8Bit/Digi

Take Flight and Save the World

Be it the arcades from back in the day to the ones at every anime convention, you could always stumble upon an entry in the Raiden series. Even as the arcades were going the way of the dodo, new entries were still being developed. That is why I just had to give Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix for the PC a chance. Overall; it has been non-stop fun. 

Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix is an enhanced remaster of the iconic arcade game. It brings all the defining elements of the series along with bonus content to add more value to the overall experience. Making this perfect for retro gamers and those who grew up playing this beloved series.

The Crystal Invasion has Begun

As with previous games in the series, Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix once again has players take on the role of a Vanquish Crystal Defense (VCD) fighter pilot. Once again the Crystals are attempting to conquer the earth and have launched another invasion. Players will take control of a fighter and battle their way across numerous levels in an attempt to save the world. 

If you ever played a Raiden game at the arcade (or at an anime convention) then you know this story all too well. There isn’t much to the story and that is ok. This series is less about the plot and more about the intense action. That is ok as you are more interested in the combat than the actual plot. To its credit, the story isn’t bad or insulting to the player’s intelligence.

Fighting the Crystals Invasion 

Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix is an intense game that strikes a balance between being a traditional vertical scrolling shooter and incorporating modern game designs. Gameplay has players pilot their fighter around the screen as they take down the enemy forces while dodging their attacks. Along the way, you will pick up health and power-ups that will give you a major boost. Best of all, players can go it alone or with a friend (the choice is yours). This is one of those games that will be easy to learn but difficult to master as you are quickly tossed into the action.

At the end of each level, players will then go one on one with the boss. Each boss will present their own challenges that will test the players skill and make them think fast. Do expect to die multiple times before having a good idea of your enemy and developing the right strategy. These moments are both challenging but also very rewarding. They are also my favorite part, which is why I’m so thankful for Boss Rush mode.

Players have the option of going it alone but that is no fun (this game is better to play with a friend). One could enjoy it via local co-op or online. At the same time, the action isn’t limited to just the basic game. Players could test their skills in a boss rush or other challenge game options. At the same time, they can also adjust the experience to make it easy or challenging. The overall point is that you could enjoy Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix however you like.

Mission Failure 

Chances are, you have probably taken a good look at the screenshots and said to yourself “Wow, that is a small window for the actual game to be featured on“. Congrats on noticing the biggest issue with the game. The screen where all the action takes place is just too small. Not helping is the image of your fighter taking up more space than it needs to. You can try to adjust it but all it does is zoom in (thus not a real solution). 

It’s one of those annoyances one will have to get used to but it won’t hamper the overall experience. It would have been great if players had the option to properly adjust the screen.

Take to the Sky

Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix is the arcade classic that gamers love along with bonus content to enhance the overall experience. It has the defining elements of the iconic vertical scrolling shooter while also being rich in replay value. Do expect to enjoy playing this with a friend (but there is nothing wrong with going solo). 

Disclaimer: NIS America provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix (PC)

8

Excellent

8.0/10

Pros

• It throws you right into the action and doesn't stop.
• Fun to play alone or with a friend.
• Players can adjust the experience based on their preference.
• Plenty of gameplay choices and rich in replay value.

Cons

• Display screen is too small and can't be properly altered.