Raiden III was a classic when released back in 2005, the first entry in the series created by MOSS, a studio created from the remains of the original development team at Seibu Kaihatsu. Being released a decade after the previous entry, there were several key differences in this game and those key differences still can be divisive years later. However, this is still a Raiden game and with a great new soundtrack for this release, Raiden III X MIKADO MANIAX has plenty for fans.
Raiden III was the first time the series went 3D and while some elements still look a bit clunky, the overall look is fine. Boss fights look good, the attacks look just right, and while some of the environments are lacking, this was something that would be improved on over time with later entries. It is interesting though, to see that the series did not really falter visually when moving into 3D.
Where the series does falter though is in removing the Bend Plasma weapon and replacing it with the Proton Laser. Obviously, weapons can change in different incarnations of a series, but the Proton Laser is a far inferior weapon since the Bend Plasma could take out multiple enemies at once while the Proton Laser focuses on one at a time. Other weapons from past entries do return, such as the Ion Laser and Vulcan Cannon and are even improved in some ways, but this serves to make the Proton Laser look even worse in comparison.
The sub-weapons are handled well, ranging from Radar Missiles to homing warheads and knowing when to use them is key. This is a fast-paced game and as such, you may want some of the weapons to be used in a defensive way rather than offensive for strategic value. It’s a nice touch and helps the game out in some nice ways.
Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX contains both Easy and Very Easy difficulties for those unused to shmups, in addition to a practice mode. The Co-op mode functions as it did before, with the difficulty lowering as a result, and like in the PS2 release, you can play co-op mode solo but using both analog sticks to control a different ship. This can take some getting used to though, and there were some issues when testing it out at first, though this may be tied to using a few different types of Joy-Cons, some official and some third-party.
Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX ‘s soundtrack is the star here, as the soundtrack is customizable, with the ability to set tracks for each stage, and there is a new remixed version of the soundtrack. Game Center Mikado handled this new soundtrack with long-time Raiden composer Go Sato involved both as part of the Sato Go Band and as part of the Heavy Metal Raiden alongside Minoru Ikeda. This new soundtrack is an absolute delight for the ears and is a real treat for all Raiden fans.
Raiden III is not the best in the series, but Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX is still a fine shoot ”em-up experience. There is a great core game even with the weapons oddness, some great unlockable content, an excellent new soundtrack, and more to keep you coming back for another go around. This is easy to recommend because even a Raiden game that isn’t perfect is still a great game and the overall package here is one that any Shmup fan should give a shot!
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
