8Bit/Digi

Take on the Soulless Army Once Again

When discussing video game remasters, one topic often overlooked is the remastering of titles that are no longer easily accessible. Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army is a cult classic from the PlayStation 2 era that exemplifies this issue. Since 2020, complete copies have sold for over $120, with prices peaking at around $190 in 2022. I was fortunate to snag a copy in 2013 for a reasonable price, but many others haven’t been so lucky.

That’s why the news of the game finally receiving a long-overdue remaster was so welcome. It’s not just great for gamers who never had the chance to play the original, but also for longtime fans eager to experience this cult classic on modern consoles and PC.

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army invites both longtime fans and newcomers who discovered the series through Persona 5. It’s a faithful revival of the cult classic, featuring updated visuals and refined gameplay mechanics. At the same time, it preserves the defining elements that gave the original its unique charm.

Return to the Capital

Set during the Taishō era, players take on the role of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, a Devil Summoner tasked with protecting the Capital from otherworldly threats. While working with the Narumi Detective Agency, he receives a strange request: a mysterious girl asks to be killed. Before he can meet her, she is kidnapped by a group of soldiers. As Raidou searches for her, he begins to uncover a sinister plot that could jeopardize the entire world.

From a narrative perspective, it delivers what you’d expect from a Devil Summoner entry at first glance. The core plot centers on preventing an apocalyptic event or large-scale catastrophe. What makes RAIDOU Remastered stand out is that it immerses players in a noir inspired world set in its version of Taishō era Tokyo. There’s plenty of lore to uncover and mysteries waiting to be solved. Bringing this world to life is its colorful cast of characters, who either support or challenge Raidou.

Tools of a Devil Summoner

Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army marked a radical departure from the traditional Shin Megami Tensei combat system. Instead of turn-based battles, the game features real-time combat. Players engage in hack-and-slash battles, using a combination of sword attacks, magic, and a handgun. They’ll face off against demons and devils in fast-paced encounters. They will also receive support from the devils they have created a contract with. All of this has been better polished in RAIDOU Remastered.

While the combat is unique, the rest of the gameplay aligns closely with a traditional Shin Megami Tensei title. Players form a pact with a Devil, whose abilities are vital for overcoming specific challenges. In battle, two Devils can be summoned to assist by engaging enemy forces alongside the player. Devils can also be fused, combining two into a more powerful and capable ally to strengthen your team.

The world is divided into two realms: the real world and the Dark Realm. Half of the experience takes place in the real world, where players investigate mysteries and strengthen their connections with others. Players will also encounter Devils visible only to them, with whom they can hold conversations to learn more information. The Dark Realm serves as an alternate dimension where players face off against Devils in intense battles. It also allows players to build up their character and prepare for what is coming.

Master of Demons

RAIDOU Remastered aims to preserve what made the original PlayStation 2 game a cult classic while improving its overall quality of life. It retains the distinctive visual style that defined Shin Megami Tensei during that era, now enhanced with a sharper presentation. The audio and soundtrack have also been upgraded, bringing them in line with modern standards. Gameplay mechanics have also been polished, giving it an updated quality of life. Overall, it’s a remaster that enhances the game for modern consoles and the PC while still capturing the feeling of playing a PlayStation 2.

One aspect that makes RAIDOU Remastered truly stand out is that it revives a game that genuinely needed a remaster. Too often, we see updated versions of last generation titles or games receiving their Xth re-release. Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army isn’t one of them. Originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006, it remained exclusive to that platform and became increasingly hard to access. This became especially clear after 2020, when copies began selling for more than a bundled PS2 console. RAIDOU Remastered finally gives a new generation of Shin Megami Tensei fans the chance to experience this cult classic, without breaking the bank.

Despite all it does, RAIDOU Remastered still faces some issues, mostly due to the fact that it’s a remaster of a game nearly 20 years old. The camera angles outside of combat can be frustrating at times, and a few of the original’s lingering problems remain. Compared to the PlayStation 2 version, these issues are less intrusive, but they’re still present and become noticeable the longer you play.

Welcome Back Raidou Kuzunoha

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army finally gives the broader Shin Megami Tensei fandom a chance to experience a cult classic that was once out of reach. Fans can step into the role of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV and protect the Capital from demonic forces. Be it for the first time or just enjoy it on modern systems. The remaster preserves the charm of playing a PS2 game with quality of life improvements.

Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long for a remaster of Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, 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 insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• Fans can return to the Taishō era Capital.
• A cult classic is now easily available to the Shin Megami Tensei fandom.
• It preserves the charm of playing a PS2 game with quality of life improvements.

Cons

• Some of the issues that plagued the original are still present but to a minor degree.