Retro-Bit newest re-release is R-Type DX on Game Boy Color

R-Type DX is making a comeback as the next reissue by Retro-Bit. It’s being released on a Game Boy Color cartridge (though it can be played on original Game Boy) and preorders are open today. Alongside it, CD and vinyl versions of the soundtrack can also be preordered.

R-Type DX is a 1999 enhanced compilations of the Game Boy versions of Irem’s hit arcade shoot-’em-ups, R-Type and R-Type II. While the Game Boy isn’t exactly well known for its shmups, and its developer, Bits Studios has a bit of a shaky reputation, R-Type DX is known as a solid port, and is sometimes cited as being among the best games on the Game Boy Color. Truly, the R-Type formula is a good fit for the Game Boy. It’s less about actually shooting ‘em up, and more about surviving whatever the game wants to throw at you.

I haven’t played the DX version, so you can take what I say about it with a grain of salt. I have (now) watched gameplay, and it certainly cuts down the screen real estate, so while it might still adhere to the structure of the first two games, I imagine the experience isn’t quite what you might remember. R-Type DX includes both of the original Game Boy R-Types, colourized versions of each, and a brand new “DX” mode, which puts both games back to back. Furthermore, if you don’t own a Game Boy Color, for some reason, you can play it on an original Game Boy, you just miss out on the colourized versions. Sometimes, the old brick is the only Game Boy that feels right.

DX DELUXE

Honestly, I’m more into the Japanese localizations that Retro-Bit has been doing, and R-Type DX is an odd choice among them because the original cartridge isn’t all that rare. And for that matter, City Connection recently released R-Type DX: Music Encore on modern consoles, which redid the soundtrack, adding new stage themes. That’s not in this release, as far as I can tell. This is a straightforward rerelease, which means it will likely be appreciated by folks who already love R-Type DX and want a shiny new way to own it. Which, to be fair, seems like a lot. And Retro-Bit’s releases do tend to feel deluxe.

However, they’re also releasing the soundtrack on CD and vinyl, which is rad in a, you know, more aurally pleasurable way. If you know what I mean.

Both the soundtracks and the game are coming in two flavours, one is exclusive to Limited Run Games. The normal cartridge is transparent purple, but the LRG special edition is black with sparkles. The CDs just have different covers. Meanwhile, the vinyls are purple for normal people, and blue for Limited Run people.

LISTEN-EM-UP

Preorders for the cartridge, CD, and vinyl open today, September 15, and run through November 1, 2026. While Limited Run Games is getting their own special version, you can also get it at other retailers, such as CastleMania Games. If you’re Canadian, however, you can get it from PNP Games. Normally, Rondo Products gets Retro-Bit releases, but as of writing, they don’t have it up for preorder.