The unofficial Sega Genesis port of R-Type, developed by Andrea Baldiraghi, also known as TheRoboZ, is nearing completion. This fan project aims to bring the classic 1987 arcade shooter by Irem to the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, a console that never officially received a port of the game.
Key Details of the Unofficial R-Type Port
- Development Progress: The project has made significant strides, with all remaining stages added since the initial demo. Although the game is not yet 100% complete, it is approaching its final stages, with ongoing polishing and testing.
- Features and Enhancements:
- The port includes a range of customizable options, such as different ships to pilot (including a prototype Leo) and a choice between arcade or Mega Drive music arrangements.
- It features smooth scrolling, arcade-quality sprites, and a beautifully remixed soundtrack utilizing the Genesis’s YM2612 sound chip.
- The demo version currently available includes three stages and adapts for both 60Hz and 50Hz, making it accessible for PAL Mega Drive users.
- The port includes a range of customizable options, such as different ships to pilot (including a prototype Leo) and a choice between arcade or Mega Drive music arrangements.
- Community Engagement: Fans can download the demo from itch.io and play it on Genesis emulators or flash cartridges like the Mega Everdrive. Feedback from the community is encouraged to help refine the final product.
- Future Plans: Once completed, Baldiraghi plans to release the port as a free 4-stage ROM and publish the source code, allowing others to expand on it by adding more levels.