R-Type 1987

Is it still worth playing?

Irem's 1987 horizontally scrolling arcade shooter, in which you pilot the R-9 Arrowhead against the Bydo, a powerful alien race bent on wiping out mankind. It has eight levels, each ending in a boss, with a slow pace and an emphasis on memorizing enemy patterns as much as speed. The ship has a weak, rapid firing main gun and the Wave Cannon, which needs you to hold your fire to build power. You can also obtain a Force, a glowing orange orb that attaches to the front or back of the ship or detaches and flies freely. Attached, it provides one of three powerful weapons and gives limited protection from enemy fire, and detached it uses a secondary set of guns. The R in the title stands for ray, for the many rayed weapons. Even now, a charged cannon and an orb you place yourself make each stage a puzzle of positioning.