The classic side-scrolling space shooter R-Type is coming to Xbox Live Arcade with a whole slew of new innovations. The title will trigger the nostalgia reflex in many: the game combines both R-Type and R-Type II with some interesting twists.

If you’re an older gamer looking for that classic feel you can play both games with the old-school 2d visuals. If you’re just a fan of space shooters or aren’t quite so strict in your retro devotions you can play them with updated 3d graphics. If you decide that you don’t like whichever mode you’re in you can switch to the other with a push of a button.

It also brings the first ever R-Type co-op mode. Whether you’re playing with a friend on the same console or via Xbox Live you can team up with a friend to blast the Bydo into space dust. As with most Xbox titles, there’ll be a variety of achievements ranging from the easily acquired to tasks that’ll test the mettle of the most experienced R-Type veteran.

For those who often find these types of games too difficult to play to completion (myself included) there’s an ‘Infinite Game Mode’ where presumably you’ll have an unlimited number of ships to throw at your foes.

The title will be available on Xbox Live this winter.