For years, the only PSP titles that truly captured the hearts of handheld enthusiasts were the ones that seemed to have slipped through the cracks—games that were never released, or that remained locked away in digital vaults. As each year passes, more of those once‑exclusive gems find new life through ports or remasters, while the ones that stay on the PSP become increasingly niche, polished, and oddly captivating. Among those hidden treasures, the title that has lingered in my mind since 2008 is R‑Type Tactics, a hauntingly intimate strategy game that finally gets the spotlight it deserves in a stunning new collection.
The original R‑Type series was a pioneer in the early days of shoot‑em‑up games, introducing inventive weapon systems and a host of menacing alien foes. The same spirit of relentless invasion translates brilliantly into a turn‑based space‑combat format. In the original R‑Type Tactics, you command a squadron of fighter ships, bombers, and support units as they navigate a two‑dimensional battlefield reminiscent of the classic series. Signature weapon drones—an iconic element of the franchise—can be attached to or detached from your vessels, providing extra firepower and mobility. The core challenge lies in safeguarding your flagship while annihilating the enemy’s, all while dodging incoming fire, weaving through debris, and exploiting explosive decoys. Like any top‑tier tactics title, it demands patience and precision, and a single misstep can cost you a hard‑won victory.
Beyond its solid tactical framework, the original game’s atmosphere was a standout. The vastness of space, the tension of looming danger, and the immersive soundtrack made the PSP feel like a cockpit in the void. I’m thrilled to report that the new R‑Type Tactics I • II Cosmos collection faithfully preserves that experience while elevating it with crisp visuals, full voice‑over narration, fresh character art, and uncompressed cutscenes. The soundtrack, with its triumphant battle march, instantly lifts the mood, while a charming anime narrator guides you through the campaign via diary entries that add a personal touch to the story.
Cosmos bundles the original R‑Type Tactics, its Japan‑only sequel Operation Bitter Chocolate, and a brand‑new campaign that sends your fleet to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. The most appreciated improvement, however, is the elimination of the notoriously long load times that plagued many PSP titles. In R‑Type Tactics, attack animations already stretched gameplay, so the previously unavoidable loading screens felt especially punitive. The new edition removes these interruptions, allowing for a smoother, more engaging tactical experience.
Last month, I announced that the R‑Type summer lineup would feature the highly anticipated remake of Dimensions III. The fresh presentation promised a modern take, yet a new Trojan-esque engine introduced a host of frustrating technical glitches, most notably problematic hitbox detection. Even though hitboxes are less critical in turn‑based titles, the oversight left me uneasy. Fortunately, I didn’t encounter any comparable issues during my time with Cosmos. Should the game falter in any area, players will find that Bitter Chocolate and the new campaign are inexplicably locked until the original title is completed. This could be a minor inconvenience for newcomers, but seasoned fans might be annoyed by the need to replay a 20‑plus hour RPG just to access the more compelling sequel.
Granzella, a studio formed by former Irem employees, derives its name from a unit in the R‑Type Tactics series. Reviving the franchise for a contemporary audience has proven to be a painstaking endeavor, with development extending over several years and involving extensive overtime. Despite a few minor snags and limited refinements to the core formula, the collection delivers a rewarding blend of methodical pacing and challenging strategy that is well worth the effort.
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