M2 is bringing back Armed Police Batrider, the cult-classic arcade shoot ’em up from Raizing, giving fans another reason to revisit one of the genre’s more distinctive entries. The re-release, currently bearing a tentative title, is in development, although platforms and a release date have yet to be announced.
Originally released in arcades in January 1998, Armed Police Batrider stood out with a team-based approach to vertical-scrolling shooting. Rather than taking a single aircraft into battle, players can assemble a team from a roster of 18 different machines, including members of the government’s secret agent unit ZERO COP and guest characters from other Raizing games. The aircraft selection system also offers an additional layer of strategy, as the button pressed when choosing a character determines the aircraft’s performance and weapon upgrade type.
The upcoming version will also introduce features designed to make the demanding arcade classic more approachable, including a SUPER EASY mode alongside the original-style ARCADE mode. M2’s support tools will provide additional information during play, helping players keep track of items, team configurations, and hidden boss conditions.
With its mix of team composition, varied aircraft, and connections to Raizing’s other shooters, Armed Police Batrider is a notable addition to M2’s ongoing efforts to preserve classic arcade games. More details about the re-release, including its platforms and launch window, have yet to be revealed.