RAIDOU Remastered: You Won’t BELIEVE What They Changed!

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2006 saw the release of “Devil Summoner Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army,” a game often overlooked but truly deserving of recognition, in my opinion as a gaming enthusiast. Now, Atlus and Sega are aiming to bring this hidden gem, the cult-classic action-RPG, into the limelight with the remastered version, RAIDOU Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army. From my recent hands-on preview, it seems that this remaster is set to achieve the popularity it deserves.

The standout feature of RAIDOU Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army is its departure from the typical Megaten formula. Fans of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei will notice several familiar characters, such as Jack Frost and Goblin, who can be commanded by the protagonist. Apart from these similarities, RAIDOU Remastered differs significantly from other games in the Megaten series, as it employs real-time combat and is set in early 20th-century Japan instead of modern or post-apocalyptic settings. However, don’t be fooled; like its 2006 predecessor, RAIDOU Remastered is filled with the distinctive charm, flair, and creativity that Atlus is renowned for.

RAIDOU Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army Polishes the PS2 Classic to a Brilliant Shine

Instead of the tactical, turn-based battles found in series like Persona, Soul Hackers, and Metaphor: ReFantazio, RAIDOU Remastered offers a dynamic, real-time gameplay experience that feels strikingly different. While players can still interact with, capture, and control various demons, each possessing unique attributes and abilities; the emphasis here is on quick decision-making and rapid action, rather than strategic planning. This results in a gaming environment that is faster paced and more unpredictable compared to its related titles.

As a gamer, I’ll tell you that RAIDOU Remastered isn’t your typical character-action game, nor does it have the intricate, multi-layered mechanics found in FromSoftware RPGs. But let me tell you, it’s a heap of fun! The combat system allows for both heavy and light strikes, with lighter strikes mainly used to build up MAG, a resource that our protagonist and summoned demons use to cast spells. Just like in other Atlus RPGs, enemies will either be resistant or weak to specific elements, so exploiting these weaknesses gives players a significant edge in battles. To win, it’s crucial to keep MAG levels high for special abilities and maintain a steady DPS through continuous sword and gun attacks. The blend of basic combat with some simple party control mechanics makes the gameplay in RAIDOU Remastered a delightful mix of improvisation and quick thinking.

In the battle sequences of RAIDOU Remastered, you’ll notice significant changes compared to the 2006 original version. The remaster polishes the clunky and unresponsive controls of the original, providing a smoother gameplay experience due to improved enemy tracking, camera control, and various user-friendly features such as infinite ammo and instant adjustments for ally actions. Essentially, RAIDOU Remastered is enjoyable to play, but whether its mechanics can keep you engaged over long periods remains to be seen—a complete playthrough will help determine the gameplay’s lasting appeal.

A Mystical-Noir Story and World-Class Aesthetic Make RAIDOU Remastered Special

In RAIDOU Remastered, it’s not all about constant hacking and slashing; instead, it’s a captivating detective story. The player assumes the role of a character they name themselves (Raidou Kuzunoha being just a title). After becoming part of the Kuzunoha clan of Devil Summoners, this protagonist begins work at an unconventional detective agency in bustling Tokyo. The narrative jumps right into action as players encounter the ominous Soulless Army, who kidnap a young girl from a wealthy family.

As a devoted fan, I’m immersing myself in the detective world of RAIDOU, where the captivating narrative unfolds. The game’s non-combat aspects, reminiscent of Atlus classics, exude a delightful, everyday life charm that keeps me engaged. The dialog-rich scenes sometimes give it a visual novel feel, but the vibrant, endearing characters, much like in Persona or Metaphor, transform this journey into an enjoyable rather than monotonous one. With high stakes from the get-go, there’s always a lingering tension that heightens the story’s appeal. And to top it off, the improved graphics, while maintaining the original 2006 art style, make RAIDOU Remastered as stylish as any modern Atlus RPG should be.

In the same vein as other Atlus games, RAIDOU Remastered boasts another similarity: a phenomenal soundtrack. The game’s music is a captivating fusion of jazz, funk, and heavy rock, embodying both nostalgic and advanced vibes at once.

In addition to using their captured demons during combat, players can also utilize their unique abilities outside of battles. Each demon is part of a specific elemental order, which influences how they behave beyond the battlefield as well as on it. For instance, demons from the Pyro Order can cast fire spells in battle, but they can also use an ability called Ignite to ignite someone’s soul, instilling them with passion and determination. Players must employ these abilities to advance through the main storyline and complete side missions. It’s a delightful experience to learn how newly acquired demons function in tranquil settings too.

In addition to these abilities, including the Side Investigation skill that allows players to temporarily command demons and traverse previously unreachable regions, effectively enhances the versatility of allied demons. This is achieved by making them seem less like standalone combat components, but rather integral aspects of the overall gameplay system.

Despite being distinct from other Megaten games, RAIDOU Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army retains Atlus’ unique charm and style, making it stand out among contemporary action-RPGs. While its mechanics might not initially impress, considering the game as a whole, it proves to be significant and endearing for many players. Fans who have enjoyed recent Atlus releases such as Metaphor: ReFantazio and Persona 3 Reload may find RAIDOU Remastered hard to pass up.

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2025-05-20 16:18