When it comes to the nostalgia factor, it's always difficult to put things into perspective. On the one hand there is the desire to rediscover lost emotions and feelings, on the other the danger that our memories become contaminated. With Raiden IV x MIKADO remix you'll have to face the same dilemma, especially if it's been a while since you last picked up a vertically scrolling shooter.
Raiden IV originally came out in 2007 and was developed by MOSS a studio born from the ashes of Seibu Kaihatsu, the creators of the Raiden series. The Raiden IV x MIKADO remix, however, has already been seen on Nintendo Switch in 2021 and will be released on January 31 on PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, PC and Xbox Series. It takes up just over 900 megabytes of memory, but has the potential to take up many more hours than a 100+ gigabyte product if the goal is to reach the top of the global charts.
However, before spending 40 euros on a 16-year-old product, you have to be honest with yourself and ask yourself if it is worth the risk. In this Raiden IV x MIKADO remix review We will analyze the (few) components of the game, its structure and the frustration factor to understand how successful this blast from the past is and if it is worth your time.
The climb to the top
La Raiden IV x MIKADO remix plot It's almost non-existent, but for the sake of completeness we'll tell you anyway: a race of aliens called the Crystals have attacked Earth for the fourth time and a pilot with a super-innovative, experimental plane is tasked with stopping them. . The beating heart of this game is its Vertical scrolling game composed of planes, unlikely bosses, bombs and, above all, scores. Raiden IV MIKADO remix has 7 levels in total, each one more difficult than the last and at the end of each one (or when you die) you will receive a score. This result can be added to your personal leaderboard, compete against yourself, or posted to a global leaderboard. If seeing your nickname appear on a piece of furniture at the local arcade was already an incredible feeling, being able to reach the top of the world is another matter.
The road to the top, however, is less steep than in the past: Raiden IV x MIKADO remix, in fact, has a myriad of options for difficulty customization, including a "Practice" mode where enemies don't shoot, designed to memorize opponents' patterns and movements. One of the mechanics introduced when the game saw its first evolution (in 2014, when it was released for Playstation 3) was the addition of Overkill mode, which allows you to continue dealing damage to enemy spaceships once defeated. All this, obviously, to score more points. Eliminating opponents a few moments after they appear on the screen will also give you a higher score. These are simple mechanics, but they require a lot of memory and training to maximize them. To better manage deaths, bosses and extra lives, you can choose whether you want to tackle the levels in the light version, where everything is a little slower. Unlike the past, the developers have thought about different tools through which you can learn to play and improve progressively, so if what motivates you is the search for the first positions in the world ranking, then Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix will not disappoint you. you.
Spaceships and fairies
Originally intended as DLC (for which MOSS was heavily criticized), the two boats The extras available in Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix appear similar to the initial one, but are actually controlled in a very different way. The Fighting Thunder ME-02, the basic ship of Raiden IV, is very balanced, perfect for getting started and understanding the logic of the game. The power and movement speed of the main weapon are average, and its bomb (the special attack) can instantly remove all projectiles and enemies from the screen and also deal a lot of damage. The Raiden MK-II, on the other hand, is the oldest Raiden ship and is recommended for more experienced players. Weapon damage is high, but movement speed is slower. Its bomb takes a few moments to detonate, but it is perfect for taking down bosses thanks to its very high damage.
Perhaps one of the strangest "spaceships" in shoot 'em up history, the Fata He's a pretty difficult character to use. His extremely high movement speed requires some training and good reflexes to master, but in the most chaotic moments he is ideal for surviving. His bomb asks for help from friendly fairies to attack all the enemies on the screen, but it is surprising neither in its effectiveness nor in its devastation. You should definitely try it because watching a fairy launch missiles and destroy entire fleets of spaceships is certainly an unforgettable sight.
What a sound!
Where the experience will not disappoint anyone is in the music sector. This reissue, in fact, owes the MIKADO Remix suffix to its soundtrack, renewed in collaboration with some of the most famous artists in the world. arcade music scene. We're talking about artists of the caliber of Go Sato Band, Heavy Metal Raiden, Daisuke Matsumoto (Cave) and Hirokazu Koshio/COSIO who have composed new songs that have been placed alongside the (already iconic) originals to create a truly memorable experience. .
In this, Raiden IV x MIKADO remix achieves what many other scrolling shoot 'em ups fail: the game engages all the senses in a balanced way, creating a kind of synesthesia made of explosions and techno music from which it is very difficult to escape. Whether you're playing on super easy mode to feel like the gods of yesteryear or you're trying to take home a result worthy of the world rankings, this game's ability to return your mind and heart to a darkness mid 2000s game room is incredible.
Conclusions
Tested version PlayStation 5 digital delivery Steam, playstation store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop Price 40,00 € Holygamerz.com 8.0 Readers (5) 8.9 your voteRaiden IV x MIKADO Remix, with the appropriate adjustments to the difficulty level, does not endanger any of your memories, on the contrary. From the frenetic combat to the signature scores and music, this game is a nearly endless source of new memories. Be honest with yourself and frustration will not show; Give it time and improvements will come. The price may be lower, but sales are always around the corner. There should be a place for Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix on the wish list of lovers of arcade titles, techno music and shoot 'em ups.
PRO
- Fast old game
- Signature music full of adrenaline
- Many difficulty levels to improve.
AGAINST
- Price
- Save between annoying menus
