R-Type Leo (1992)

R-Type Leo is a 1992 horizontal-scrolling shooter arcade game developed by Nanao and published by Irem. It is a spin-off of the R-Type series and the last R-Type entry to be released in arcades. In Leo, players take control of the titular space fighter to travel the man-made mechanical planet Eden and destroy its supercomputer core Major. The game was initially conceived as an original shoot 'em up by Nanao before being retooled into an R-Type project by Irem.

Gameplay:
R-Type Leo is a horizontal-scrolling shooter that is part of the R-Type series. The plot involves a man-made mechanical planet named Eden, which after its supercomputer core called Major begins to malfunction, uses its defense systems and machines to destroy what is left of mankind. In response, a starfighter named the Leo is deployed to destroy Eden. Leo features gameplay similar to its predecessors; the player (or players) flies through each stage, destroying constantly-moving formations of enemies and avoiding their projectiles and stage obstacles. There are six stages total, which become progressively more difficult as the player progresses. Stages include deserts, tropical jungles, and abandoned space battleships. Each stage also has a massive boss that must be defeated by destroying its weak point.

Leo features multiple deviations from the R-Type gameplay structure. The most notable change is the removal of the Force, a shield item from previous installments that also acted as an additional source of firepower. The player is instead given two Psy-Bit satellites that follow them and fire at enemies. There are power-ups that can be collected to grant the Leo access to new weapons. Weapon types include a powerful laser beam, a homing shot, and a laser that reflects off of walls.