izigame.me

Having Raidou reenter the public eye like this is something that I couldn't have dreamed of. The original Raidou vs. the Soulless Army was a great game (it may actually be the most expensive physical game I own), but it was starting to show its age in some spots. I thought it was doomed to rot on the PS2 forever, so I'm more than glad it got another chance to shine.
In terms of presentation, its all I could have ever asked for. It isn't some unreal engine 5 remake/remaster without soul or thought behind it, it's basically just the original PS2 models with a fresh coat of paint. While there are a few exceptions (any demon that had been ported from SMT V sticks out like a sort thumb), the majority of models are very true to the original. I say mostly just because things like the unique Legion model seems to be absent, which is a shame but I ain't too beat up over. Due to the altered camera system and advancement of tech since the early 2000s, the cityscape and surrounding areas are now gorgeously presented in full quality all the time. Every character looks immaculate, and the introduction of voice acting only adds an extra dimension to them. I played with the English dub and enjoyed my time with it. The music that accompanies all these beautiful locals is untouched, which I was thankful for. While the soundtrack may seem a little small at times due to how often some songs are repeated, they are all bangers from start to finish and you'd be hard-pressed to dislike any of them.
Gameplay wise, it's a perfect revitalization of the original game. Instead of the camera being shoved in the corner of the battlefield, now it follows over Raidou's head. The attacks feel great, with the combos feeling both practical and stylish (and now different weapon types have different combos). MAG drain, summoner skills, Devil's Bane and Spirit Slash, two demons summoned at once, these are all additions that feel congruent with the original design philosophy of Raidou (imo), while providing some much needed quality of life. Even outside of combo, there are a litany of new introductions that seem minor at a glance, but relieve some stress points from the original game. Quicksave and autosave, the express streetcar, dashing in the overworld, THE DETECTIVE'S JOURNAL, WARPING TO THE GOUMADEN FROM THE SAVE POINTS. All things that can just be glossed over during regular play, but they elevate the experience here to something far higher than the original could offer. No complaints from me
The story is a big part of the experience, and it's this amazing mix of genuinely fascinating with bizarre and intriguing, I can't help but love it. Obviously I can't really talk specifics (the game is literally called The MYSTERY of the Soulless Army), but its pretty fun. There are small changes to the dialogue from some characters that give away the mystery a little earlier than normal, which can be a boon or a curse depending on your perspective. There was another change in Episode 7 regarding who gets cursed at the start of the episode , which I am unsure as to why they woulda done this (pretty inconsequential, but worth noting)
I LOVE RAIDOU AND I LOVE MEGATEN PLEASE SUPPORT THIS GAME!!! I WANT MORE OF THE SMT GAMES OR RAIDOU 2 TO BE GIVEN A SHOT ON STEAM :D