Exciting Updates for Fans of Shin Megami Tensei
One delightful advantage of the plethora of games arriving on PC is that Nintendo Direct showcases are filled with thrilling new announcements. Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is particularly dear to my heart.
In its original release in 2006 on the PlayStation 2, this game serves as a historical spinoff from Atlus’ acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei series. It’s the first part of a duo that follows a paranormal detective solving mysteries in 1930s Tokyo.
This upcoming June, PC players will finally get a chance to delve into this adventure, and optimistically, the wait for the sequel won’t be too long. An announcement trailer has recently been released, highlighting a significant departure from classic Shin Megami Tensei gameplay with real-time action RPG combat.
Interestingly, this project appears more like a complete remake rather than a mere remaster. The original included pre-rendered backgrounds that were somewhat fuzzy even in their prime and look considerably worse emulated. The current gameplay showcases real-time 3D, marking a substantial visual leap.
While the graphical enhancements are appreciated, the true charm of the Raidou Kuzonoha series lies in its environment. The politically charged setting of 1930s imperial Japan adds depth, allowing for the incorporation of historical characters like Rasputin alongside creative fiction. You also have a demon-fusion mentor named Victor Von Frankenstein, blending reality with fiction beautifully.
The game masterfully integrates supernatural elements, letting players interface with their cadre of demons, devils, and spirits in interesting ways. For instance, if you meet someone downcast, you can summon a flame imp to brighten their day!
Overall, this glorious remaster appears to signal a noteworthy revival for fans, promising considerable effort, including a brand new English voice cast. As is customary with Atlus games, the price may raise a few eyebrows, as the Steam store page shows preorders listed at £45/$50 for the standard edition and £55/$65 for the deluxe edition—which comes with additional demons and challenges.
Raidou Remastered
(Image credit: Atlus)
Watch the official trailer here.
