R-Type, which is being ported by DotEmu, will be out "sometime in the next few months", while Ghosts N' Goblins was released in Japan on Sunday. So...take two games requiring fast, precise controls, then port them to a system capable of neither. What a great idea.

Exclusive: 'R-Type' Coming to the iPhone [touchArcade]
iPhoneについに『魔界村』、いまなら350円[税込] [Famitsu]

Released in Japan as Steambot Chronicles: Vehicle Battle Tournament, the new PSP title places players behind the controls of a Trotmobile mech, as a young gladiator looking to make a name for himself. Pick your missions, upgrade your parts, and battle other players in 4-player Ad Hoc wireless battles, complete with game sharing for those whose friends are too cheap to get their own.

Perhaps due to the recent string of delays, Atlus has announced a much more reasonable release window of later this summer for Steambot Chronicles Battle Tournament, rather than announcing the exact date and then pushing it back at the last possible moment.

It's a pretty easy formula, one that publisher Irem capitalized upon when opening up the "Spelunker Lounge" this past week to Spelunker-crazed Japanese journalists. Simply take an existing character and, regardless of the gender of the main character(s), redesign that character's outfit with minimal leg coverage. Then stand near the playable version of the game being promoted.

Oh! And bring booze!

We'll bet that Spelunker wine tastes delicious. Probably more enjoyable than our hands-on time with the PlayStation Network game at Tokyo Game Show, anyway.

"ひ弱さ"健在！ 関係者パーティーで『みんなでスペランカー』を体験 [Gpara]

Rather than try to piece through the scattered description of the Irem-developed game delivered to my inbox as via the mailing list, I instead give you the much more concise description from the YouTube version of the official trailer, which I've also conveniently posted below.

Gen-san hammers away at corporate evil across Japan and the world in this vibrant, action-based comic adventure that unfolds fully voiced in English and Japanese languages! Choose from a variety of jobs, including sushi chef, baseball player, and diver, to give Gen different costumes and attacks as he fights through 12 crazy stages. Along the way, make allies in battle, collect loads of items, and even unlock two more playable characters!

Meanwhile, back in the email, Atlus also mentions that the game will support two-player via ad hoc wireless, so you can pummel things into oblivion with a friend at your side.

Hammerin' Hero [Official Website]

R-Type Dimensions may have a bit of a tacked on gimmick with its "crazy camera" but we're still looking forward to tackling it on XBLA soon.

Unfortunately, there's little else in the way of concrete info for R-Type Dimensions, such as whether it will be a totally new entry in the series or a HD remake of a previous entry. Whatever the outcome, we don't care. It's R-Type!

'R-Type Dimensions' Coming to Xbox Live Arcade! [GamerBytes]

We're waiting to hear back from Atlus on the matter to see if this rumor turns out to be true.

R-Type Tactics (PSP) coming to the U.S.! Bring on R-Type Command! [NeoGAF]

Don't count on a European or North American release just yet, but we'll hopefully get our hands on it in Tokyo next week.

Bumpy Trot 2 [Irem via NeoGAF]

New York based importer Nation Console Support is now taking pre-orders for the first releases in the series, listed below.

R-9A Arrow-Head from R-Type
0F-1 Daedalus from Image Fight
Vic Viper T301 from Gradius
Metarion from Gradius II
Silver Hawk from Darius Gaiden

At $20 for all five, with an estimated ship date of early December, you're looking at the perfect stocking stuffer for the shmup lover in your life. I'm looking at you, Mom.

SR Shooting Video Game History Gashapon [NCSX]

Profiles on the game's ships—including a look at the Bydo faction spacecraft—and storyline are also up, but don't get too excited unless you're armed with serious kanji knowledge. Michael McWhertor

R-Type Tactics [Irem, thanks Chris!]

I promise, I'll be watching like a hawk for any and all updates on R-Type Tactics. Keep your eyes peeled for news and the inevitable online campaign for a North American release.

Scan via The Next Level Forums. Thanks, Chris! Michael McWhertor