City Connection, in collaboration with Irem, has officially released a major update for R-Type Delta: HD Boosted, the enhanced port of the beloved PlayStation shoot-'em-up classic.
The patch is currently available on Steam and Japanese consoles, with global Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X|S patches scheduled for a forthcoming release. Originally launched in 2023, R-Type Delta: HD Boosted brought the iconic R-Type Delta experience to modern platforms via the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, and Steam.
However, this long-anticipated port quickly became the subject of criticism from both Japanese and international fans due to significant changes in gameplay mechanics.
Notably, the lack of slowdown—a key feature in the original—resulted in missing visual effects, desynchronized audio, and an unintended spike in difficulty, particularly noticeable during Stage 3. In response to widespread feedback, international publisher Clear River Games acknowledged the issues and confirmed they were actively investigating player concerns.
In a statement sent to media outlets, including Time Extension, the publisher affirmed its commitment to remediate the problems and provide timely updates. After a period of relative quiet over the holiday season, City Connection has now detailed the upcoming improvements in a new developer blog post.
These fixes are already live for Japanese PC and console players, and include several important adjustments to enhance gameplay fidelity and user experience: - Restored and corrected various sound effects, ensuring audio cues align with player actions. - Fixed background music playback for Stage 2 on PlayStation 5, addressing an issue where music failed to play correctly. - Adjusted enemy placements in Stage 3 to more accurately reflect the original game’s balance. - Introduced a special 'slowdown setting' aimed at recreating the authentic gameplay feel of the PlayStation original. - Corrected and tweaked several in-game animations, and resolved miscellaneous bugs that affected core gameplay. - Added an option to skip the opening stage animation, accessible through the following platform-specific controls: '+' button on Nintendo Switch, OPTIONS on PlayStation, Menu button (☰) on Xbox Series X|S, and the equivalent input on Steam. The R-Type Delta: HD Boosted update demonstrates City Connection and Irem’s ongoing dedication to honoring the legacy of this classic shooter's gameplay, while also adapting to the expectations of a modern audience across key platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and Steam. As international players await the release of the patch outside Japan, the swift response to player feedback and attention to detail reinforces both City Connection’s and Clear River Games’ reputations for quality in the field of retro game preservation and adaptation.
R-Type Delta: HD Boosted continues to bridge classic gameplay with modern technology, ensuring the franchise remains accessible and enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers.
The patch is currently available on Steam and Japanese consoles, with global Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X|S patches scheduled for a forthcoming release. Originally launched in 2023, R-Type Delta: HD Boosted brought the iconic R-Type Delta experience to modern platforms via the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, and Steam.
However, this long-anticipated port quickly became the subject of criticism from both Japanese and international fans due to significant changes in gameplay mechanics.
Notably, the lack of slowdown—a key feature in the original—resulted in missing visual effects, desynchronized audio, and an unintended spike in difficulty, particularly noticeable during Stage 3. In response to widespread feedback, international publisher Clear River Games acknowledged the issues and confirmed they were actively investigating player concerns.
In a statement sent to media outlets, including Time Extension, the publisher affirmed its commitment to remediate the problems and provide timely updates. After a period of relative quiet over the holiday season, City Connection has now detailed the upcoming improvements in a new developer blog post.
These fixes are already live for Japanese PC and console players, and include several important adjustments to enhance gameplay fidelity and user experience: - Restored and corrected various sound effects, ensuring audio cues align with player actions. - Fixed background music playback for Stage 2 on PlayStation 5, addressing an issue where music failed to play correctly. - Adjusted enemy placements in Stage 3 to more accurately reflect the original game’s balance. - Introduced a special 'slowdown setting' aimed at recreating the authentic gameplay feel of the PlayStation original. - Corrected and tweaked several in-game animations, and resolved miscellaneous bugs that affected core gameplay. - Added an option to skip the opening stage animation, accessible through the following platform-specific controls: '+' button on Nintendo Switch, OPTIONS on PlayStation, Menu button (☰) on Xbox Series X|S, and the equivalent input on Steam. The R-Type Delta: HD Boosted update demonstrates City Connection and Irem’s ongoing dedication to honoring the legacy of this classic shooter's gameplay, while also adapting to the expectations of a modern audience across key platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and Steam. As international players await the release of the patch outside Japan, the swift response to player feedback and attention to detail reinforces both City Connection’s and Clear River Games’ reputations for quality in the field of retro game preservation and adaptation.
R-Type Delta: HD Boosted continues to bridge classic gameplay with modern technology, ensuring the franchise remains accessible and enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers.