Why the time was right to return to R-Type Delta, according to Nobu Yoshikawa

R-Type Delta HD Boosted revamps a game that bridged the eras of pixel art and 3D polygons, giving it unique appeal for fans of retro shooters. But can it also appeal to new players?

The collaboration between City Connection, ZeroDiv, and Irem was a task of gaming archaeology, made more difficult by incomplete source code for the port.

We’ve already spoken with Kazuma Kujo and Takehiro Eda about the design and technical side of the collaboration and to Embracer’s Martin Lindell and James Wragg about the challenges and opportunities in bringing a niche genre to new audiences.

You may like

Here, were speak with Nobu Yoshikawa, CEO and executive producer at City Connection to get his take on the project and to ask what advice he would give to anyone looking to create a retro-inspired game (see our pick of the best game development software if you want to get started).

The first boss in the game is the imposing Moritz-G (Image credit: Irem / CRG)What aspects of the original did you consider essential to preserve?

Even though we changed the visuals, preserving the look of the time; the polygons and the production design, was essential to me.

What elements did you most want to modernise or rethink for a contemporary audience?

I’d like players to view this as a new way to experience the game, meaning as a new game, through the updated visuals, production values, play speed and sound. We plan to update the game to offer an experience as close to the original on modern hardware as possible.

Stage two of R-Type Delta introduces numerous watery hazards (Image credit: Irem / CRG)Can you describe the collaborative process?

City Connection handled planning and specifications, Irem handled approvals and art, and ZeroDiv did the reverse engineering and coding.

Why do you think players today still enjoy classic games?

The way people perceive “classics” today seems different from our generation’s perspective. Younger players might be willing to try a title they’re curious about if it’s available on current platforms at a low price, while others may feel apprehensive about new titles.

Their concept of what constitutes an efficient use of time also differs from ours, so we need to make sure they can play with peace of mind.

Dobkeratops remains the most iconic boss in the entire R-Type series (Image credit: Irem / CRG)The Force pod is one of the most iconic mechanics in shooter history. Did revisiting Delta give you new insights into why it remains so compelling?

From its origins as an option/Bit weapon, I think it’s evolved over time to match changes in game design and strategies.

R-Type III: The Third Lightning, released in 1993, was the first entry to feature multiple Force units. R-Type Delta expanded on this concept by offering three distinct ships (Image credit: Irem / CRG)What does R-Type Delta represent in the broader legacy of the R-Type franchise?

I think it’s an essential point to return to as an original entry into the home console series—and as one born not at Irem Osaka but in Kanazawa, and thus infused with a new spirit— it formed the foundation for the later R-Type Final series.

The R13 is one of three playable crafts in R-Type Delta, alongside the R9 and the RX (Image credit: Irem / CRG)What advice would you give to indie developers who want to create retro-inspired games without becoming trapped by nostalgia or imitation?

When you take retro-style in the broadest sense, it comes with both a sense of comfort and a set of rules that feel inseparable. You can use it just for a catchy hook, or you can subvert it entirely—that’s fine. After all, these are techniques and efforts born from history, and how they’re perceived depends on the generation engaging with them.

My advice? Do whatever you like. Just keep in mind: there’s already been mass-produced and mass-consumed games which only pay superficial reverence to the style; are you ready to become one of those?

Finally, what lessons, from R-Type’s long history, from this remaster, or from your own careers, do you believe are most important for the next generation of game designers to learn?

When working on a title where there’s a clear “right answer,” the destination may look singular—but there are many possible paths, so you need to fight your way there using only the materials at hand. We chose to set our goal slightly off that beaten path to what seemed like the most obvious answer, and added elements of challenge along the way.

The result is this game. In the past, we’ve faced similar questions across dozens of projects, shifting our approach without ever feeling we were heading in the wrong direction—because we’ve never been alone. We’ve always been supported by many creators and companies.

Looking ahead, there’s a chance that some other creators will reinterpret Delta in their own way during our gaming lives. And who knows—we might reboot Delta ourselves someday! Some players might even pull their old PlayStation out of storage to play. That’s great too.

(See our pick of the best retro game consoles if you’re tempted).

Daily design news, reviews, how-tos and more, as picked by the editors.