R-Type Dimensions III is adding local co-op to the 1993 classic

ININ Games is adding simultaneous two-player local co-op to R-Type Dimensions III. The publisher announced the new mode ahead of the game's May 19 launch on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and the Switch 2.

The original R-Type III: The Third Lightning was a Super Nintendo exclusive released in 1993. It pushed the 16-bit console to its limits with massive rotating mechanical environments, Mode 7 graphical effects, and grotesque organic bosses. Unlike the first two games in the series, which originated in arcades, the third entry was designed entirely around home console hardware. It introduced the Force pod selection system. This mechanic gave players three different types of detachable satellite weapons to choose from before starting a run: the standard Round Force, the Shadow Force, and the Cyclone Force. Each pod completely changed how the R-90 Ragnarok ship handled crowd control.

Double the firepower

Two ships can now operate in the same confined space. Both players have their own separate score counters and charge beam meters at the top of the screen. The updated 3D graphics render complex mechanical environments with rotating obstacles, alongside organic-themed levels filled with projectiles and classic Bydo enemy designs.

The Bydo empire is already difficult enough to navigate without a wingman accidentally dragging a Force pod into your flight path. Sharing a single screen in a bullet hell shooter is either genius or madness. Possibly both. The co-op mode includes new scoring mechanics and survival systems built specifically to accommodate the extra ship.

The Steam version supports Remote Play Together. This allows two people to play the local co-op mode online without needing a dedicated multiplayer server.

Rebuilding the Bydo

R-Type Dimensions III is being developed by Kritzelkratz 3000 in cooperation with Tozai Games and Irem. It follows the template set by the original R-Type Dimensions release. That previous collection bundled the first two arcade games and added a real-time visual toggle. This new project applies that same treatment to the third game.

Every stage, boss, and projectile pattern has been rebuilt with 3D graphics and modern lighting. The audio has received a similar update with a remixed soundtrack. Players can press a button to instantly switch back to the original 1993 pixel art presentation and 16-bit audio at any time. This lets you see exactly how the new polygonal models map to the original hitboxes.

Beyond the visual overhaul, the remake includes several gameplay adjustments. An Advanced mode increases enemy movement speed and creates denser projectile patterns. This is basically a modern arcade ultra mode. The options menu also includes customizable controls, quality-of-life adjustments, and a 3D camera setting named "crazy."

The game will be available digitally across all modern platforms on May 19. Physical editions were offered through Strictly Limited Games, but the pre-order window for the collector's sets closed back in February. The team has also confirmed that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version will ship on a physical cartridge with no required downloads. R-Type III has always been one of the toughest games in the 16-bit library. We will find out next month if bringing a friend makes the Bydo empire any easier to conquer.