R-TYPE DX Music Encore Brings Retro Shooter Back With Modern Features

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A classic shoot ’em up from the late ’90s is making a return, this time with a renewed focus on its soundtrack and modern quality-of-life features. R-TYPE DX: Music Encore is set to launch on April 30 for PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, bringing the legacy of one of the genre’s most iconic series back to modern platforms.

Developed by City Connection, this release is a port of the original R-TYPE DX, first released in 1999. It includes both R-TYPE and R-TYPE II, allowing players to experience the origins of the series in one package. At the center of this version is the “Ultimate Challenge” mode, which lets you play through both games consecutively, effectively combining the First and Second Bydo Missions into one continuous run.

The story remains rooted in the series’ classic sci-fi premise. Set in the year 220X, humanity faces a hostile biomechanical force known as the Bydo, leading to the deployment of the R-9 fighter and its powerful Force weapon. What begins as a desperate attempt to survive quickly escalates into a prolonged conflict spanning dimensions, with both R-TYPE and its sequel forming a connected narrative of escalating stakes.

What sets Music Encore apart is its approach to audio. For the first time, the Ultimate Challenge mode features a complete soundtrack, with newly implemented arcade-accurate stage themes, including music for areas that originally shared tracks. The goal is to recreate an authentic arcade experience while preserving the original handheld sound design, giving both longtime fans and newcomers a fresh way to experience the game.

Alongside its audio improvements, the collection also introduces several modern features designed to make the experience more accessible. You can take advantage of options such as Rewind, Quick Save and Load, Full Power-Up Start, and Rapid Fire, as well as performance tracking systems. Classic mode is also included, offering the original versions of both games with selectable monochrome and color display options.