R-Type Tactics I and II are finally out on modern consoles

Granzella and NIS America have released R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The collection remasters two turn-based strategy spin-offs originally released for the PlayStation Portable.

While the PlayStation YouTube channel promoted the PS4 and PS5 versions today, the game is out on all major platforms. Strategy fans have waited a while for this one. The Western release was delayed several times before finally hitting its June 18 launch date. The PC version is available through Steam and the Epic Games Store.

From side-scroller to strategy

Irem's R-Type series is traditionally known for side-scrolling shoot-'em-up action. The franchise started in arcades in 1987 and built a reputation for grotesque alien designs and punishing level layouts. In 2007, the developers flipped the script with R-Type Tactics (released as R-Type Command in North America). Instead of dodging bullet hell in real-time, players manage fleets of Earth Space Corps ships on a hex grid.

The gameplay translates arcade mechanics into tactical systems. Players deploy classic R-Type ships and attach Force units to them for offensive and defensive buffs. Capital ships act as mobile bases, but they move slowly and require constant protection. You have to manage supply lines for fuel and ammunition, as ships will become useless if they run dry mid-battle. Electronic warfare plays a massive role. Players can hide ships in enemy blind spots or disrupt incoming radar. The original PSP release had a famously brutal difficulty curve. We've all been there: staring at a hex grid at 2am, wondering where it all went wrong.

First time in the West

The second game in the collection, R-Type Tactics II: Operation Bitter Chocolate, originally launched in 2009. It never received an official English localization and remained exclusive to Japan until now.

The sequel expands the scope of the original by introducing human factionalism. The campaign pits the Earth Allied Armed Forces against the Granzella Revolutionary Army. The story includes branching paths that change based on player decisions. Both games also allow players to switch sides halfway through the story. You can command the Bydo Empire, the biomechanical alien antagonists of the franchise, to see the war from their perspective.

Modern updates and new content

Granzella handled the remaster. The studio was founded by former Irem staff who worked on the original games, and they recently revived the main shooter series with R-Type Final 2 and R-Type Final 3 Evolved. The new release updates the visuals with modernized 3D models and cinematic battle sequences for major attacks. The developers kept the original unit designs and core mechanics intact, but added new quality-of-life features to speed up the notoriously slow pace of the PSP originals.

The collection also adds a brand-new set of post-game missions that take place after the events of the second game. For players who want to test their fleet against human opponents, the remaster includes competitive online multiplayer.

Niche PSP strategy games rarely get a second chance on modern hardware. If you prefer taking your time to plot out space battles instead of relying on twitch reflexes, this one is finally out of localization limbo. Physical editions are available through the official NIS America store.