R-Type III: The Third Lightning is a 1993 side-scrolling space shooter game made by Tamtex. It was published by Irem Software Engineering and first released in Japan for the Super Famicom in 1993, and later in North America and Europe for the Super NES in 1994.
The R-Type series is the incomparable model kings of space type side-scrolling shooters, and R-Type III is no different. The creators at Irem are truly geniuses in this genre.
The Story
The Evil galactic Bydo Empire wants to eliminate mankind, and you, humanity's ace pilot, are the only one who can stop them. As Earth's last hope, you fly the new R-90 fighter, collecting powerful force pods to power up your weapons. Fight your way through tough levels, defeat giant alien bosses, and overcome the super deadly obstacles!
The Graphics and Sound
The visuals are outstanding, with nicely detailed sprites and smooth animations that bring this game to life. The use of the SNES Mode-7 effects adds depth, making the experience even more immersive. You really feel like you are piloting the R-9 spaceship.
The sound effects are being a hit or miss. Some of it, like the charge beam and classic death sound, are great, but explosions do not feel realistic. However, the music fits the game perfectly, especially in the beginning stage, where it pumps you up for the difficult battles ahead.
The Gameplay
R-Type III gives you powerful weapons, like big charge beams that wipe out anything in their path and hyper beams that fire lasers. Unlike past R-Type games, you now have 3 main devices to choose from, acting as both your shield and main weapon. You will also collect orange orbs that protect you from attacks above and below.
This game is brutally hard. Every stage, boss, and even regular enemies will do just everything to destroy you. Your ship feels like a glass cannon. But, there are no slowdowns, so the challenge is on your skills.
The controls are very responsive. Every small movement you make is precise. If you crash, the fault is on you and not the controller or the game. Plus, you can fully customize the controls to suit your play.
Replay Value is very good. The game is tough, but that is what makes it so addictive. It will take weeks to master, and you will keep coming back, trying to beat it without losing a life. Good luck on that.
My Verdict
R-Type III is delightfully playable—even when it frustrates you, you will keep coming back for more. You might throw your game controller in frustrative rage, but you will still play back for another try.
It is probably the best in the series, but if you already own another R-Type game, it does not feel all that different. For space shooter fans, this one is worth playing.
Play it on the magnificent Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a wondrous emulator.
Let's keep on gaming in the free world!
I recall when shooters of this sort were all the rage in the early 90's because they were able to showcase what the technology at the time was capable of. As a primarily Sega Genesis player, i was right in my element because that system has a TON of shooters. I don't recall exactly but I don't think R-Type was released on it but it was on the TG-16, which a neighbor of mine owned. I have to say, that was the most difficult shooter that I had ever played up to that point in my life and I still think that these games are intentionally made more difficult than other games such as Thunder Force. I don't know if I would have the patience to excel at this sort of game anymore. In fact, the last shooter I tried was Ikaragua and that didn't last long :P
Gamers are spoiled with choices these days and it is sad to think space side-scrolling shooters are a dying genre. 😢
I've played a few on recent releases and honestly, I don't think that magic can be captured anymore. We have higher demands of games these days. Perhaps a procedurally generated stage leading to the boss could keep people interested. Rogue-like shooter maybe?
That is a cool idea!