Dobkeratops is a recurring boss in the R-Type series, appearing as a boss in all games (with the exception of R-Type LEO, understandable since it is a spin-off). The Dobkeratops are a species of Bydo, having a elongated head and long tail. From its chest bursts a second head, which is usually the monster's weakness. Each version is considered a subspecies, with its own attacks. While it usually appeared early in the games, later games put it on more advanced stages. It has a great variety of names, including, Krill, Krell, Doppleganger, Double Keratops, Gladiator, etc.
Anyone with Alien franchise afficionado should notice, Dobkeratops resembles the artwork of the late H.R. Giger, of Xenomorph designer; indeed, Dobkeratops bears a striking resemblance to that titular creature with both the elongated head and the "chest-burster" head at the abdomen. Though the attacks differ slightly from one incarnation to another, the middle part of the beast is always the weak point.
Dobkeratops appearances
| The first appearance of Dobkeratops, and also the most simple. The very first boss in the game, it's only attack is shooting from the chest head. Appear in R-Type, Dimension and R-Type Command. | |
| The second form of Dobkeratops, called Dobkeratops Remains, it is a armored variant, shooting homing lasers and a beam from the chest's orb, which acts as it's weakness. Appear in R-Type II. Destroying the helmet will reveal Dobkeratops face. | |
| The third form of Dobkeratops, called Dobkeratops Albino. It appears as one of the many forms taken by the shape-shifting boss Phantom Cell, acting the same way as in the first game. Appear in R-Type III. | |
| The fourth form of Dobkeratops, called Subkeratom. It's main form of attack is spitting insects that release small eel-like creatures when destroyed. After the protection in the chest-head is destroyed, it attempts to engulf the player with it's tail. Appear in R-Type Delta. | |
| The last form of Dobkeratops, called Dobkeratops Mattuchius. This one is a rotting form suspended inside a large vat with liquid fluid. It will send various small creatures and attack with it's tongue, which is now it's weakness. After the tongue is destroyed the head will fall off, leaving only the torso, which acts independently. Appear in R-Type Final. |
Additional Appearances
- Note: R-Type games from here on are not shooting games, but combat simulations. Irem, maker of R-Type series, stated that R-Type series as shmup games ended with R-Type Final.
R-Type Command / Tactics
Dobkeratops here are tamed variants (four in total), under human control, and are the first known variants of Dobkeratops species; however, failed attempts at creating more of them can be seen in the large tanks in the background of the Bestra Research Facility. The first variant is classic Dobkeratops from the first R-Type game, the second one resembles black variant in R-Type III: The Third Lightning 's Advanced mode, the third is an underwater variant, perhaps close to the one encountered in R-Type Final, and finally there is a red Dobkeratop variant encountered only during the Bydo Campaign of R-Type Tactics / Command.
R-Type Tacticvs II: : Operation Bitter Chocolate
This is Artificial Dobkeratops Reactor, a special version that breeds Dobkeratops Jr. in its womb. Player will have to confront this creature in chapter 20 of the game. As in R-Type Command, there are various sub-species of Dobkeratops, with each chapter having one Dobkeratops boss. In chapter 7 of the second Human campaign, players will face the Vertebrae Dobkeratops, which has a massive exoskeleton and one of Dobkeratops variants.
Juvenile Dobkeratops
This is Dobkeratops Jr., a Dobkeratops in its infant stage. So far it is only seen in R-Type Tactics II: Operation Bitter Chocolate. Although an artificially bred Dobkeratops by Earth Space Corps., It has as much as destructive power and ferocity on par with its mature adult form.