R-Type Final 2 has only one substantial new offering over its PS2 predecessor, and that is a sense of joy. Where the previous game opened with an excerpt from a ship’s log as your spacecraft entered a quiet, sombre ruin, the sequel opens with the anticipation of your launch into battle and some distinctly upbeat music. The reveal of Dobkeratops at the end of the first stage will undoubtedly bring a smile to the faces of old timers, and the way you blast through ice to unearth the boss is a less-than-subtle visual metaphor – just like the fearsome foe turned familiar friend, the R-Type series is finally back in action, having been in cryostasis for the best part of two decades.