R-Type Command - Sony PSP

by Atlus

• Long‐running R‐Type shooter franchise enters the turn‐based strategy realm for the first time
• Head-to-head local multiplayer via the PSP wireless communication feature, play against a friend in Wireless Ad Hoc mode for a one-on-one strategy battle!
• Demo to be available via PlayStation Store prior to game release

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00149I2ME
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 0.8 inches ; 3.8 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: May 6, 2008
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,061 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Product Description

Prepare for Interstellar Tactical Warfare! In R-Type Command, you are plunged head-first into a desperate war against the mysterious alien race known as the Bydo. Humanity sends wave after wave of fighters into Bydo space - none of which are ever heard from again. Mankind's main hope now resides with a lone commander sent to lead a small armada on a perilous mission into the heart of the Bydo Empire. Low on fuel and forced to scavenge resources and equipment from his surroundings, the commander must use all his cunning and wits if he hopes to succeed, let alone make it home alive. For the first time in the series, you can take command of the Bydo forces as they launch their assault on Earth. You have nearly 100 different units at your disposal and it's up to you to choose the best fleet for battle. Upgrade your existing units or purchase new ones. With the PSP wireless communication feature play against a friend in Wireless Ad Hoc mode for a one-on-one strategy battle.

Amazon.com

Prepare for Interstellar Tactical Warfare!

In R-Type Command players are cast head-first into a desperate war against the mysterious alien race known as the Bydo, humanity sends wave after wave of fighters into Bydo space-none of which are ever heard from again. Mankind’s main hope now resides with a lone commander, sent to lead a small armada on a perilous mission into the heart of the Bydo Empire. Low on fuel and forced to scavenge resources and equipment from his surroundings, the commander must use all his cunning and wits if he hopes to succeed, let alone make it home alive.

Key Features R‐Type reborn – The highly acclaimed franchise moves into the strategy genre with exciting tactical gameplay! Control the Bydo forces – For the first time in the series, take command of the Bydo forces as they launch their assault on Earth! Intense strategy gameplay – With nearly 100 different units at your disposal, it’s up to you to choose the best fleet for battle. Upgrade your existing units or purchase new ones! Head‐to‐head local multiplayer – With the PSP wireless communication feature, play against a friend in Wireless Ad Hoc mode for a one‐on‐one strategy battle! Prologue Unknown life forms born from pure destructive instinct were fist observed in the Perseus Spiral arm. Concern grew as the life forms began to multiply, with an apparent design in mind. The concern gave way to fear as the life forms penetrated further into the Orion arm, with an inevitable destination of Earth. The invaders were given a name: the Bydo Empire To halt the Bydo's advance, next-generation fighters were deployed, and their versatility and power proved effective indeed in isolated skirmishes. But Earth's triumph was short-lived, as the Bydo did not relent in their assault until humanity was forced to retreat. to everyone's horror, the Bydo had reached the Solor System. Horr turned to panic as humanity split into two factions. One group wanted to fight the Bydo, and rid the Solor System of its evil. Others moved to abadon their home and find shelter on another habitable world. Amid the turmoil, a lone Commander of the Space Corps received an impossible order: "Gather your remaining forces, and hunt the Bydo..."

Colorful Intense Graphics View Image Fight Huge Bosses View Image

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Thinking Mans R-Type - Total Fun May 26, 2008

By Kevin P. Gibbs

Verified Purchase

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

I like this game, in fact after playing it for a month I'm declaring it my favorite PSP game, and I have all the must plays. I'd give it 5 stars but I can't edit that.

It's a lot different than the older R-Types which I've all played. First, you can save whenever you want. Second, you can customize your attack plan using specific equipment suitable for each mission. Third, the copy I ordered from Amazon 2 weeks ago came with a mini-R-Type fighter plastic model, which rules.

So this game is a hex based strategy game. If you liked Battletech, Car Wars, or Avalon Hill's WWII games back in the day you'll get off on this game. The action is still there but I'd say its more like baseball action than hockey, meaning slower like a chess game but still suspenseful. One thing I put an end to early is the cutscenes, which I turned off immediately to make the game faster.

Developers of portable games still haven't figured out that when you sit down to play you might only have 45 minutes during a train ride into work to play. This means at least for me that I can't play games where save points are spaced out or the game doesn't have the option to save when you want to. R-Type Command isn't that sort of game. You set up the strategy, establish your move and then sit back and see what your opponent figures out for you. If you are interrupted just save and come back later. Like chess the pieces are all waiting for you.

If you are on the fence, download the demo from the Playstation Network.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Was on the fence but glad I crossed over October 5, 2008

By J. Leigh VINE VOICE

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I read a number of reviews and hesitated at first. But when it hit discount I figured I had nothing to lose.

As the other reviewers noted, this is not the classic R-Type game. It is a strategy game along the lines of the traditional hex-based wargames. I have never really played those original R-Type games anyway so I get to treat this game with a clean slate.

Pros:
- It is very addictive

- Even if you lose a battle you don't lose all your ships. So you at least reap some rewards so that you can build a stronger fleet, learn from your mistakes, and try again.

- Surprisingly when you are close to obtaining victory (while potentially losing it all) this game really does put you on the edge of your seat.

- Missions are long and bountiful (57 missions total). A mission can take at least 20 to 30 minutes to complete. By making the missions long your level of commitment and excitement grows. Even though you seem to be able to plough through your enemies you are always wondering whether the tables could be turned at any moment because the enemy may have additional fighters hiding somewhere.

- Good story that makes you feel like you are in charge of the fleet.

- Supports adhoc mode play though I haven't tried it.

Cons:

- The in-game movies are too slow to load so usually you turn them off. This is a real pity because they could have easily used the geometric representations in the main strategy screen and given this game some kind of 3-dimensional feel.

- There is no way to undo an accidental move.

- Movement of large fleets can be labor intensive since there is no way to group ships into squadrons.

Overall I am very pleasantly surprised by this game. It is the most enjoyable PSP title I've played so far.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY! a PSP game that saves at any point. January 19, 2009

By Scott Malcolm

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I am not much into RTS or TBS games, but this was something that I felt compelled to try.
I tried this for two reasons, 1: the save anywhere function and 2: there was a demo.
I ALSO understood that this was NOT a typical R-type shooter. I, unlike others who tanked this game because they didn't bother to view the description, actually READ the description and therefore I KNEW what this game was about.

If you like TBS (Turn Based Strategy) games and like to take your time with them, then this is worth getting.

Pros: nice graphics, laid back game play, an honest to God game save system that will save anywhere at any point, a good game to ease into strategy games if you're new to them.
Cons: tends to be a little slow at times.

All in all well worth checking out (start with the demo first).

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An effective strategy offshoot of the R-Type series August 28, 2008

By Roy Basilisk

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

The R-Type series takes an interesting detour with this competent hex-grid strategy game. It mixes the flashy style of the classic shooters with slower-paced balancing of tactical considerations.

It is important to note that the flashy animations are entirely optional. Since the attacks are canned animations with annoying load times, you can thankfully choose how and when these are shown. That includes: full-screen, full-at-random, windowed, windowed-at-random, or off. As such, the lengthy load times of the animations should not receive as much negative emphasis as they tend to (if not on Amazon, at "professional" review sites).

Beyond that issue is the overall gameplay itself. The campaign is surprisingly lengthy and generally well-paced in terms of availability of new unit types to mix things up. Enemy variety can also be surprising, forcing a readjustment of the forces you bring to the given stage. You'll also receive titles that act as a rating of how well you handled the stage, as well as experience pts and resources to build additional ships.

Taken a few missions at a time between PSP play sessions, the game offers good long-term value and will prove most entertaining to those who like the idea of moving around R-Type units in a classic "Military Madness" gameplay style.