I never owned a PlayStation 1, so my knowledge of games released on the platform are scant. However, I was aware that the R-Type series — which I was aware of thanks to arcade machines and home computer ports — was revived on the PS1… but by that time I was more interested in various forms of strategy gaming while at home, and saved the shmups for the arcades.
R-Type Delta, in its original, unaltered form, first appeared in 1999, and has remained a firm favourite in the R-Type series since. But its recent remastered release via Clear River Games has raised some eyebrows, so much so that it seems the game may be in dire need of some patching.
I’ll come to that later. First, I want to explore my first impressions and initial attempts at R-Type Delta HD Boosted.
R-Type Delta HD Boosted ships and weapons
Right, one thing to note in this game that really impressed me was the difference in weapons between the ships. The trio of vessels themselves are strikingly different, and smartly presented with a selection screen and cutscenes of the craft in action.
Each then has its own anchor weapon, and main weapons seem to be different from ship-to-ship too. The choice of craft cannot be changed during the game, so you’re locked into its manoeuvrability and weapons, which comes with the challenge of planning ahead, and understanding how the chosen anchor works (and when best to manipulate it.
Is this game too difficult for me?
I’ve been playing video games since around 1980, whether in the form of an old TV console, a home computer, or an arcade machine. So, when I pick up a game to play, I expect to be able to play it.
If the game is too difficult, my default reaction, honed over 4 decades, is to ditch it and move onto something else. Let’s not confuse this: R-Type Delta HD Boosted is notoriously difficult to master. In a genre where “casual” is almost implied, this is not a casual shoot-em-up. Rather, it requires patience, strategy, forward planning, and fast reactions, along with knowing where and when to dispense the Delta weapon of the title.
However, challenges beyond the basic gameplay exist. R-Type Delta HD Boosted controls on the Nintendo Switch version seem slightly out. Buttons for speed are presented in the controller overlay graphic, for example, but appear to have no effect on whichever craft you choose.
Since I started playing the game, other problems have come to light, which I’ll look at below.
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R-Type Delta HD Boosted is beautiful
That aside, this game is dripping with eye candy to such an extent I just want to play it again and again. I’d held off on this review as I had hoped to complete the game in full beforehand, but R-Type Delta HD is unforgiving, and eventually all the lives are gone. I’m still on stage 3, so I can’t comment on the entire game at this point (I’ll update things later), but I was surprised at how much I wanted to play it.
I’m half a century old this year, so I tend to gravitate towards titles that I feel I can make real progress with. R-Type Delta HD Boosted really pushed me to the wall in this respect, and while I understand the game has been tuned down slightly in difficulty (and, reader, I was playing the easiest level setting) I still found it simultaneously tough and compelling.
The accompanying soundtrack maintains that idea of beauty, too. Damn… it’s rare that I get so turned on by graphics, but this game has a similar effect on me as Turrican. That’s not a bad thing.
Emulation Delta… or beta?
Attempting to learn more about R-Type Delta, I discovered various conversations on social media that implied that all was not well. As I’m new to the game, this surprised me, so I dug deeper.
Apparently, aside from the speed/controller option I’d identified, the game has some problems with the emulation.
Here’s the in game finale to R-Type Delta which is running so fast the buildings no longer sink, all particles are missing & the music hard cuts as it’s all been scrolled off-screen. The whole game’s like this, so the music sync’ing to the action in st.3, lol no etc Also missing enemies, bugs etc
[image or embed]— ohfivepro.bsky.social (@ohfivepro.bsky.social) November 21, 2025 at 7:40 PM
This complaint, and others, have apparently been fed back to Irem and Clear River Games.
Important Update.
[image or embed]— Clear River Games (@clearrivergames.com) November 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
So, what’s the verdict? Well, if the issues are patched, then that is a good thing. Otherwise, R-Type Delta HD Boosted will end up as yet another failed port from a classic series…
R-Type Delta HD Boosted: In reality this is a 9/10 all the way, but the issues with the emulation lead me to suspect it needs a slightly lower score until these are dealt with. But if you're like me and new to R-Type Delta HD Boosted, this game is worth it. – Christian Cawley
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
