R-Type III - The Third Lightning ROM

Experience the thrill of R-Type III: The Third Lightning, a dynamic side-scrolling shooter released in 1993 that pushes the boundaries of classic arcade action. This installment introduces a groundbreaking array of Force options, allowing players to customize their combat style with the original Round Force (later known as the Standard Force), the Shadow Force, and the Cyclone Force—each equipped with unique weapon sets and special enhancements.

The game refines its weapon and charging systems, reverting to the iconic red-blue-yellow weapon palette, and replaces the Diffusion Wave Cannon from R-Type II with a more versatile wave cannon. Charging this weapon to maximum unleashes a devastating beam that pierces through enemies and obstacles, delivering massive damage. A new addition, the Hyper Wave Cannon, offers a rapid-fire alternative, firing explosive shots that cause area damage. By activating Hyper mode and supercharging the wave cannon, players can temporarily wield the formidable Hyper Wave Cannon, which boasts a unique rapid-fire capability and creates destructive explosions with each shot. Collecting Bits around the ship energizes it further, causing them to spin and burn fiercely.

However, this Hyper mode is a double-edged sword—overheating occurs after a brief period, forcing a cooldown phase during which the wave cannon is temporarily disabled. The fighter in R-Type III is known in R-Type Final as the R-90 Ragnarök, originally referred to as the ‘R-90’. In Final, this craft is split into three variants:

• R-9S Strike Bomber: Equipped with the standard Force and the Mega Wave Cannon, representing the original R-90’s basic configuration.
• R-9Ø Ragnarök: Features the Shadow Force and the powerful