The legendary side-scrolling shoot ’em up returns — bigger, bolder, and far more dangerous than ever before on Nintendo Switch.
R-Type Dimensions III is a full-scale reimagining of R-Type III: The Third Lightning, Irem’s cult 1993 console-exclusive masterpiece. Every infamous stage, every grotesque Bydo monstrosity, every cruel trap and rotating biomechanical nightmare has been rebuilt with modern 3D graphics, a rearranged soundtrack, and an arsenal of new features. Yet beneath the new polish beats the same sadistic heart of the SNES classic.
Fans of the original will feel right at home — and completely terrified.
As the pilot of the cutting-edge R-90 “Ragnarok”, you embark on the Third Bydo Mission armed with Wave Cannons, Bits, and one of the most defining mechanics in shmup history: the Force unit. The original R-Type III was the first in the series to introduce multiple Force types (Round, Shadow, and Cyclone), each radically altering how the game is played. These return here in stunning detail, with effects and animations faithful to their 16-bit personalities.
Now, more than 30 years later, you can experience this classic in two completely different dimensions — instantly.
With the push of a button, swap between authentic pixel-perfect 2D visuals and fully reimagined 3D graphics, complete with dynamic lighting, modern effects, animated environments, and cinematic camera flourishes.
No loading. No interruption. Just pure dimensional shift.
For hardcore fans, this remake includes nods to the original SNES secrets, visual homages to Tamtex’s clever Mode 7 trickery, reinterpreted boss-entry animations, and environmental details inspired by Japanese design notes and old developer commentary. (Yes, that infamous Stage 2 censorship oddity? It’s referenced in a clever way. Yes, the lava labyrinth in Stage 4 is still agonizing. No, the Force pod still won’t protect you from everything.)
Prepare to face the Bydo as you’ve never seen them before — or exactly as you remember them.
Either way, you’re going to die. A lot.
Overview-
The legendary side-scrolling shoot ‘em up is back — bigger, bolder, and meaner than ever!
R-Type Dimensions III reimagines the classic R-Type III: The Third Lightning with fully remade visuals, a rearranged soundtrack, and an array of new features that push the experience into another dimension. Switch instantly between authentic 2D pixel art and fully reimagined 3D graphics at any time — without missing a beat. Whether you’re reliving the nostalgic charm of the 16-bit original or witnessing the Bydo invasion in cinematic detail, the transition is seamless and spectacular.
New ways to play-
Advanced Mode – An even more intense version of the campaign, available from the start. Expect faster enemies, deadlier projectiles, and remixed encounters that will test even the most seasoned aces.
2-Player Co-op Mode – Face the Bydo armada with a friend in local couch co-op. Coordinate your attacks, cover each other’s flanks, and relive the golden age of arcade teamwork.
Instant 2D/3D Switch – Jump between classic pixel perfection and dynamic 3D visuals anytime, anywhere.
Multiple Difficulty Levels – From trainee to expert, everyone can find their challenge.
Leaderboard Support – Compete globally and prove you’re the ultimate R-Type pilot.
So power up your Wave Cannon, deploy your Force,and prepare to enter the next dimension of side-scrolling mayhem!
Collector’s Edition-
This strictly limited CE celebrates not only the remake, but the legacy of R-Type III itself.
Premium Collector’s Edition Box
A heavy-duty, display-worthy box featuring newly commissioned artwork of Dobkeratops locked in a death duel with the R-90 Ragnarok. Metallic accents and embossing replicate the reflective style of 90s Japanese game packaging.
Physical Game + Printed Manual (Full Color)
A real, tangible release — as it should be, complete with an exclusive reversible cover.
Includes a beautiful retro-inspired printed manual filled with controls, lore, ship systems, Force breakdowns, stage briefs & tips.
15 cm Resin Figurine – Dobkeratops vs. R-90 Ragnarok
A meticulously sculpted diorama capturing the series’ most iconic encounter: the biomechanical alien Dobkeratops emerging from its fleshy wall, facing off against the aggressive, angular R-90.
Includes:
Subtle texture nods to the SNES sprite shading
Force pod attachment in translucent resin
A base inspired by the Stage 1 corridor
120-Page Artbook – “Lightning Reborn”
A premium hardcover book loaded with:
Concept art for all 3D remakes of classic enemies
Force pod evolution studies
Boss anatomy breakdowns (yes, including Creature 666)
Pixel-to-3D comparisons for every stage
Developer commentary on reinterpreting Tamtex’s original tricks (like fake-Mode-7 rotation and tile animation cheats)
Archival references to early R-Type III marketing from 1993
A deep dive for true shmup historians.
Two-Disc Soundtrack Set
Disc 1: Complete original SNES soundtrack, remastered
Disc 2: Newly rearranged orchestration & synth remixes created for R-Type Dimensions III
Perfect for comparing 16-bit crunch to modern studio production.
Poster, Stickers & Boss Cards
Fold-Out Poster: Dual-sided — one side featuring modern key art, the other a retro schematic of the R-90 + all Force types
Sticker Sheet: Ships, Forces, emblems, Bydo creature silhouettes
Boss Card Set: High-quality cards featuring bosses, lore, attack patterns, and behind-the-scenes notes on how their behaviors were updated in Advanced Mode
Individually Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Every CE is uniquely numbered — no two collectors share the same ID.
Trailer-
*Physical Releases is a participant in the Amazon, Best Buy, eBay, GameStop, Video Games Plus, VGNYSoft, Pix'n Love, Playasia, Premium Edition Games , and Walmart affiliate programs. The website may receive a partial commission through orders placed with these retailers.