Finally got some time to play this in earnest. I've played the first couple levels many times on the Master System over the years and did likewise with the TG-16 port when I got it earlier this year. I'd always thought the graphics, music and control were above average, but nothing really ever pulled me in, and the difficulty can initially be very crippling. Looking to give the game its due for this GOTW, I sat down to progress further - and got decimated. You can be doing everything right, and then some small random bullet nicks you and you're back to the next checkpoint. What I've come to respect about R-Type, though, is that the more you play it the further you progress. It's not just about quick reflexes and being a gaming savant, it's more about learning the layout of the level and developing a strategy. As I played through it, I could get to the 5th level without dying once, and I'm pretty terrible at shooters. At this point I've managed to get midway through the 6th level but have yet to figure out the right place to be midway through where all those yellow crates just come shooting out in every direction. Still, I really respect the game design here - it's an incredibly difficult game, but with practice you can own it. Thanks guys for getting me to obey this game and bow to its addictive splendor.
