Overview

After R-Type Final, Irem surprisingly decided to revive the R-Type series once more for the first of two instalments on the PSP. R-Type Command (or R-Type Tactics as it was known in Japan) largely maintained the musical approach of its predecessor, with Yuki Iwai once again returning as composer. Her resultant soundtrack features some amazing sampling, but is generally unappealing otherwise.

Body

Perhaps the best feature of R-Type Command is the quality of the electronic sampling. On "Encounter" in particular, Yuki Iwai uses samplers to really create the feeling of a futuristic space adventure. The lush synthpads used throughout the track capture the boundless of space, while the backing beats manage to stimulate without overbearing. Iwai adds distortion and noise in just the right places, to represent the alien and dangerous environment, while also including a few retro nods in places. The composer displays similar command of technology in other tracks on the soundtrack, whether the cantabile synthpads of "Fighting Spirit Brewing", the pumping beats of "Undalating Space", or the sinister tones of "Desire for Annihilation", always to wonderful effect in context.

Unfortunately, most tracks on the soundtrack lack the features needed to be enjoyable stand-alone listens. Very few tracks on this release feature attractive hooks comparable to those of earlier releases in the series and this will restrict the appeal of even more accomplished tracks like "Encounter" to most listeners. However, the soundtrack isn't so appealing on a technical level either due to its deficiencies in development. For instance, "Prepare for Battle" and "Promotion" both serve their in-game purposes well, the former a suspenseful downbeat electronic track, the latter an elevating military orchestration. However, the fact they're built around repeating very simple ideas means they soon labour their extended track times and make their once immersive timbres incredibly dull.

Electronica doesn't necessarily need to be catchy or intellectual to be enjoyable, given many tracks can stimulate or relax minds directly. This is partly true for the R-Type Command with its often beautiful timbres or driving rhythms, yet again most tracks fall down due to repetition. For instance, "Transmission" could be a great piece of ambient electronica with its ingenious synth descant and contemplative chord progressions, but even this track doesn't develop quite far enough to be appealing for extended periods. Likewise, fast-paced tracks such as "Undulating Space" initially grab one's attention but end up losing it even more quickly. The tragedy is that these tracks had so much potential, but Iwai simply didn't go far enough when creating them.

Despite most tracks lacking longevity, there are a handful that are outright stunning. Like several earlier tracks on the album, "Refraction" manages to sooth listeners with its lush spacey timbres. However, it continues to have that effect during its emotionally guided development, which incorporates a gorgeous slow string progression and some subtle yet much-needed variations in sound. Among the fast-paced entries, "Remains" combines typical techno beats with ethereal voice samples and exotic elements to immersive effect; every part of its two minute development brings something new and fascinating to the theme. Finally, "Stupefaction" is welcome for the way it revisits the surreal chorus concept of R-Type Delta and R-Type Final, while bringing resolution to the soundtrack with balladic piano lines.

Summary

The R-Type Command soundtrack is impressive for the way it captures the spacey environments and tense action of the game with a range of electronic soundscapes. However, most tracks simply lack the hooks and development to appeal in any way outside the game. There's no doubt many of the timbres here are fascinating and beautiful, but few of the tracks satisfy as wholes.