R-Type III: The Third Lightning is a classic shoot ’em up game that has left a lasting impression on both the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Game Boy Advance (GBA). The game’s captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design have solidified its status as a beloved title in the genre.
The SNES version of R-Type III has been widely praised for its exceptional graphics and sound, and in my opinion is the best of the series, excluding R-Type III Evolution for PS5.
The game features meticulously crafted sprites, large and highly detailed player ships and enemies, and makes excellent use of the SNES scaling and Mode-7 capabilities. The GBA port, however, has been criticized for not living up to the quality of the original SNES game, with reviewers describing it as a “terrible port of a great SNES game.”
It’s a compelling storyline, which revolves around the player’s mission to combat the Evil Bydo Empire as the last pilot on Earth, adds depth to the overall experience. The ability to earn force pods that equip your vessel with different sets of weapons further enhances the gameplay, providing a diverse and engaging combat system.
Despite the GBA port’s shortcomings, the SNES version of R-Type III is hailed as one of the best shooters on the platform and the best in the series, up until R-Type Delta. The game’s minor regional differences, such as the alteration of the second stage boss’s projectiles, do not detract from its overall excellence.
R-Type III: The Third Lightning stands as an excellent and influential title in the shoot ’em up genre, particularly on the SNES. While the GBA port may not have met the high bar set by the original, the SNES version remains a must-play for fans of the genre and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.
