R-Type - Turbo Grafx 16 Game

The stage-based level design really captures that classic arcade feel, and the difficulty ramps up perfectly without feeling unfair. The sprite work on the Bydo enemies is impressively detailed for a TurboGrafx game.

The power-up system adds real strategy, forcing you to decide between saving your current weapon or risking it for a better drop. The Bydo enemies are suitably grotesque, and the difficulty curve feels fair, even on the later levels.

The horizontal scrolling is buttery smooth, and the challenge level feels just right for an arcade port. The Bydo level designs really push you to memorize enemy patterns.