R-Gear

About

R-Gear is a vertical scrolling shooter from Taito that never made it past prototype stage. Built as a potential sequel to 1994’s Rayforce but abandoned in favor of Raystorm, it features a single level of chaotic action with colorful sprites and fast bullet patterns. The gameplay sticks to classic twin-stick formula with power-ups and boss fights, offering a brief but punchy experience that feels familiar to fans of late ’80s/early ’90s shoot ’em ups. The game’s main draw is its status as a lost artifact. Originally unreleased beyond leaked clips, it resurfaced in 2023 as part of the Ray’z Arcade Chronology collection. The lone stage includes fresh music by series composer Tamayo Kawamoto, giving it a polished finish despite its incomplete state. While short, under 20 minutes, it’s a nostalgic curiosity for the series’ dedicated fanbase. Available on PS4 and Switch since March 9, 2023.