R-Type Dimensions is an R-Type fan's dream come true---made even sweeter by HD visual upgrades and new features.
One thing you will notice straight away are the updated high-definition makeovers that both R-Type and R-Type 2 have received, and to their merit, they look fantastic. Some of the original arcade graphics and backgrounds have been completely redone, but they never so much as alienate the original source. The excellent music has also made the transition intact, but there is no arranged songlist to accompany the visual updates which is rather disheartening. Of course, keeping the purists in mind, R-Type Dimensions intelligently offers the original arcade visual configurations in all their pixel-perfect glory for both titles, and they, too, seem to have aged quite well twenty or so years after their initial release. During gameplay, you can even switch between the 2D arcade graphics and the 3D high-definition transfers on the fly with a push of a button. It's a nice little touch and will give you a fleeting glimpse into how video games have changed over the years. A "Crazy" camera option will even slant the playfield in an entirely new viewing perspective---the likes of which never-before-seen in these or most other arcade shooters. A neat feature to be sure, but not especially ground-breaking.
As mentioned earlier, both R-Type and R-Type 2 are difficult games. Enemies and bullets will flood the screen in as many numbers as there are pixels, and there are instances where even the level itself is working against you. Many have argued that the difficulty in R-Type is not so much attributed to the numerous enemies and bullets, but towards the dangerously-articulate stage designs in which sliding floors, slow-moving indestructible objects, falling debris, and a screen-suffocating, Bydo-controlled warship harmonize in tandem to prevent you from finishing the game---much less a single level. Add to that the debauchery of losing all of your power-ups when you're killed and the inability to continue directly from the point in which you died, and you can understand why me and countless others profess the R-Type games to be exercises in cruel masochism.
Fortunately for R-Type Dimensions, the Infinite Mode exists. Although it doesn't necessarily make the game any easier, it will hand you a slight advantage when plowing through the entirety of both games in an effort to unlock stages for both titles. By unlocking stages, you can begin the Classic mode (the unadulterated Arcade mode) in any level you choose, but that's about as far as R-Type is willing to help you before it leaves you to the sharks. Unlike the Classic mode, Infinite Mode will start you at the exact point of your death immediately after you're destroyed with a small window of invincibility, and you will never forfeit your Force module even though you'll still lose your power-ups. The only catch here is that you'll have to deal with a bit of embarrassment on your behalf, as Infinite Mode keeps track of how many times you died---in each level and overall.
R-Type Dimensions integrates multiplayer co-op for those who want to tackle both games together locally or through XBox Live; a nod to R-Type Leo which was the first R-Type game to have two-player simultaneous play. This is a most welcome addition to both R-Type and R-Type 2 despite the feature not being in existence in their original sources. (The original games did have two-player, but both players would take turns.) Achievements can also be unlocked for the first time, but like the games themselves, they come off as somewhat difficult to obtain, but don't let that stop you if you're feeling determined.
My only major complaint with R-Type Dimensions is its asking price of 1200 points (roughly $12 or so). While it is true that you're getting two complete games, the price point is something of an unreasonable deterrent. I will emphasize, however, that the experiences found therein are worth every penny. R-Type Dimensions may not be quite for everybody, but for ardent fans of the games, it is a digital download that begs to be included in your XBLA collection.