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R-Type Final 2

R-Type Final 2 is a horizontal-scrolling shoot 'em up video game developed by Granzella Inc. and published by NIS America, Inc..^[1] It serves as a direct sequel to the 2003 title R-Type Final and the most recent main entry in Irem's long-running R-Type series, in which players pilot customizable fighter spacecraft to battle the bio-organic alien threat known as the Bydo Empire across a series of stages set in space and hostile environments.^[2] Released on April 30, 2021, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows via Steam, the game incorporates modernized 3D graphics while preserving the series' signature strategic gameplay elements, such as the detachable "Force" pod for enhanced attacks and chargeable beam weapons.^[3]^[4] The project originated from a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign launched in June 2019, which raised funds to revive the franchise using contemporary technology and expand on the customization depth of its predecessor.^[5] Granzella, founded by former Irem staff, aimed to create what they described as "the best shmup ever" by blending nostalgic mechanics with new features like adjustable difficulty levels and a stage editor allowing players to combine and sequence levels.^[6] Post-launch support has included multiple DLC packs, such as Stage Passes adding new missions and ship sets, culminating in the 2023 enhanced edition R-Type Final 3 Evolved that bundles all content and introduces further refinements, with ongoing updates continuing through 2025.^[3]^[7] Gameplay emphasizes deliberate, tactical shooting rather than rapid bullet-hell patterns, with players selecting from over 100 unlockable ships—each with unique loadouts, colors, and decals—that can be mixed for hybrid builds.^[6] The core campaign features 5 linear stages followed by branching paths through stages 6 and 7, progressing from ruined Earth locales to interdimensional conflicts and reflecting a narrative of humanity's exodus to Mars amid ongoing Bydo invasions, though the story remains secondary to the action-oriented progression.^[2] An in-game museum mode provides lore on ships, enemies, and series history, enhancing replayability for fans.^[2] Upon release, R-Type Final 2 received generally positive reviews for its faithful homage to the genre's roots and depth of customization, though some critics noted technical inconsistencies and a steep learning curve, earning aggregate scores around 70 on Metacritic.^[8]

Gameplay

Core Mechanics

R-Type Final 2 is a horizontal-scrolling shooter that features auto-scrolling levels with one-way progression, where players pilot a spacecraft through enemy-infested stages without the ability to backtrack.^[9]^[10] The core shooting system revolves around a primary forward-firing beam cannon, which can be charged for more powerful shots that increase in damage and piercing capability, allowing players to break through enemy formations or barriers.^[9]^[11] This mechanic demands strategic timing, as charging leaves the ship vulnerable to attacks while building toward devastating bursts.^[9] Central to the gameplay is the Force Pod system, a detachable indestructible orb that players acquire early in each stage and can attach to the front or rear of their ship.^[3] When attached to the front, it enables directional shooting and acts as a shield by blocking projectiles and destroying smaller enemies on contact; positioning it at the rear provides defensive cover fire.^[9]^[10] The pod also supports special abilities, such as diffusing lasers for wider coverage or launching missiles, and it charges a meter for ultra attacks that clear the screen of threats.^[9]^[11] Enemies in R-Type Final 2 consist primarily of the organic-mechanical Bydo aliens, designed with intricate patterns that require precise positioning and dodging of dense bullet hell barrages.^[3]^[10] Boss encounters emphasize exploiting weak points amid escalating attack phases, blending methodical navigation with reactive evasion to dismantle their multi-part structures.^[9]^[11] The game incorporates a performance-based difficulty adjustment that dynamically scales enemy density, speed, and aggression according to the player's skill, ensuring a balanced challenge across multiple modes from beginner-friendly to extreme.^[9]^[10] Controls utilize an analog stick for fluid ship movement and precise aiming, complemented by lock-on targeting for the Force Pod to automate shots on grouped foes or distant targets.^[11]^[10]

Ships and Customization

R-Type Final 2 features over 100 unlockable ships, totaling 107 as of the June 2025 update (Ver. 2.0.4), which players can select to suit different playstyles based on their inherent attributes.^[7] These vessels draw from the series' legacy, including classics like the R-9 series, and are broadly categorized into roles such as interceptors for agile dogfighting, bombers for heavy payload delivery, and support craft for defensive or utility functions; for instance, the R-9A Arrow-Head serves as a balanced interceptor with moderate speed and firepower, while the R-9S Strike Bomber emphasizes durability and explosive ordnance at the cost of maneuverability.^[12] Each ship possesses base stats influencing performance, including speed for evasion, firepower for damage output, and durability to withstand enemy assaults, allowing players to experiment with trade-offs in core handling.^[13] The game's customization system builds on the modular design introduced in R-Type Final, enabling players to attach various modules to craft hybrid loadouts tailored to mission needs. Central to this is the Force Pod, a detachable orb that can be equipped with bits for orbiting defense—such as the Round Bit for multi-directional shots or the Shield Bit for protective barriers—and missile pods that launch homing attacks to track agile foes.^[12] Cannons and lasers further diversify options, with types ranging from straight-firing beams for precision strikes to wave-pattern lasers that cover wider areas, while the Wave Cannon provides a charged area-of-effect blast for crowd control. Ultimate ships like the R-100 and R-101 expand this flexibility by permitting any combination of developed weapons, resulting in numerous viable builds that evolve the series' emphasis on strategic adaptation.^[6] Visual tweaks, including color schemes and decals, add cosmetic depth without altering stats, with updates such as version 1.4.0 introducing decal stretching and additional body colors for enhanced personalization.^[14] Players select pilots from a roster of fictional figures from the R-Type series, each influencing starting stats and providing unique perks to refine loadouts. For example, certain pilots grant bonuses to resource acquisition or R-points earned from stage clears, while others may accelerate charge times for weapons like the Wave Cannon, offering an edge in high-pressure scenarios.^[14] Pilot progression ties into experience gained through play, unlocking ranks, poses, and costume variants that further boost rewards, such as increased Solonium or Etherium yields—essential materials for development.^[6] Unlocking new ships occurs via a tech tree accessed in the R's Museum, beginning with the iconic R-9 series and branching into advanced models through accumulated research points and resources harvested from stages. Players earn R-points and materials like Solonium, Etherium, and Bydogen by completing missions, which are then invested to meet prerequisites such as prior ship developments or specific stage clears; for instance, accessing the R-9A4 requires clearing Stage 3.0, while later vessels demand substantial resource stockpiles upward of 50,000 units each.^[12] This progression fosters replayability, as players strategically allocate points to unlock specialized craft, with post-launch updates adding new ships to expand the tree.^[14] The 2023 enhanced edition R-Type Final 3 Evolved bundles all prior content and introduces further refinements to customization and progression systems.^[3]

Stages and Progression

R-Type Final 2 features 15 base stages organized into distinct zones that evolve from early industrial and mechanical environments, such as derelict factories and war-torn space stations, to later cosmic voids filled with ethereal nebulae and alien biomes. Each stage typically lasts 5-10 minutes, incorporating dynamic environmental hazards that demand precise maneuvering, including collapsing structures that force quick dodges and zero-gravity sections where momentum affects ship control.^[15] Boss encounters punctuate the end of every stage, presenting multi-phase battles against massive Bydo entities whose designs encourage strategic use of core mechanics, such as detaching the Force Pod to access protected weak points like underbellies or internal cores. These fights escalate in complexity across zones, with later bosses integrating zone-specific elements, such as gravitational pulls or regenerative organic armor.^[2]^[16] The progression system follows a linear campaign structure for initial access, but high performance in key stages—measured by survival, score thresholds, and optional objectives—unlocks branching paths that diverge into alternate routes within later zones, culminating in one of several possible endings determined by the chosen path. This design rewards mastery while allowing players to explore varied tactical challenges without derailing the core narrative flow.^[16] Replayability is bolstered by a scoring system that applies multipliers for no-damage completions, encouraging risk-reward playstyles, alongside hidden collectibles scattered throughout stages that grant unlocks for ship enhancements upon discovery. Time-attack modes further extend engagement, challenging players to beat personal or global records on individual stages or full routes.^[16] Difficulty progresses through tiers from Novice, which simplifies enemy patterns and hazards, to Super Hard, where threats intensify with faster pacing and denser formations; adaptive scaling adjusts enemy behavior and hazard frequency per stage based on prior performance to maintain accessibility without compromising the series' demanding reputation.^[16]

Plot

Series Context

The R-Type series began in 1987 as an arcade game developed and published by Irem, establishing a benchmark in the side-scrolling shooter genre with its deliberate pacing, innovative Force weapon system, and intense confrontations against the Bydo Empire—a malevolent, bio-mechanical alien force created by humanity as a weapon but turned against its creators after evolving in isolation.^[17] The franchise pits the pilots of the Earth Space Corps' R-series starfighters against waves of grotesque, organic-mechanical enemies, drawing inspiration from films like Aliens and the biomechanical art of H.R. Giger to create an atmosphere of dread and otherworldly horror.^[18] Subsequent entries, such as R-Type II (1989) and R-Type III: The Third Lightning (1993), expanded the lore by introducing concepts of alternate dimensions accessed via dimensional rifts and cyclical time loops that perpetuate the conflict, reflecting the Bydo's insidious influence across realities.^[19] R-Type Final 2 (2021) serves as a direct sequel to R-Type Final (2003), the capstone of Irem's output before the company's bankruptcy in 2004 left unresolved narrative threads from late-era titles like R-Type Delta (1998) and the mobile spin-off R-Type Final Stage (2001).^[20] Developed by Granzella—a studio formed by former Irem staff including series veteran Kazuma Kujo—it incorporates ships, bosses, and stage motifs from these predecessors, compiling them into an archival framework that resolves lingering questions about the Bydo war's scope and humanity's technological countermeasures.^[21] This approach transforms the game into a meta-exploration of the series' history, with players assuming the role of historians sifting through classified records rather than frontline combatants, thereby tying together fragmented elements from Irem's final years.^[22] Central to the franchise's themes is the futility of endless war, underscored by humanity's self-inflicted creation of the Bydo and the symbiotic relationship forged between pilots and their R-craft, which integrate Bydo-derived organic matter into the Force pod for enhanced capabilities—symbolizing a blurred line between destroyer and destroyed.^[17] These motifs evolve across the series, highlighting technological progression from rudimentary fighters to advanced hybrids, often conveyed through in-game lore archives, pilot debrief logs, and environmental storytelling that evokes the psychological toll of perpetual conflict.^[23] Positioned in the 27th century, R-Type Final 2 unfolds in the aftermath of R-Type Final's climactic "Operation Last Dance," a desperate assault that ostensibly eradicated the Bydo core but left residual threats and unanswered anomalies in its wake.^[21] The narrative centers on the Space Corps' reconstruction efforts amid lingering Bydo incursions and dimensional echoes, using the game's structure to catalog forgotten battles and prototype technologies, thereby extending the series' chronicle of humanity's fragile rebuilding against an ever-looming existential foe.^[22]

Campaign Narrative

The campaign of R-Type Final 2 is presented as a compilation of unpublished military records, war memories, and research documents compiled by the Space Corps to train new pilots in anti-Bydo combat tactics, set in the aftermath of humanity's pyrrhic victory over the True Bydo Core in prior conflicts.^[10]^[24] This framing underscores the resurgence of Bydo incursions despite the core's destruction, positioning the narrative as a historical archive rather than a linear tale, with the player embodying an elite pilot reliving these events to preserve weapon development knowledge against the bioengineered alien threat.^[25] The Bydo, originally human-engineered bioweapons that mutated into an existential enemy, drive the conflict, their origins as failed experiments revealed through in-game collectibles like the R Museum's dossiers on ships and the Bydo Lab's enemy analyses.^[20] Key missions unfold across branching stages under the banner of operations like the follow-up to "Operation Last Dance," involving high-stakes engagements such as infiltrating abandoned Bydo-infested space cities, defending human colonies from hive swarms, and confronting evolved mutant forms in planetary cores.^[26] The first five stages form a core path through derelict environments and escalating Bydo assaults, after which player performance and choices—such as collecting specific orbs from encounters near the end of Stage 5—determine branching routes leading to varied finales, emphasizing strategic decision-making in the heat of battle.^[10] These sequences highlight themes of wartime legacy, where pilots grapple with the psychological toll of endless conflict and the moral ambiguities of repurposing captured Bydo technology for humanity's arsenal, all conveyed without voice acting to maintain an atmospheric, text-driven immersion.^[25] Inter-stage cutscenes and pilot log dialogues provide sparse but poignant insights into these elements, supplemented by collectible dossiers that expand on Bydo evolution from human genetic experiments gone awry.^[24] The campaign culminates in a multi-ending climax across three primary routes, each tied to completion paths and offering distinct resolutions to the Bydo threat: Stage 7.0 (the "good" ending via the optimal route), where the pilot defeats the final boss Fenrir in the Graveyard of Trans-Dimensional Fighters and returns safely to Earth, allowing humanity to overcome the extinction crisis; Stage 7.1, where the fighter is transformed into the B-1D Bydo System Alpha, destroys the Space Corps armada in A Familiar Space City, and a small Bydo subsequently annihilates the Allied Forces fleet above Earth (attributed to an accident); and Stage 7.2, a pyrrhic victory in the Center of the Planet Bydo where the Obsidian Pupil boss and Bydo Core are defeated, but the fighter is absorbed with no record of the pilot's fate.^[27]^[28]^[29] These variants reflect player agency in mission progression, reinforcing themes of trauma from perpetual war and ethical quandaries in bio-weapon escalation, while avoiding overt spoilers in favor of replayable discovery through the game's modular stage structure.^[20]

Development

Announcement and Crowdfunding

_R-Type Final 2 was announced on April 1, 2019, by Granzella Inc., a studio founded by former Irem employees who hold the rights to the R-Type intellectual property.^[20] The reveal initially sparked skepticism due to the date coinciding with April Fools' Day, prompting Granzella to issue follow-up statements on social media confirming the project's legitimacy, noting that the timing aligned with the start of Japan's fiscal year rather than a prank.^[20]^[30] To fund development, Granzella launched two crowdfunding campaigns in 2019: the first on Kickstarter from June 3 to June 11, raising ¥98,863,825 (approximately US$900,000 at the time) from 8,051 backers, and a second via their project website from October 1 to November 1, which together pushed the total funding to over US$1.09 million from more than 10,000 backers worldwide.^[5]^[31] These efforts exceeded the initial goals, enabling expanded content such as tribute stages recreating elements from classic R-Type titles.^[32]^[33] The campaigns promised a modernized sequel to R-Type Final, featuring 3D-rendered visuals for enhanced side-scrolling action, a roster of over 100 customizable ships drawn from the series' extensive database, and global accessibility through multilingual subtitles in languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean.^[6]^[34] Led by producer Goro Matsuo and designer Kazuma Kujo—both veterans of prior R-Type projects—the team aimed to evolve core mechanics like the Force pod and Wave Cannon while preserving the franchise's challenging essence.^[20]^[35] Among the unlocked stretch goals were considerations for co-op play, additional boss designs, and commitments to a PC port alongside console releases on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, broadening the game's reach beyond the initial PS4 focus.^[33]^[32]

Production Process

The development of R-Type Final 2 utilized Unreal Engine 4 as its core technology, facilitating advanced 3D graphics that incorporated dynamic lighting, intricate particle effects for explosions and environmental interactions, and optimized scalability to ensure consistent performance on diverse platforms including PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This choice allowed Granzella to transition from the 2D pixel-art foundations of earlier R-Type titles while preserving the series' signature visual intensity.^[36]^[37] The design philosophy emphasized homage to the original games through modernized pacing, featuring shorter stages that minimized empty space to heighten tension and flow, alongside deeper ship customization inherited and expanded from R-Type Final's editor system, enabling players to mix modules for over 100 unique configurations. This approach aimed to refresh the formula for contemporary audiences while retaining arcade roots, with stage layouts re-examined for replayability across more than 10 branching paths. The crowdfunding efforts further enabled these scope expansions, allowing for additional content iterations during production.^[38]^[39]^[26]^[40] Artistically, the game employed 3D models that blended retro pixel art influences with modern shaders to evoke the series' biomechanical aesthetic, featuring bold enemy designs merging organic and mechanical elements alongside smooth visual transitions in destruction sequences. The soundtrack, composed by returning series veterans such as Yuki Iwai, integrated chiptune-inspired motifs reminiscent of classic R-Type entries with orchestral swells for epic scale, enhancing the atmospheric tension of stages.^[39]^[35] Key challenges arose in balancing accessibility for newcomers—through adjustable difficulty tiers and practice modes—against the franchise's hardcore demands, requiring careful tuning of enemy patterns and player agency. Iterations on the Force Pod mechanics focused on intuitive controls, such as variable laser angles tied to ship speed, to make the system's detachment and attachment more fluid without overwhelming beginners.^[16] Closed beta testing occurred in 2020 via a backer-exclusive demo on Steam Early Access in July, where feedback from crowdfunding supporters influenced refinements to controls, such as input responsiveness, and overall balance, including enemy density and resource acquisition. This iterative process helped align the game's tempo with home console expectations prior to full release.^[41]

Release

Platforms and Launch

R-Type Final 2 was released on April 29, 2021, in Japan by publisher Granzella Inc., with a worldwide launch the following day on April 30, 2021, handled by NIS America, Inc. in the West.^[42]^[6] The game launched simultaneously across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4 as the lead console, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store.^[23]^[1] Available editions included the standard digital and physical versions of the base game, which featured 15 stages and over 100 customizable ships drawing from the series' legacy.^[6] The Digital Deluxe Edition bundled the full game with the Stage Pass for early access to DLC Sets 1 through 3, along with a digital soundtrack and art book.^[43] Physical options comprised the Inaugural Flight Edition for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox platforms, containing the game, a soundtrack CD, art book, and collector's box.^[23] In Japan, a Special Chronicle Box offered additional collectibles without the game itself, while Kickstarter backers received exclusives such as custom R-Craft like the TW-3B Long Symphonies and R-9uso800, plus personalized pilot options and in-game credits.^[5] Pre-order incentives through NIS America included access to the Deluxe Edition contents and resource packs for ship development, encouraging early adoption ahead of the launch.^[23] Marketing efforts highlighted the game's ties to the iconic R-Type series through official trailers, such as the announcement trailer that showcased the return of classic side-scrolling action with modern 3D visuals and extensive ship customization options exceeding 100 variants.^[44] The launch trailer further emphasized frenetic gameplay, legacy-inspired stages, and the depth of ship variety, positioning R-Type Final 2 as a must-have for shoot 'em up enthusiasts.^[45] A free demo was released prior to launch on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox platforms to build anticipation.^[23] At launch, the Nintendo Switch version encountered minor technical issues, including occasional frame rate drops and inconsistent performance, particularly in docked mode, though these did not prove game-breaking for most players.^[46]^[47] Granzella and NIS America addressed these with patches shortly after release, improving stability and performance across platforms in subsequent updates.^[48]

Post-Launch Updates

Following its launch in April 2021, R-Type Final 2 received a series of free updates from developer Granzella, focusing on bug fixes, performance enhancements, balance adjustments, and quality-of-life improvements to enhance accessibility and player satisfaction. Early patches, such as version 1.0.8 in October 2021, addressed stability issues across platforms and introduced free unlockable content, including ten new player ships like the OF-1 Daedalus and TL-2A Achilleus, along with pilot suits, gallery images, and aircraft biographies.^[49] These updates laid the groundwork for ongoing support, with subsequent releases building on community feedback to refine gameplay. In 2022, version 1.2.0 (February) added thirteen free ships, such as the B-1A3 Digitalius III and B-3C Sexy Dynamite, while improving overall game stability.^[50] Version 1.3.0 (March) followed with four additional ships, including the R-9/02 and R-99, sixteen new gallery images, expanded shop resources, and fixes for bugs introduced in prior updates.^[51] A significant milestone came with version 1.4.0 (August), which introduced customizable difficulty settings—such as adjustable wave cannon charge times and equipment retention options—for better accessibility, increased album save slots to 120, new pilot poses and backgrounds, and four free ships like the TP-2M2 Sea Tiger; it also resolved various instability issues and optimized performance.^[14] Later minor patches in October and November (1.4.1 and 1.4.2) added pilot screen customizations, laser selections, decals, course editing expansions, and restart options, alongside further stability enhancements.^[48] Subsequent updates continued to integrate player input, with version 2.0.1 (August 2023) incorporating two free ships like the R-9Sk3 Seraphim and ten new pilot screen items based on feedback, while fixing performance glitches.^[52] Version 2.0.2 (December 2023) unlocked two more ships, such as the TL-2AT PATROCLUS, with minor bug resolutions.^[48] By August 2024, version 2.0.3 expanded speed change levels from four to seven for smoother pacing, boosted save slots to 180, and added one free ship (TL-3N NARCISSUS) plus new backgrounds and decals, optimizing compatibility with newer hardware.^[48] The most recent update, version 2.0.4 (June 2025), responded to community polls by adding the fan-voted F-A Standard Force ship, a "FIRST STEP" novice mode with reduced charge times and a SLOW function for easier entry, a Boss Rush mode for consecutive boss battles, enhanced Pilot & War Record displays, and fixes for craft ranking and performance issues, including subtitle synchronization errors and attachment pod glitches.^[7] These patches collectively unlocked over twenty free ships across updates, tweaked enemy patterns for balance in lower difficulties, and prepared backend infrastructure for potential future multiplayer elements, though full co-op features debuted in the related R-Type Final 3 Evolved.^[53]

Downloadable Content

R-Type Final 2 received a series of downloadable content (DLC) packs released between 2021 and 2022, expanding the game's roster of stages, ships, and attachments through nine paid sets divided into three Stage Pass volumes. Each set typically added 2 to 3 new homage stages inspired by classic R-Type titles, along with 5 to 10 new ships and various attachments, allowing players to recreate arcade-era levels with updated mechanics and visuals. For instance, DLC Set 1, released on April 30, 2021, remade stages from the original R-Type, including X1.0 and X2.0, while Set 9, launched on November 2, 2022, introduced additional homage content with three new stages (Z5.0, Z6.0, Z7.0).^[4]^[54] Key DLC packs emphasized thematic homages and innovative features, such as Set 5's "Geirrod Fortress Strategic War" (Y3.0) and "Corrosion" (Y4.0), which incorporated corrosion mechanics that degraded player equipment over time, alongside new pilots for customized playstyles. These premium sets built on the series' legacy by integrating strategic elements from spin-offs like R-Type Tactics II, while adding exclusive attachments like enhanced force pods and wave cannons to deepen ship customization. Other notable packs included Set 3 with three stages (X5.0 to X7.0) and Set 6 featuring "Distorted Ecosystem" and "Resource Quarry Ruins," each enhancing environmental hazards and boss encounters.^[23]^[6] Pricing for individual DLC sets ranged from $6.99 to $9.99, with Stage Pass Volume 1 ($19.99) bundling Sets 1 through 3, Volume 2 covering Sets 4 through 6, and Volume 3 including Sets 7 through 9; the Digital Deluxe Edition of the base game incorporated the first Stage Pass for early adopters. These bundles provided cost-effective access to the full expansion, totaling 21 additional stages across all sets.^[55]^[56]^[57] DLC stages were designed for seamless integration, allowing players to insert them into the main campaign sequence or play them standalone, with exclusive unlocks such as rare attachments and pilot perks feeding into the overarching customization tree for ships and loadouts. This modularity preserved the game's branching progression while expanding strategic options. Free updates, such as the 2025 Ver. 2.0.4 patch adding a Boss Rush mode, complemented the paid content by incorporating DLC elements into new challenge modes.^[7]^[15] By the end of 2022, the DLC had expanded R-Type Final 2 to 36 stages and over 180 ships (from a base of over 100), significantly boosting replayability through varied difficulty integrations and homage content that appealed to longtime fans.^[23]^[26]

Reception

Critical Reviews

R-Type Final 2 received mixed or average reviews upon release, with critics praising its fidelity to the series' roots while noting shortcomings in innovation and technical execution. On Metacritic, the PlayStation 4 version earned a score of 73/100 based on 13 critic reviews, the Xbox Series X/S version scored 78/100 from 4 reviews, the Nintendo Switch version received 69/100 from 20 reviews, and the PC version also garnered 69/100 from 20 reviews.^[58]^[59]^[60] OpenCritic aggregated 49 reviews to an overall score of 74, classifying it as "Fair" and ranking it in the top 44% of games reviewed.^[61] Critics commended the game for its stunning 3D visual effects, deep ship customization system, and improved pacing compared to earlier entries, which enhanced replayability through varied loadouts and stage reordering. Eurogamer highlighted its "enjoyably traditional" gameplay and unique position among shooters, emphasizing the exhilaration of boss encounters and enemy destruction animations. Nintendo Life appreciated the authentic level design and boss variety, noting how the Force pod mechanic added strategic depth while maintaining the series' challenging essence. The customization options, allowing players to build ships from over 100 parts inspired by past R-Type titles, were frequently cited as a highlight for providing extensive personalization and longevity.^[2]^[46] Common criticisms focused on repetitive stage structures, uneven difficulty spikes, and the game's relatively short base campaign length of around 2-3 hours for a single playthrough. Reviewers pointed out technical issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch port, including frame rate drops and input lag that hindered precise controls essential to the genre. The heavy reliance on paid DLC for additional content was also a point of contention, with some outlets arguing it fragmented the experience and encouraged ongoing purchases to access fuller stage variety. Eurogamer described certain sections as "tatty" due to uneven polish, while Nintendo Life lamented a lack of significant innovation beyond remixing familiar elements from predecessors.^[2]^[46] Subsequent DLC packs generally improved reception, expanding the stage count and introducing more creative designs that addressed some base game complaints about repetition. Set 5, released in late 2021, earned particular praise for its inventive levels drawing from R-Type lore, with user ratings on platforms like the PlayStation Store averaging 4.85/5 from verified buyers who lauded the added challenge and visual flair. These expansions effectively boosted the game's overall value, with later sets like 8 continuing to receive positive feedback for maintaining the series' high production standards.^[62]

Commercial Performance

R-Type Final 2 achieved modest commercial success within the niche shoot 'em up genre, bolstered by its crowdfunding origins and dedicated fanbase. In Japan, the PlayStation 4 version sold 8,693 physical copies during its debut week of April 30 to May 9, 2021, placing it as the twelfth best-selling retail game of that period. The Nintendo Switch version recorded 6,428 physical copies sold in the same timeframe. Digital sales figures worldwide remain undisclosed, though bundles and platform promotions contributed to broader accessibility. On PC via Steam, the game attained a peak of 925 concurrent players on May 1, 2021, shortly after launch, demonstrating initial enthusiasm among digital audiences. Concurrent player counts have since averaged in the low dozens, with occasional spikes during sales events, underscoring its appeal to a specialized shmup community rather than mainstream gamers. Granzella's ongoing support has enhanced the game's longevity, with updates sustaining player engagement; version 2.0.4, released June 26, 2025, added features such as Boss Rush mode across platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox, and DMM GAMES. Community events like the "R-Craft Showcase" in May 2025 further fostered interaction. As the first major R-Type title since Irem ceased video game production in 2011, R-Type Final 2 revived the dormant intellectual property under Granzella—founded by former Irem staff—and enabled subsequent projects, including the enhanced R-Type Final 3 Evolved for PlayStation 5 in April 2023. Compared to its predecessor R-Type Final, it improved accessibility through modern features but remained niche, with performance trailing remasters of contemporaries like Ikaruga in overall market reach.

References

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Save 50% on R-Type Final 2 on Steam
Rating 3.5 (638) · 14-day returnsAug 19, 2025 · Title: R-Type Final 2. Genre: Action. Developer: Granzella Inc. Publisher: NIS America, Inc. Franchise: R-Type. Release Date: Apr 30, 2021. READ ...
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R-Type Final 2 review - a scruffy celebration of a genre great
Rating 3.0 · Review by Martin RobinsonMay 5, 2021 · Developer: Granzella · Publisher: NIS · Platform: Played on Switch and PlayStation · Availability: Out April 30th on PS4, Xbox One and Switch.
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R-Type Final 2, Aiming for a Brand-New, the Best Shmup Ever
Jun 28, 2023 · Using the latest technology, create and bring out the newest game of the side-scrolling shooter legend R-Type series into the world.<|control11|><|separator|>
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R-TYPE FINAL 2 | The latest work of the legendary shooter game ...
Beyond the Final Mission. The latest work of the legendary shooting game. R-Type Final2 has kicked off! Wave Cannon attacks by trans-dimensional fighters ...News · Player Ships · FAQ · Project
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Rating 69% (21) Xbox Series X. Initial Release Date: Apr 30, 2021. Developer: Granzella Inc. Publisher: NIS America. Genres: Horizontal Shoot-'Em-Up · Full Credits & Details ...
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R-Type Final 2 review - Not too hype, still my type - Shacknews
Rating 7/10 · Review by Bryan LeflerMay 5, 2021 · The game starts with an impressive pre-rendered cutscene showcasing the launch sequence of your ship and first-person cockpit view of the pre- ...
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R-Type Final 2 Switch Review - There's Difficult and ... - Nintendo Link
Nov 6, 2021 · One of the special mechanics of the series is the Force, an assistant gunner of sorts that is picked up during gameplay and evolves with each ...Missing: core | Show results with:core
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R-Type Final 2 Review | TheSixthAxis
Rating 6/10 · Review by TuffcubMay 18, 2021 · R-Type Final 2 Review · Classic R-type gameplay · Loads of ships and weapons · Challenging at higher difficulty levels.
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R-Type Final 2: Master Ship List
This is the current master ship list for R-Type Final 2 as of patch 1.1.0. While there is plenty of incomplete information here, what is shown has been 100% ...
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R-Type Final 2: Ship List & System Info
Cannon, Force, Missile & Bit information. Requirements to unlock ships. Ship Tree + Pictures. Full tree heirarchy. Images of all currently-available ships.
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Aug 9, 2022 · Patch 1.4.0 adds two new stages, new player ships, detailed difficulty settings, extended pilot features, and new body color options.
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R-Type Final 2: Stage Alternates
Alternate Levels 6 & 7 · Pink Orb will bring you to 6.0 · Orange Orb will bring you to 6.1 · Green Orb will bring you to 6.2 · Grey Orb will bring you to (6.2?
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'R-Type Final 2' Review: A Surprisingly Solid Return To Form - Forbes
May 6, 2021 · Platform: PlayStation 4 (Reviewed), Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC ; Developer: Granzella ; Publisher: NIS America ; Released: April 30th ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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R-Type Retrospective - IGN
Feb 6, 2009 · It's an interesting way to experiment with all of the weapon, ship, and Force pod combinations. R-Type Final is something of a misnomer.
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R-Type Final 2 – Hardcore Gaming 101
### Summary of R-Type Final 2 Content
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R-Type Final 2 (Game) - Giant Bomb
Apr 29, 2021 · R-Type Final 2 · Game » consists of 11 ... Rather than focusing solely on the major counter-offensive known as "Operation: Last Dance ...Overview · Dlc Stages · Stage Pass Volume Two
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R-TYPE FINAL 2 | Available Now - NIS America
The legendary side-scrolling shoot-'em-up series returns, now with 3D visuals, classic R-Type gameplay, and an abundance of new features.
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R-Type Final 2 review - The Gaming Buddha
Jun 2, 2021 · The story has players “compile the military history of the war between humanity and the Bydo and to pass down the know-how for anti-Bydo weapon ...Missing: plot summary campaign narrative
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Review – R-Type Final 2 - Geeks Under Grace
Jun 25, 2021 · R-Type Final 2 is a SHMUP featuring mostly mechanical units and insectoids. Gamers will not find material that they might find objectionable here.Missing: plot summary
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R-Type Final 2 | R-Type Wiki - Fandom
R-Type Final 2, developed by Granzella, is the newest R-Type game, following Operation Last Dance, and is available on multiple platforms.
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How do you get the good ending? - R-Type Final 2 Q&A for PC
Rating 69% (20) Aug 26, 2021 · I remember route 0 being the Good ending. When nearing the end of stage 5, you will encounter a unique enemy that drops crystals of various ...Missing: explained | Show results with:explained
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Granzella Announces Kickstarter for R-Type Final 2, Release ...
May 30, 2019 · R-Type Final 2 was first announced on April 1, 2019, leading many to initially believe it was an April Fool's. The western day is quite popular ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Granzella's Second Crowdfunding for "R-Type Final 2" Production ...
Nov 1, 2019 · Granzella's Second Crowdfunding for "R-Type Final 2" Production Project Has Successfully Ended. Share: Granzella Inc.(Kanazawa City, Ishikawa ...
[29]
https://rtype.fandom.com/wiki/Center_of_the_Planet_Bydo
[30]
R-Type Final 2 Kickstarter Campaign Begins, Already Set To Smash ...
Jun 5, 2019 · There are several stretch goals that could also be reached including cross-platform leaderboards, additional subtitles, and reproductions of ...
[31]
R-Type Final 2, Aiming for the State-of-the-Art, the Best Shoot'em Up ...
We would also like to express our gratitude to the many people who supported us through the crowdfunding campaigns we conducted in June and October 2019. We ...
[32]
Download R-Type Final 2 Soundtrack - Video Game Music
Apr 29, 2022 · [Cover design] Sachiyo Fujita [Directors] Kazuma Kujo, Yuya Nishida [Producer] Goro Matsuo. People who viewed this also viewed. R-Type Final 2 ...
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R-Type Final 2 - PCGamingWiki PCGW - bugs, fixes, crashes, mods ...
Aug 30, 2025 · R-Type Final 2. R-Type Final 2 cover. Developers. Granzella. Publishers. NIS America. Engines. Unreal Engine 4. Release dates.<|control11|><|separator|>
[34]
Review - R-Type Final 2 (PS4) - WayTooManyGames
May 5, 2021 · R-Type Final 2 is stupidly challenging and intimidating for the uninitiated, but a complete joy of a shooter for veterans.Missing: plot summary
[35]
https://downloads.khinsider.com/game-soundtracks/album/r-type-final-2-original-soundtrack
[36]
Kujo Kazuma On The Legacy Of Irem, The Brilliance Of 'Image Fight ...
Oct 2, 2021 · Kujo Kazuma has had a long career designing shmups. Granzella. What with the recent release of R-Type Final 2, I decided to catch up with the ...
[37]
How R-Type came back from the dead - Polygon
Jun 25, 2019 · Granzella's R-Type Final sequel marks the 16-year return of the series no one saw coming, bringing Irem's classic side-scrolling shooter ...
[38]
R-Type Final 2 Development Information June 2020
R-Type Final 2 Development Information June 2020. We are sorry for the delay in updating the report page. The information for June 2020 has been posted.
[39]
R-Type Final 2 launches April 30 in the west - Gematsu
Jan 29, 2021 · R-Type Final 2 will launch for Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store on April 30 in ...
[40]
Save 50% on R-Type Final 2 Digital Deluxe Edition on Steam
14-day returnsThe Digital Deluxe Edition contains the full game, soundtrack, art book, and the R-Type Final 2 Stage Pass, which includes DLC Set 1, 2, and 3.
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R-Type Final 2 - Announcement Trailer | PS4 - YouTube
Oct 22, 2020 · Learn more @ https://nisamerica.com/r-type-final-2 Experience the return of the legendary side-scroller series, now on modern platforms!Missing: key 3D 100 ships multilingual
[42]
R-Type Final 2 - Official Launch Trailer - YouTube
Apr 30, 2021 · Check out the launch trailer for R-Type Final 2, which brings frenetic shooter action, modernized gameplay features, and more.<|control11|><|separator|>
[43]
R-Type Final 2 Review (Switch) - Nintendo Life
Rating 6/10 · Review by Will FreemanMay 1, 2021 · R-Type Final 2 makes an authentic if flawed contribution to an iconic shooting game series. Many of the problems seem technical, so hopefully an update could ...
[44]
R-TYPE FINAL 2 (Nintendo Switch)- Review - Seafoam Gaming
May 17, 2021 · It's a strictly horizontal shooter, and the controls are near identical to the original R-Type, with the new additions being the option to speed ...Missing: plot summary
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R-Type Final 2 (Switch): all the updates (latest: Ver. 2.0.3)
On this page, you will find all there is to know about the various updates for R-Type Final 2 on Nintendo Switch (originally released in April 2021)
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R-Type Final 2 update out now (version 1.0.8), patch notes
Oct 4, 2021 · A new 1.0.8 update has gone live for R-Type Final 2 with new content, improved stability, and more. The full patch notes are available.<|control11|><|separator|>
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R-Type Final 2 update out now (version 1.2.0), patch notes
Feb 25, 2022 · A new update is out now for R-Type Final 2 (version 1.2.0). This update adds a lot of new ships and improves some stability.
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Patch (Ver. 1.3.0) Release Notes - R-TYPE FINAL 2
Mar 16, 2022 · The latest update patch (Ver. 1.3.0) is now available for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, XboxOne, and Xbox SeriesX in the Japan region. *The ...
[49]
R-Type Final 2 updated to Ver. 2.0.1 - GoNintendo
Aug 24, 2023 · You can see the patch notes for this update below. New stages: Stage 4.1 and Stage R2.0. Stage 4.1 - Masses: Thunder Roaring Another Dimension.
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Update Information (Ver. 2.0.4) - R-TYPE FINAL 2
Jun 26, 2025 · Update (Ver. 2.0.4) goes live on June 26, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One / Series X, and DMM GAMES in Japan ...
[51]
2021 Update Roadmap - r-type final 2
Jun 21, 2021 · We are pleased to announce the update roadmap for June to December 2021. Update roadmap. We will keep working on continuous updates so that ...
[52]
R-Type Final 2 - DLC Set 9 on Steam
14-day returnsAug 19, 2025 · R-Type Final 2 - DLC Set 9. Developer Granzella Inc. Publisher NIS America, Inc. Released Nov 2, 2022. This content requires the base game R-Type Final 2 on ...
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R-Type Final 2 - DLC Set 1 on Steam
14-day returnsAug 19, 2025 · All Stage Pass Volume 2 content will be available by late February 2022. If you purchase R-Type Final 2 Stage Pass Volume 2, all future content ...
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R-Type Final 2 Digital Deluxe Edition - Xbox
In stock 6–7 day deliveryThe Digital Deluxe Edition contains the full game and the R-Type Final 2 Stage Pass, which includes DLC Set 1, 2, and 3.
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R-Type Final 2 Stage Pass Volume 2 - PlayStation Store
All Stage Pass Volume 2 content will be available by late February 2022. If you purchase R-Type Final 2 Stage Pass Volume 2, all future content that is part of ...
[56]
R-Type Final 2 Review (Switch) - Hey Poor Player
May 9, 2021 · R-Type Final 2 is structured, it's both linear and surprisingly extensive. Though the first 5 stages will always play out the same, the last two will vary.Missing: plot summary
[57]
https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP1063-CUSA25458_00-RTYPE2SEASONPAS2
[58]
https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/r-type-final-2
[59]
https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/r-type-final-2
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R-Type Final 2 Reviews - OpenCritic
R-Type Final 2 is rated 'Fair' after being reviewed by 49 critics, with an overall average score of 74. It's ranked in the top 44% of games...
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R-Type Final 2: DLC Set 5 - PlayStation Store
R-Type Final 2: DLC Set 5. NIS America Inc. PS4PS5. Average rating 4.85 stars ... Every review comes from a verified owner of this game or item and is ...
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Golden Joystick Awards 2021 nominations officially revealed
Oct 19, 2021 · The 39th Annual Golden Joystick Awards Nominations are in and you can now officially vote for your favorite games of 2021.