R-Type Command demo hits US PSP store, new screens

The release of R-Type Command – already out in Japan as R-Type Tactics – is drawing ever closer for the US, where the game is scheduled for May 6th. And to get gamers suitably enthused about this new addition to the franchise (which, for the first time, blends side-scrolling shooting with tactical RPG elements), publisher Atlus has released a playable demo for the game on the PlayStation Store.

You'll find the demo here – which the sharp of observational skills will notice is the US store so needs a US account to get to, but some of you no doubt have one of those. (And others may know how to get around it.)

If you don't, you'll just have to console yourself with the new screenshots of the game that have been released (above) and hope the demo will make it across the Atlantic.

As mentioned, R-Type Command is the first game to nudge the series into the strategy genre, giving you 100 different units to take into battle, including the ability to take control of the enemy Bydo forces. Head-to-head local multiplayer where you can play one-on-one strategy battles is also promised.

All this is yet to be confirmed for release in the UK but we expect it will make it. Otherwise you can always track down a US copy.