R-Type evolves from a shmup to a tactics game

IceAmp sent over a scan (thanks!) of a new R-Type game for the PSP and it’s not sticking to the series shmup roots. Instead Irem is reinventing the wheel by bringing R-Type into the simulation genre with R-Type Tactics. It looks like the game is played on a hex grid instead of flying your ship in outer space. While the genre change is unexpected, Irem kept the living “force” weapons, a staple of the R-Type series in R-Type Tactics. Irem might be on to something with R-Type Tactics. They can capitalize on their strongest franchise and sell it to a new audience who might not play the classic shmup games. On the other hand they may alienate their hardcore fan base who are used to their 2D shmups. I think there aren’t enough SRPGs set in outer space so I’m willing to give this a try. What about you?

Update: Veilknight sent us a tip (thanks!!) that IGN has some extra details on R-Type Tactics like how it sticks to the side scrolling shmup perspective.

Scan