R-Type III: The Third Lightning

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
46

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 6 out of 11
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  1. Nintendo Power
    82
    A creative weapons system and great control make old-school space shooter R-Type III an action gamer's dream. [Apr 2004, p.122]
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  2. Nintendophiles
    77
    While it’s not a perfect port, R-Type III still plays like it was made for the GBA. The few shortcomings are forgivable since the immortal gameplay of the original hasn’t changed.
  3. Nintendojo
    75
    This is an old school shooter and it’s a great example of what an old school shooter is and should be.
  5. Game Informer
    63
    The graphics have translated nicely to the GBA, and the control works just dandy, but the level design drives me absolutey insane. [May 2004, p.108]
  6. Cheat Code Central
    50
    The collision detection system is much too sensitive for a game of this nature where you often have to squeeze between openings that leave you only a few pixels to squeeze by.
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  7. IGN
    45
    It looks great, absolutely. But the level design and collision detection, as well a sluggish pace and poor use of background music...well, it all adds up. R-Type III is, simply put, a bad Game Boy Advance game.
  8. Deeko
    35
    Perhaps one of the worst ports that I’ve ever had the misfortune to play. Casting aside all of the factors that made the SNES version such an entertaining game, R-Type III is simply a shallow husk whose only possible deliverance from being crap is its inexpensive price tag.
  9. Cinescape
    33
    Unfortunately, somehow the sound got completely butchered along the way to this cart. The cool rock tracks have been replaced by these nice, high pitched screeching noises. This is definitely a game to turn the volume down on.
  10. GameSpot
    28
    The GBA version of R-Type III is a pathetic, wretched imitation of that great game.
  11. Pocket Games
    20
    One of the worst port jobs in history. Just playable enough to make you wish that it weren't so broken. [Summer 2004, p.39]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. GamerFeed
    20
    A terribly flawed shooter that won't evoke that many good memories, only the wish to find a SNES console and a copy of the game to play it the way it was originally intended.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
52
#52 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
4.4

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 3 out of 5
  1. Yojimbo2015
    May 5, 2023
    7
    Absolutely loathed by critics, this conversion of the SNES classic certainly has its issues; the music is weak and bleepy, the screen a littleAbsolutely loathed by critics, this conversion of the SNES classic certainly has its issues; the music is weak and bleepy, the screen a little cramped and the collision detection unforgiving which makes it rather overly tricky. But it's got great graphics and most of the original game has made it to the Advance intact making for a perfectly servicable old school shooter. One of those games that was unfairly maligned purely because it suffers in comparison to the original.… Full Review »
  2. MartinT.
    May 3, 2004
    3
    Way too hard. After all, We're looking at a really little screen. The graphics are just good enough to let you know what you just Way too hard. After all, We're looking at a really little screen. The graphics are just good enough to let you know what you just crashed into. Why do people in my area want this game enough to not be able to find it? No, I don't live in Abilene, Texas.… Full Review »
  3. Craptest
    Mar 19, 2004
    5
    I was hoping for an improvemnt on the SNES original. We dont get that hear, Missing animation, reduced difficulty, altered music. This isnt I was hoping for an improvemnt on the SNES original. We dont get that hear, Missing animation, reduced difficulty, altered music. This isnt R-Type III. Its a travesty. Not for serious fans.… Full Review »
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