Developer: Taito
Publisher: Inin Games
Genre: Arcade, Shmup
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: June 30th, 2023
Where to buy: Here!
Price: $39.99
Conversing about any Shmup from some of the original golden years of the genre, you are often told of many arcade titles, which are ported, or many console exclusives that tickle your fingers, and arouse your excitement. A lot of those titles are often niche, or unheard of by the gen-Z newbies to the style of games, and that is OK! This bundle includes a crash-course to one of the finer trilogy of games from 1994-1998. Taito were one of the many kings of the Arcade realm. With some of the more arguably addicting games on the market to dump quarters into. The three titles in this collection all offer a nice coat of paint, with nice quality of life overlays. For some players could be distraction, for myself, who is a stat junkie, soak it in.
Rayforce 1994
The first I personally played, also my personal favorite. Also known as Galactic Attack in the states, its a animal of several names before now just being flat called Rayforce. It was also a release on PC. It was a party favor passed around, and often. For great reason; it is one of the best Shmups around, and barely does any one know of it aside from the hardcore Shmup players. Usually the casual shmup gamer knows of games like Gradius, twin bee, or whatever. That is a fine selection, but sir, or ma’am, can I talk to you about our lord and savor Rayforce? Some games never grow old or dull. This is that full example.
Rayforce along with the game selection in this collection have a amazing OST. Feeling fast, smooth framed, and addicting!
RayStorm + RayStorm NEO HD 1996
The next two games have got a nice coat of paint, with absolutely lovely graphical enhancements. Also aforementioned a juggernaut of Shmup gameplay. Also offering slick framerates, with a blasting soundtrack. All overall feeling perfectly in place for this collection! RayForce was simply too fantastic to let slip away into arcade oblivion, thanks to the considerable amount of craftsmanship that went into it. RayStorm, thankfully, was created to retain the Ray- prefix, and while not nearly as amazing as its forefather, it nonetheless remains as a venerable representation of what a space shoot-em-up epitomizes. However, given that mankind was nearly wiped in RayForce and the Earth was irreparably contaminated by science gone bad, it’s possible that it won’t even take place in the same timeline as the previous game.
RayCrisis + RayCrisis HD
The gameplay consists of a 2D vertical shooter set in 3D scrolling settings. At the start of the game, you choose your virus vessel (there are a few options), each with its own set of missiles and lasers. Each ship has a distinct feel, although it does not significantly alter how the game is played. After selecting a ship, you choose a beginning stage and the game begins!
You move about using the D-Pad and have a main attack (lasers or machine-gun style assault), secondary lock-on missiles, and a power bomb (for when the screen is overrun by adversaries – although it can only be used on rare occasions). While the gameplay is quick, exciting, and easy to manage, what truly distinguishes it from other shooters is the unique environment.
Ray Crisis HD offers smoother clean visuals from its original arcade/PS1 counter part. With a nice side bar as per usual with stats, how many ships you have left, score. The usual hud on the center screen. with the side panel offering a nice filler with plenty of stats at a quick glance.
In Closing:
This collection embodies a niche, but excellent of shmups that deserve more love! With a kick ass looking collectors edition physical release. Feeling amazing on a big screen. With a gamepad in game. A essential digital release also featured on Nintendo’s store, there is more then enough ways to legally grab this collection!
