R-Type Command: Tactical Shmup!

By Kelly Monfort | August 26, 2008

R-Type. Who among us can deny the awesomeness of this game? From the late 80’s to the early 90’s this game dominated the Side-Scrolling Shmup genre. Now someone has turned it into a tactical turn based shmup.  Who? Atlus is who, famous for it’s turn based RPG’s like Etrian Odyssey and Operation Darkness.  However they have taken it a bit further in their diverse game selection to include R-Type Command. Let me tell you, they have done a fine job!

Introduction:

R-Type Command is a tactical turn based action game based in the R-Type universe. The game takes place during the events of the arcade games and the console ports. However instead of controlling one unit you are in command of a rag tag armada commanded to take on the Bydo forces in the solar system.

Gameplay:

Gameplay is similiar to Military Madness & Final Fantasy Tactics. The maps are hex based, with each hex marking one unit of movement. The pre-mission set up is a standard affair of research and development, crew assignment and unit assignment.  In the pre-mission phase you are allowed to develop as many new units that you have resources for.  These resources are found on the maps you play.  During missions you place your units in the allotted spaces, and the game starts.  The player always opens up with the first turn.  Everytime a unit moves it takes up fuel, and unique units have the ability to “Desynch” which allows it to travel farther in the map.  However they are at a disadvantage because in the “Desynch” mode they cannot attack enemy units.

Every time a unit attacks an enemy squadron, their ammo and a bit of fuel is taken up.  Each unit has 5 fighters(or bombers and so on) and with each unit destroyed(if all 5 are gone that squadron is taken off the field) then the effectiveness of their attack is weakened.  Therefore, if a unit has just one fighter and is attacked by a pack of 5 enemy bombers, that unit will die.  Regardless of how strong it may be.

Also in game the player has the choice of using Forces, which give units that they are attached to unique attacks set to the force type.  For instance, if a Defensive Force(used for mid-range or support role units) is attached to aformentioned unit types, they will have short range defensive type attacks.  Regular and advanced forces have stronger attacks but weaker HP.

The “tactics” part of the game is simple.  One unit type takes out the other unit type.  Bombers destroy fighters and forces, fighters destroy forces and bombers, support and mid-range can stand even on both types, and cruisers or destroyers can destroy anything.

Also fighters and support units have Cannons, special weapons that are charged in a certain amount of turns.  When this attack is ready, it is devastating and effective.  However if an enemy attacks a charged unit, the charge is reset.  So you have to pay close attention to which units you want to use for strong attacks.  True also with your fleet management units.  These units refuel and rearm your fighters, bombers and other types.  Without them you would run out of ammo and fuel in the later missions.

Graphics:

The graphics are par for the course on the PSP.  The 3D units are bulky and polygonal, with extreme jaggies.  The detail is stale but the diverstity in units is great.  Weapons fire and damage detail is great too.  All in all, your standard PSP game.

Multiplayer:

I was not able to play the Multiplayer of this game because it is Adhoc and I cannot find anyone to play with.  Anyone up to a game?

Final Thoughts:

If you own a PSP and want a soild turn based tactical action game, then R-Type Command is a choice among very little.  I suggest anyone who loves the R-Type verse and turn based games to purchase it asap.