls forward as you navigate hostile geometry, memorize enemy formations, collect power-ups and defeat the boss at the end of each level. The series’ defining mechanic, the Force Pod, makes a return. This independent device can be attached to your ship or be launched to fight autonomously, and you can choose from different Force Pods, armed with an array of weapon types including bouncing lasers and rockets. Beyond your Force Pod, you also have a standard rapid-fire gun, a traditional Charge Beam, and a brief, high-powered Hyper Charge Window.
So far, so familiar, right? You may be wondering where Dimensions III goes wrong. We already mentioned the game’s frame rate grinding to a sluggish crawl in 3D mode, but the game’s biggest issue is something that you can’t simply fix by switching back to 2D graphics. Dimensions III’s collision detection and hitboxes are painfully and frustratingly inaccurate. Hitboxes are unfairly oversized, and we’ve noted several instances where our Force Pod simply failed to block enemy bullets. This isn’t an issue of the game just being difficult, mind you. It is, punishingly so even, but that is to be expected from the series. We’re talking about fundamental technical flaws that simply make Dimensions III unfairly frustrating to play.
Ironically enough, Dimensions III offers an Infinite Mode which removes lives and checkpoints and instead instantly respawns you where you die. The intent is good: it lets players see the entire game and learn difficult patterns without replaying large sections repeatedly. However, you’ll find that you’ll often respawn into instant-death geometry over and over again. It all adds up to the feeling that Dimensions III was rushed instead of carefully balanced. Even the customisation options feel undercooked: while you can remap face buttons, shoulder and trigger buttons are permanently locked and cannot be rearranged. Add to this that Dimensions III feels like a very barebones package, eschewing time attacks, score challenges, survival modes, and any sort of bonus material, and it becomes very hard to justify that €34.99 price tag. The core experience was so disappointing that even the addition of couch co-op, a first for the series, does little to improve the package.
Conclusion
In space, no one can hear you groan with frustration. Even beneath the strong audiovisual presentation and classic R-Type foundations, the inaccurate hitboxes and collision issues undermine the experience at every turn. Casual audiences are better off skipping this one entirely and instead going for another R-Type entry… or any other shmup, it’s not like you’d be spoilt for choice. Even diehard R-Type fans should think twice before adding this one to their library. And if you do consider picking this one up, we suggest waiting for a deep discount.
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