This GSM Irem release captures R-Type II's arcade board audio with that raw FM synthesis crunch that defined late-80s Irem. "Counterattack" kicks off Stage 1 with a driving bassline that immediately tells you this sequel means business, and "Metal Crusher" on Stage 3 absolutely shreds with aggressive FM guitar tones.
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The arrange version up front reimagines the main theme with studio production that was wild for 1990. What's cool is the disc also bundles X-Multiply tracks, another Irem shmup from the same era, giving you this two-for-one snapshot of the company's sound design peak.
"Slip Slidin' Away" on Stage 4 has this weirdly funky groove for a game about alien warfare. Essential listening for anyone who thinks arcade sound hardware peaked right here.