R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos Review

Two classic PSP strategy games come back with a new campaign, current graphics, and a lot of tactical depth, but not all the trip feels renewed for 2026.

Since 1987, the R-Type franchise has gained a reputation as one of the most recognizable side-scrolling shooter series in gaming. Its giant biomechanical enemies, iconic Force modules, and devastating Wave Cannons defined the genre for decades. 

While the series spent most of its life focused on arcade-style shooting action, it took a surprising detour in 2007 with the release of R-Type Tactics on the PSP, known in North America as R-Type Command. Instead of piloting a single fighter through enemy formations, players suddenly found themselves commanding entire fleets in a turn-based strategy game.

The gamble paid off well enough to produce a sequel, R-Type Tactics II: Operation Bitter Chocolate, but that game never officially left Japan. For years, Western fans could only experience it through fan translations and imported copies. 

Meanwhile, original developer Irem shifted much of its focus away from traditional game development, leading several former staff members to form Granzella under the leadership of Kazuma Kujo. Over time, Granzella acquired the rights to several former Irem properties, eventually bringing R-Type back with R-Type Final 2 and later R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos. 

Originally announced as a remake collection combining both PSP games with an entirely new campaign, the project experienced multiple delays before finally launching in 2026. The result is a package that contains the two original tactical RPGs along with a brand-new story campaign called Cosmos. 

The first campaign retells a familiar story for R-Type fans. 

Humanity, represented by the Space Corps, launches a desperate military campaign against the Bydo, a mysterious alien force that threatens the solar system. You start off with a handful of fighters, recon craft, and support vessels and slowly build your fleet into a massive armada capable of taking on the enemy on a galactic scale. 

The most interesting thing about the narrative is that it finally lets you see the conflict from the other side. Rather than remaining with humanity throughout the entire game, you eventually gain control of the Bydo forces themselves. This shift not only changes the story's perspective but also introduces new unit types, abilities, and strategic approaches.

This shift changes both the story perspective and the gameplay, offering a look into a faction that has traditionally served as the series' primary antagonist. The Bydo campaign contains some of the collection's strongest writing, gradually pulling you deeper into the alien mindset while presenting a very different view of the ongoing war.

Operation Bitter Chocolate builds on those foundations by focusing on political conflict within humanity itself. The story introduces the Granzella Revolutionary Army, a faction that opposes the continued use of Force technology. Some parts of the campaign are influenced by briefings and mission selection, which can lead to branching paths and different outcomes. 

The general storytelling is still quite straightforward, but the added choices and faction perspectives help to make the second game feel more ambitious than the first. The new Cosmos campaign is extra content made just for this collection, extending the package even more.

At its core, R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos is a hexagonal turn-based strategy game. Every mission starts with preparing your fleet: assigning pilots, organizing squadrons, choosing ships, and deciding how your forces will approach the coming battle. Much of the strategy lies in the preparation and positioning before combat even begins, and not just moving units and attacking.

One of the game's defining mechanics is directional combat. Unlike many strategy games where units can attack in every direction, ships in R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos have specific firing arcs. Positioning therefore becomes crucial because a powerful weapon is useless if it is facing the wrong direction. 

That emphasis on planning is reflected in the battlefield itself. 

Terrain influences movement, line of sight, and opportunities for engagement. Reconnaissance units are used to locate enemy positions, support ships are used to deliver supplies, and specialized vessels fill unique niches on the battlefield. The game discourages spamming a single overpowered unit. 

Another interesting feature is the deception system. Some units can camouflage, act as decoys, or deliberately distract the enemy from vital assets. This mechanic adds a level of mind games that makes R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos stands out from more traditional strategy titles. 

The collection offers a massive roster of units drawn from across the franchise. There are fighters, bombers, capital ships, support vessels, missile platforms, reconnaissance units, and numerous Bydo creations. Fleet construction becomes almost a separate game of its own, as different combinations of units can dramatically change how missions unfold. 

Combat revolves around positioning and resource management. The player and enemy fight battles in turns. The usual objectives are the destruction of the enemy flagship or the defense of your own. Every decision counts. A poorly positioned fleet can quickly become vulnerable to devastating attacks.

Wave Cannons remain one of the most important weapons in the game. 

Instead of manually charging them as in the shooter series, they automatically charge over multiple turns. When prepared, they can launch devastating long-range attacks that can decimate multiple units. But these weapons do not differentiate between friend and foe. If one of your ships is in the blast path, it will also feel the force of the blast. 

Force devices are just as important. In themselves they are small support elements with limited combat capability. However, they do greatly increase offensive options when attached to compatible ships. More advanced units have a wider range of weapons, movement abilities, and special attacks, allowing for more strategic possibilities.

When all of these mechanics come together, the combat system shines. Directional attacks, fleet formations, terrain management, Force devices, and Wave Cannons all contribute to real planning in battles. There is a great feeling of satisfaction when a well-thought-out strategy comes together over a few turns.

The fight, though, also has its shortcomings. The AI has a tendency to struggle in the use of terrain and can make poor choices with powerful weapons at times. Some enemy fleets will fire Wave Cannons without looking, even if friendly units are in the blast radius. 

Certain tactics eventually become more effective than others, particularly those involving Force devices and physical attacks. As a result, some late-game encounters can feel less varied than intended. This streamlining can make battles more efficient, but it also reduces the incentive to experiment with the wider range of abilities and equipment available.

Progression is handled through a veteran system. Units that survive missions gain experience, and their combat performance gradually improves. Veteran squads are valuable assets, with increased damage output, better evasion, and other benefits. The loss of an experienced unit is therefore no small matter. 

Luckily the progression is balanced enough that grinding is not often required. Completed missions can be replayed for additional resources and experience, but most players can comfortably advance through the campaigns without excessive farming.

Visually, R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos delivers a noticeable upgrade over the PSP originals. Granzella rebuilt the games using modern technology, giving ships, environments, and battle effects far more detail than before. Cinematic battle sequences showcase missiles, beam weapons, explosions, and fleet engagements in full 3D. 

While the visual presentation is not cutting-edge compared to the biggest modern strategy games, it successfully modernizes the original experience without losing its identity. Thoughtful updates improve character models, environments, and visual effects, enhancing immersion while remaining true to the game's classic aesthetic.

The collection features remade cinematics and a giant gallery that opens up as you play through the campaigns.

Fans of the series will probably be happy to see the familiar designs again, though this time around, in higher-quality models and artwork. There are some visual effects sometimes hindering the readability on the battlefield, but overall the graphical presentation is solid and functional.

The audio presentation is not as predictable. The soundtrack features some strong themes that suit the military sci-fi setting well, but the limited track selection does become apparent over long campaigns. Because missions can last quite a while and music often restarts frequently, repetition eventually sets in. 

Voice acting fares better. One of the biggest improvements to the collection is the English localization. The performances add more emotion and personality to mission briefings and story scenes. Characters feel more engaging, and the narrative benefits from the added energy delivered by the English cast.

R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos occupies an unusual place in today's strategy landscape. 

On one hand, it preserves two unique tactical RPGs that many players never had the opportunity to experience, particularly Operation Bitter Chocolate. The collection offers an enormous amount of content, a memorable science-fiction setting, deep tactical systems, and a fresh perspective on one of gaming's longest-running shooter franchises.

On the other hand, it also brings with it many of the limitations of its roots in PSP. The UI is a bit dated, there’s a lack of quality-of-life features, and some design choices feel stuck in time. Sometimes the load times, the menu navigation, and the pacing in general can be a test of your patience. 

And yet, there’s something to be said for the game’s commitment to its vision. It doesn’t attempt to follow modern trends or water down its mechanics to appeal to the masses. Instead, it offers a thoughtful strategy experience focused on positioning, planning, reconnaissance, and fleet management.