R-Types

R-Types is a shoot’em up compilation developed by Irem and published in Europe by Virgin Interactive. It combines the original R-Type from 1987 and its sequel R-Type II from 1989, reprogrammed from scratch for the PlayStation rather than emulated, with added extras including level saves, unlimited continues, a library section, and FMV intro and ending movies.

The PAL landscape is concise, with a single Original variant catalogued. The earliest PAL release is recorded as 20 September 1998, and one shared case covers the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. It is a Full Jewel PAL case holding one disc, with a Hologram A marking, and the only language is English across every territory.

Loose paperwork is documented, in the form of a Virgin Interactive 3266 Folded Registration Card, which is a detail worth checking when assessing a complete copy.

R-Types sold well and encouraged Irem to pursue a new entry in the series. As a respected arcade compliation with a single multi-country pressing, it is a popular pickup for shoot’em up fans, and a copy with its folded registration card is the more complete find.