ININ Games has announced a reissue and remastering of R-Type Dimensions III, and honestly, this feels like one of those “circle the date on your calendar” moments for shmup fans. Not just because it’s a new R-Type project — those are rare enough — but because this one is huge.
ININ has rebuilt, reimagined, and overhauled the classic R-Type III experience on a scale that suggests they fully understand the weight of the licence they’re holding.
Let’s be blunt:
R-Type is one of the most important arcade series ever made. (Incidentally, I’ve just completed my review of R-Type Delta HD Boosted, which I had to postpone publishing for this news!)
Dimensions III is shaping up to be the definitive way to experience its classic era. Launching May 2026, it’s coming to Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, and Steam.
Why this matters — and why ININ is treating it like a landmark
This isn’t just a remaster. ININ describes Dimensions III as one of their most ambitious projects ever, built closely with Tozai and Irem — meaning this isn’t a “licensed re-release”, but a fully sanctioned reinvention of the original.
Every stage, ship, enemy, weapon type, and grotesque bio-mechanical boss has been:
- Completely rebuilt in 3D
- Given new animations and effects
- Wrapped in modern lighting and detailed backgrounds
- Paired with a totally reconstructed soundtrack and SFX
And then — brilliantly — you can swap between original and new visuals/audio at any moment (this is a major plus point for me). That’s an obscene amount of work and a huge technical undertaking. If they’ve nailed the feel, this could become the gold standard for how to modernise a classic shmup.
Expanded modes, co-op, and a few surprises
Alongside the rebuilt campaigns, Dimensions III includes:
- Local co-op with new survival/scoring mechanics
- Advanced Mode unlocked from the start
- Quality-of-life tweaks and custom controls
- Two 3D camera modes, including a “crazy” option that may or may not make your stomach lurch in a fun way
It’s unmistakably the R-Type you know, but with the modern flexibility the series always deserved.
The premium editions are already live
ININ isn’t wasting time — physical pre-orders are open now.
Special edition (€59.99)
- Full game
- Artbook (concept art + visual development)
- Full new soundtrack
Collector’s edition (€199.99)
- Everything in the Special Edition
- A premium figurine based on the new cover artwork
- Additional exclusive collectibles
If you’re reading GamingRetro.co.uk, you already know which edition is going to sell out first.
A homecoming for one of gaming’s greats
Between R-Type Final 2, the unexpected return of shmups to modern hardware, and now Dimensions III, we’re in a renaissance moment. I think this one might be a bit different, given the scale of the project, and If ININ pulls this off (and the early language suggests they’re aiming high), we might finally have a truly definitive way to experience a formative — and for some of us familiar with the SNES — unknown entry in the R-Type series.
Learn more on the ININ Games page for R-Type Dimensions III, or wishlist it on Steam. It’s out on PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5 in May 2026.
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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.
