Great review (and great to have you back and uploading generally, I've also been enjoying your Arcade Archives reviews!). I've long ago worked out that Raiden just ain't for me and I don't think there's anything here that changes that, but I figure there's gotta be some Raiden III superfans out there who this is for.
I think I was way more on the fence about this game than I thought when I looked at it on PS2, so I'd say this release is more for someone like me (especially with the extra soundtracks, because I dig that kind of thing). I like reading comments like this, which makes stepping back from being a clinical review to a more open "non-review" that isn't some call to action or overt recommendation/avoid a better fit for the community, I think.
I would say if you dig Raiden, this is a good one to get. I wouldn't go crazy like me (PS4 is really all I needed, though I think I should have gotten the PS5 version lol) but its a great one to have. I want a Raiden DX Mikado redux!
That's a big reason I went with the special edition set, the 2-disc soundtrack was a big draw. Still, the digital soundtrack is easier than importing it through my external DVD drive lol
Been waiting for this review! I've been eyeing Raiden IV and III Mikados for a while now. I've only played Raiden V so I really need to try those! The new OST options are a big draw for me, good stuff! Looking forward to more reviews!
Thanks for the review! Wasn't sure if I wanted to pick it up and will probably not buy it on the Switch, but sounds like a good purchase on other platforms.
If you have a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, I'd say go that route, especially on the Xbox side, as the one single release works between Xbox One and Series X.
Bummed that the visual fidelity drops for Tate mode on Switch-that was like the biggest selling point-it’s still gotta be better than PS2 right? I can’t really do Tate with the PS4 with the current setup.
Great review. Wondering if they'll do a Raiden II Mikado remix at some point? I got Mikado Maniax at Japanese launch, and I think there was an initial day patch. Without it, the music would start to sound odd, especially after the songs start looping.
Superb review. Really enjoying it on ps4. I'm also maybe a little odd in that I prefer the presentational graphics of 3 over 4! Trouble Witches is great on PC. Be interesting to see if there's anything new or improved on this new console one.
Hm, have you tried Videogames Plus? I get a lot of stuff from there (mostly Evercade, and they're in Toronto Canada) and I see they have 10+ in stock atm =)
Always glad to see more Bullet Heaven! This game is a tough one for me, because it's a great version of the worst game in a great series (yeah, I prefer Raiden V ever so slightly), so... where does that leave it? On its own merits it's a solid release, but whenever I'm in the mood for Raiden I never seem to be in the mood for THIS Raiden, and it's such a barebones game that you can't really say "it's not as good as other entries in the series but it does its own unique things" either. It might be the best game I have an extremely difficult time recommending to anyone just due to its own redundancy in relation to the rest of the series.
I get that. If it weren't for the added features and unlockables, this would have been an exceptionally bland release for sure. I, myself, don't mind it though; it still feels like Raiden (something I can't personally say about V) so I'm totally on board.
I am pretty mad at RU-vid, this is the first of the new Bullet Heaven episodes that it has shown on sub page! I would like to support the channel as I don't want it to go away again. Is there patreon? Or do you want us to join in RU-vid?
RU-vid's algo was 4/5 the reason I hit the red button before. The rest was good, old-fashioned harassment. I used to have a Patreon, but I closed it some time ago. I felt it wasn't worth it for my patrons. Channel subs are available as are Super Thanks, and there's always my music page (which is a smoking deal, tbh) but don't ever feel as if you need to pay for anything.
What's the difference between the PS4 and the ps5 versions? Id assume they're identical except that the ps4 version would work on both platforms but would perform optimally with the higher spec ps5 hardware whereas ps5 would only function on ps5. So why not buy ps4 version and have access to both worlds? Or is there something I'm missing?
A partnership with Game Center Mikado. They often have live performances from popular Japanese bands, composers and artists, hence all of the arrange tracks and wallpaper selections.
