R-Type II is a classic horizontal scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Irem in 1989. It is a direct sequel to the highly successful original R-Type, retaining its core gameplay while introducing new weapons and increased difficulty. 

The story of R-Type II takes place in the year 2165, exactly two years after the events of the original R-Type. It follows the return of the Bydo Empire, an aggressive race of extra-dimensional aliens that humanity previously thought were defeated. 

Core Narrative

The Earth Defense League (Space Corps) deploys the upgraded R-9C War-Head spacecraft to launch a counter-ambush against the Bydo in their own dimensional plane. 

• Mission Goal: The pilot is tasked with infiltrating the Bydo home world and destroying their core to end the invasion once and for all.
• Conflict: Despite the massive casualties of the first war, the Bydo have returned “stronger than ever,” forcing humanity into a desperate fight for survival at the frontiers of space. 

Key Plot Developments (by Stages)

The game’s narrative is largely told through its environments and level design: 

• Initial Discovery: The journey begins in a ruined Bydo base, suggesting remnants of the previous war.
• Dimensional Infiltration: The pilot travels through treacherous terrain, including shifting caves and giant enemy battleships, to reach the Bydo’s home territory.
• The Final Stand: The final mission occurs on the Bydo home planet, where the alien organisms are cloned and mass-produced in a “den of unknown organisms”.
• The True Ending: To see the “true” ending, players must complete the game a second time on a higher difficulty. 

Gameplay and Mechanics

The game builds upon the original formula with several enhancements and an even steeper learning curve. 

• Player Ship: The player controls the R-9C “War-Head” (or R-9 Custom) starship, an improved version of the R-9 from the first game.
• New Weapons: Two new weapon types were added, bringing the total to five:
  • Search Laser: Shoots three laser beams that ricochet off surfaces.
  • Shotgun Laser: Shoots tall, ring-like energy waves from the Force.
• Enhanced Wave Cannon: The R-9C’s signature Wave Cannon was given homing capabilities and a new charge level, allowing for a more powerful, wider shot.
• Anti-Ground Bomb: A new bomb was added to the missile inventory specifically for use against ground units.
• Difficulty: The number of levels was decreased to six (compared to the original’s eight), but the game’s difficulty was significantly increased with more enemies, higher enemy durability, and trickier level design.