Key Features

• R‐Type reborn – The highly acclaimed franchise moves into the strategy genre with exciting tactical gameplay!

• Control the Bydo forces – For the first time in the series, take command of the Bydo forces as they launch their assault on Earth!

• Intense strategy gameplay – With nearly 100 different units at your disposal, it’s up to you to choose the best fleet for battle. Upgrade your existing units or purchase new ones!

• Head‐to‐head local multiplayer – With the PSP wireless communication feature, play against a friend in Wireless Ad Hoc mode for a one‐on‐one strategy battle!

Prologue
Unknown life forms born from pure destructive instinct were fist observed in the Perseus Spiral arm.

Concern grew as the life forms began to multiply, with an apparent design in mind. The concern gave way to fear as the life forms penetrated further into the Orion arm, with an inevitable destination of Earth. The invaders were given a name: the Bydo Empire

To halt the Bydo's advance, next-generation fighters were deployed, and their versatility and power proved effective indeed in isolated skirmishes. But Earth's triumph was short-lived, as the Bydo did not relent in their assault until humanity was forced to retreat. to everyone's horror, the Bydo had reached the Solor System.

Horr turned to panic as humanity split into two factions. One group wanted to fight the Bydo, and rid the Solor System of its evil. Others moved to abadon their home and find shelter on another habitable world. Amid the turmoil, a lone Commander of the Space Corps received an impossible order: "Gather your remaining forces, and hunt the Bydo..."

Not what I was especting.
Not even the 1/2 of the fun of any previously R-Type versions.
If you are looking for a great shooter, this is not the one.
Even worst, this is NOT a shooter.

Thinking Mans R-Type - Total Fun
I like this game, in fact after playing it for a month I'm declaring it my favorite PSP game, and I have all the must plays. I'd give it 5 stars but I can't edit that.

It's a lot different than the older R-Types which I've all played. First, you can save whenever you want. Second, you can customize your attack plan using specific equipment suitable for each mission. Third, the copy I ordered from Amazon 2 weeks ago came with a mini-R-Type fighter plastic model, which rules.

So this game is a hex based strategy game. If you liked Battletech, Car Wars, or Avalon Hill's WWII games back in the day you'll get off on this game. The action is still there but I'd say its more like baseball action than hockey, meaning slower like a chess game but still suspenseful. One thing I put an end to early is the cutscenes, which I turned off immediately to make the game faster.

Developers of portable games still haven't figured out that when you sit down to play you might only have 45 minutes during a train ride into work to play. This means at least for me that I can't play games where save points are spaced out or the game doesn't have the option to save when you want to. R-Type Command isn't that sort of game. You set up the strategy, establish your move and then sit back and see what your opponent figures out for you. If you are interrupted just save and come back later. Like chess the pieces are all waiting for you.

If you are on the fence, download the demo from the Playstation Network.

R-Type Strategy Fun!
I am having a blast with this game. I love R-Type games and strategy games so this is a perfect fit for me. The PSP is known as the strategy game system and R-Type does not disappoint.

I admit the game has things that erk me somewhat. An example of something that bothers me is that you can't turn your ships around - they always face right. However, all enemies always face left and it adds importance to your placement on the field. Also, it gives a reason for your Force (the spinning thingy you can attach to your ships) to be attached to your rear. If the enemies are behind you and you can only fire forward - all you need do is attach your force to the back of your ship and then you can shot in reverse.

This game is not for everyone. However, if you like strategy games and want something past the standard swords and magic kind you usually see on the shelf then pick this game up. I have put many hours in to it and am looking forward to many more hours of fun to come.

Finally, if you are on the fence on this then please pick it up only because its an Atlus game. Without them there would be a lot less niche games in the US (Trauma, Disgaia to name a few).

Disappointed
The R-Type series have always been fun...so I have never hesitated to purchase before reading about their reviews...and sorry to say I was so disappointed in this debacle of a game. Who in their right mind took the most beloved space shooter and use that game's name to destroy its reputation. I also enjoy strategy games but this is not even a good strategy game. It was frustrating confusing and boring to say the least. Rent before buying!