R-Type Tactics II: Operation Bitter Chocolate will be coming to Japan on October 29, according to a report from 1UP. In addition to telling the tale of semi-sweet chocolate in space, the next R-Type Tactics will pit human against human, one side of which has adopted Bydo alien technology, the other which logically resists such an abomination.

Expect twice as many units in R-Type Tactics II: Operation Bitter Chocolate, the same hex-based space military strategy and a level of dry gameplay similar to the first. Will Atlus be sweet enough to bring the sequel stateside? Sounds perfect for a downloadable PSN title.

R-Type Command Sequel Announced [1UP]

More details, if you're not turned off by the whole thing, right after this.

Atlus Wages Interstellar Tactical War With R-Type® Command For PlayStation® Portable

The Legendary Franchise is Reborn this May 6th

IRVINE, CA - FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that R-Type Command, a bold new turn-based strategy entry in the long-celebrated series of side-scrolling shooters, is coming exclusively to the PlayStation Portable. R-Type Command hits store shelves May 6th with an MSRP of $39.99.

For more on R-Type Command, please visit the official website: http://www.atlus.com/r-type/

About R-Type Command
In a desperate war against the mysterious alien race known as the Bydo, humanity sends wave after wave of fighters into Bydo space - none of which are ever heard from again. Mankind's main hope now resides with a lone commander, sent to lead a small armada on a perilous mission into the heart of the Bydo Empire. Low on fuel and forced to scavenge resources and equipment from his surroundings, the commander must use all his cunning and wits if he hopes to succeed, let alone make it home alive.

Key Features:
- R-Type reborn - The highly acclaimed franchise moves into the strategy genre with exciting tactical gameplay!
- Control the Bydo forces - For the first time in the series, take command of the Bydo forces as they launch their assault on Earth!
- Intense strategy gameplay - With nearly 100 different units at your disposal, it's up to you to choose the best fleet for battle. Upgrade your existing units or purchase new ones!
- Head-to-head local multiplayer - With the PSP wireless communication feature, play against a friend in Wireless Ad Hoc mode for a one-on-one strategy battle!

R-Type Command has been rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) with Animated Blood and Mild Fantasy Violence by the ESRB.

About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is a publisher of compelling video games for a variety of platforms, including Nintendo DS, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii, Xbox 360®, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Odin Sphere, Trauma Center series, and the Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit http://www.atlus.com.

©2008 IREM SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INC. All rights reserved. Licensed to and published by Atlus U.S.A., Inc. "PlayStation", "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick DuoTM may be required (sold separately).

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]

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