Released on Switch back in 2021 courtesy of PQube, those wanting to play Raiden IV x Mikado Remix on other formats have had a substantial wait.
Having thrilled gamers when it unleashed in arcades way back in 2007, Raiden IV x Mikado Remix gives the game the remaster treatment while also adding new content and features. You can jump into the original arcade mode, for example, or take on one of numerous new modes that feature additional stages. And for those that like to treat their ears from time to time, the remixed soundtrack by Game Centre Mikado is sure to fit the bill.
Thanks to NIS America, Raiden IV x Mikado Remix is now finally available on PlayStation, Xbox and PC as well as Switch. And whichever platform shoot ’em up fans pick it up on, chances are they won’t be disappointed. Jump into arcade mode and you can relive the original experience with sharper visuals, customisable settings, and more. But the real fun here is found by exploring the other modes that are included.
There’s Additional mode, for example, that takes the base game and bolsters it with yet more stages. There’s Score Attack and an unlockable Boss Rush mode, too. The highlight here, though, is Overkill mode. Alongside new stages, it features a revamped score system and cranks everything up to eleven. It’s like a completely new game, throwing enemies and bullets at you with reckless abandon. It’s exhilarating, and ultimately bloody good fun.
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Still, whichever mode you choose, the core gameplay of Raiden IV x Mikado Remix remains the same. Taking control of a ship, you fly ever upwards, aiming to destroy as many enemies as you can while also avoiding their fire. To reward those who play skillfully and give players an edge, the three primary weapons available – spread shot, laser, and a lasso-like plasma cannon – can all be upgraded by collecting power-ups. There are secondary weapons to pick up, too, and of course you have screen-clearing bombs.
By today’s standards, the mechanics of Raiden IV x Mikado Remix are pretty basic, especially considering you can’t even switch between your three possible weapons at will. But it doesn’t hurt it any. In fact, the simplicity is a boon, allowing you to get on with the act of shooting down enemies without any additional complexity. Only in Overkill mode will you have to think about your approach to slaughter a little differently, thanks to its revamped scoring system.
What makes Raiden IV x Mikado Remix particularly impressive beyond its modes and gameplay is the sheer number of options and features on offer. There’s Dual and Double play, allowing players to battle alongside a friend or take control of two ships at once. Level select makes jumping into favourite stages a cinch, and difficulty options to help soften the game’s tough-as-nails gameplay for newcomers. Even Tate mode is possible for those with an appropriate setup.
Playing on PS5 for review, the only thing we’ve been disappointed by is the lack of DualSense features. It would have been nice to have had some feedback or some audio to be played though the controllers speaker. But alas, there’s nothing.
If you’re a shoot ’em fan, there’s no better way to play this classic. The visuals may be a little dated, but it’s hard not to be impressed by some of the enemy designs, now rendered in high resolution. And as you make your way through Raiden IV x Mikado Remix‘s impressive array of modes, the remixed soundtrack is sure to pump you up, driving you to perform better than ever before. Needless to say, this classic slice of arcade action remains as entertaining as ever.
Raiden IV x Mikado Remix Review (PS5) – GameSpew’s Score
