Analysis of Raiden IV x Mikado Remix

The most complete version of Raiden IV arrives on your console for a good shooting session

The sex of shmups He has always been well supported by all kinds of players. Their quick accessibility, their direct action and the challenge they pose They get hooked from minute one, delivering a healthy dose of punches and a good adrenaline rush. One of the shooters who collected all these emotions was Raiden IV, which we saw in arcades in 2007. After a long journey through different consoles (including Xbox 360), we now have an improved version of the title. A version called Raiden IV x Mikado Remix it adds enough news to enjoy that experience again. Select your favorite ship and fly away with our analysis that we leave you below.

crystal versus porcelain

Raiden IV x Mikado Remix is ​​the latest work from MOSS LTD y NIS America, where we are invited to take control of ships with high attack power and destroy all the enemies that appear on the screen. On this occasion, and as on other deliveries, the Crystals alien race continues to threaten to exterminate us. So there is no choice but to put all the meat on the grill and come back to pilot with mastery through a series of phases full of dangers.

Under a vertical scrolling course, we will face hordes of rivals with the sole objective of tearing our ship to pieces. As usual in this type of game, at the end of each phase we will meet a final boss who will be a badass. Like any good game of the time, We’ll die more times than expected trying to complete the phase, and that’s because Raiden IV x Mikado is unforgiving. Fortunately, we can count on a friend to face the hail of bullets that awaits us.

fable battles

Its mechanics do not differ much from the others shmups knowledge. We will have a fire button, another with a limited use bomb… and nothing else. Will have three types of shooting that we will improve as we obtain the relevant power-ups, and there will be additional help in the form of missiles, lightning… and fairies. Yes friends. A bit of Japanese fantasy suits the game very well.

In fact, one can select three types of “vehicles” before getting fully into the action. Raiden-MK II and Fighter Thunder ME-02 are the typical ships, each with its own special attack and its own power and speed characteristics. But the most curious thing comes with the third option, where we can handle one of these fairies. Here there is a significant difference with attacks and movements, being a completely different and much more difficult playable option if possible.

A salvo of missiles serving

There are situations where the unstoppable rhythm of our shots is not enough, especially when facing large enemies. As a special attack, if we stop pressing the fire button, a salvo of missiles will be loaded, which is quite effective.. This move is recommended for large enemies, although it has its drawbacks. To charge the attack we must “remove our finger from the trigger” for a few seconds, which means that the screen instantly fills with enemies.

It also does not guarantee a perfect shot, since although there are guided missiles, on other occasions they can follow a fixed direction, causing us to lose a golden opportunity to hit the target. Despite the probability of misexecution of this attack, its inclusion is successful and causes a risk/reward reaction that suits you very well with the proposition.

increase your team

Popping everyone that appears on screen with a friend is exponentially more fun. Fortunately, in the proposal presented to us, we can do it… but with exceptions. Play with a friend is activated locally, Either each with their controller, or even sharing the same pad, where each stick moves a ship. Unfortunately, there is no online game as such, an aspect that would suit him perfectly if we did not have the possibility of inviting colleagues to his home.

However, we have single player game modes that we will spend hours and hours playing. Completing Raiden IV x Mikado Remix is ​​relatively quick, since as a good arcade game it won’t last more than 40 minutes. Of course, grace lies in pursuing your New game+, where everything is more complicated and difficult. Otherwise, we can opt for its other modalities such as the arcade mode, more faithful to the proposal seen in the arcades. Plus, there are tons of extras to unlock, so between some things and others, we’ll be killing aliens for a long time for a few sessions.

The pilot’s helmet is cleaner

Technically, the game has improved from its original version. It’s not that it’s a drastic change, but the more defined ships and greater fluidity in the movements of enemies, allies and on-screen bullets are noticeable. For those who know Raiden IV inside out (there are…) too some additional levels have been included for the occasion. If we add to all this a review of their pieces of music, the overall result is quite satisfactory. Honestly, we hardly notice that we are dealing with a game from 20 years ago… apart from its cutscenes. But that’s the least you can do, I assure you.

Raiden IV x Mikado Remix Conclusion

MOSS LTD and NIS America pay a heartfelt tribute to this glorious shmups that captivated every gamer I can say the least in its arcade format. The years have passed, but the proposal offered by Raiden IV x Mikado Remix is ​​still fresh. Killing aliens is always so rewarding, especially when we equip ourselves with the blunt weapons that the game allows us. We may be missing online co-op to play with friends, but all the news, inclusions, and facelifts the title has more than made up for its shortcomings. Bullet hell lovers, it’s time to hone your reflexes.