Year: 1987 Platform: Arcade, PC, Gameboy Probably the most famous side-scrolling shooter of the '80s, R-Type has deservedly gone down as a classic of the genre. Featuring intense difficulty, R-Type was a game that required the utmost dedication from gamers in order to complete, and is still often listed as one of the hardest games ever made. R-Type was particularly innovative due to its complex weapons system, which allowed players to charge shots and unlock new abilities. The levels themselves were just as dangerous as the enemies, requiring players to die multiple times in order to learn the 'correct' route. It was tough, but players couldn't get enough, earning the title a number of ports and sequels.
