Raiden ProjectSYSTEM: Sony
Playstation
DEVELOPER: Seibu Kaihatsu Inc.
PRODUCER: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
PRICE: Usually in a bargin bin for $19.95
RATED: Kids to Adults
This has got to be one of the most underated games of all time. I've read many reviews for Raiden Project and most gave it a low to average rating. I can't believe these people actually played the game! This game is GREAT from start to finish!!
I've tried and tried to figure out how anyone could play Raiden II (The better of the two games included on the CD), and not be awestruck. The graphics, explosions, sound, all are awesome! This game is "kick ass"! Sure, it's not a polygon game, but it's top of the heap for sprite based shooters. I think those other reviewers let polygons (or rather lack of polygons) cloud their judgement. A good game is still a good game regardless of whether it has polygons or not.
The powerups are amazing, you keep adding to your weapon and suddenly it takes over the entire screen. You'd think this would hurt gameplay but it doesn't. It creates an extremely intense environment. Of all the shooters I've ever played, I like the powerups of Raiden II the best.
Graphics are finely detailed, and great looking. The screen scrolls slowly but you won't be bothered due to the background scenery. This overhead shooter is sure a sight to see. Many times when you shoot something it shrinks out of existence only to explode on the ground. Who needs polygons anyway?
The bosses are probably the best feature of this game. They are some of the most awesome and playable bosses I've ever seen. Sometimes you think they're done for, but they become something new. I play this game on my 32 in. stereo TV with the bass and sound turned way up. It is an AWESOME experience! Try it if you can!!
Speaking of sound, that's great too. Explosions sound like real explosions. On one of the bosses it begins to take off into space and you'd swear you were watching the Space Shuttle take off. It sounds that good.
I rate this game high on the replay value too. It doesn't change, it's always the same game, but it is so breathtaking that you will want to play it again and again.
This game has a two player mode that is quite impressive also. Battleing enemies with your best friend is quite a rewarding experience. I've had this game for over a year now, and still everytime a certain one of my friends stops by he has to challenge me to a game of Raiden II. Fun, fun, fun!!
In conclusion I just want to say that Raiden Project is a great package. It includes both Raiden, and Raiden II. Both are great arcade conversions and worthy to be in any gamers library. Go get Raiden Project today!
RATINGS
GRAPHICS 90%
SOUND 90%
GAMEPLAY 95%
ORIGINALITY 75%
REPLAY VALUE 90%
OVERALL 88%
