Irem's tactical strategy title R-Type Commando was a radical departure for a series so strongly tied to the fast-paced genre of on-rails arcade shooting. The transition received a mixed reaction from fans, at least here in the US, but was evidently a success abroad, as the developer announced plans for a sequel today.
Hitting the PSP on October 29 in Japan is R-Type Tactics II: Operation Bitter Chocolate. Sticking to the solid turn-based gameplay formula of its predecessor, Tactics II is being expanded on all fronts. Players can expect over 200 units -- double that of the previous entry, as well as additional abilities that can greatly influence an outcome on the battlefield. Irem is staying coy on details, but one such ability will allow players to jam the frequences of nearby enemy spacecraft, confounding a state of confusion.
No word on a stateside release as of yet.