Raiden III

I tend to overlook graphics in a game like this, but I have to call Raiden 3 on its unimaginative scenery and enemies. I'm not expecting anything revolutionary, but the locations are forgettable, and the bosses are extremely cookie cutter - usually oversized tanks, jets, or boats. Still, the game is relentlessly fun, and the two-player simultaneous mode is a blast. Raiden 3 didn't blow me away with its visuals, but I know a good shooter when I play one.

Without this competitive infrastructure surrounding Raiden III (other than the game's internal high-score table) some of the game's appeal and function is undeniably lost. But it's testament to the strength of that design blueprint Seibu Kaihatsu laid down seventeen years ago with the first title, that, even without all of that paraphernalia, this third game is still violently addictive. The only shame is that, when you finally manage to master the game with a single credit (and we're getting close), the only person around to show off in front of is probably a bewildered friend who's just popped round for a friendly game of Pro Evo.

Even with the lack of a modern presentation and online capability, Raiden III doesn't skimp on the action, and gamers will enjoy it.

Raiden III isn't a bad game, but it's not one I'd recommend plunking down the full $30 for. If you've played an arcade shooter before, you've played this title, and if you're really curious about Raiden III, a rental should satisfy your itch.

There's no hook here to bring you back, nor is the gameplay exceptional enough to leave a lasting impression once you've had your initial fill. Maybe that won't matter to the few dedicated Raiden series fans out there who have been dying for a new Raiden game to hit North America for years (after all, it's not like you can just go out and buy Raiden or Raiden II these days), but at the oddly expensive price of $30 for what is, in essence, a budget game, you will need to be an exceedingly hardcore fan to make this purchase justifiable.

Alors là, c'est plaisant. Imaginez : des airs de fonds de tiroirs, ce genre de jaquette à perdre ses couleurs sous le pâle éclairage des boutiques spécialisées qui vendent tout et n'importe quoi, et au final une montagne russe aussi primaire que grisante. Il m'aura fallu attendre 2006 pour découvrir un Raiden, un shoot'em qui en veut. Je le regretterai presque et vous le conseille particulièrement. Raiden III est proposé 30 euros, et sera certainement bradé bien vite. Il y a de la bonne affaire sous la caillasse.

The game doesn't take long enough to beat, there's no real reason to play it again, and there isn't anything even remotely special about the experience. You could have some fun with a friend for a while, but even that addition doesn't make this one a good buy. It is a solid and effective shooter, so if you're a fan of the genre, you should definitely consider renting this one. But you can find better games to spend thirty bucks on.

While not quite as much fun as the late 1995 launch day release of Raiden Project on the PlayStation, finally receiving another Raiden in any form on a home console is a welcome event. For $30, the inclusion of the first games on the disc would have been a huge bonus. As it stands, this will be a release aimed at the hardcore shooter community only and a possible collector's piece down the line.

Even considering the game’s balance issues, I’m sure that someone out there will stand up to proclaim Raiden III as being a return to the old-school days of traditional shooters, but the gameplay is hardly what I would call “classic.” It’s downright stagnant. Games like Einhander and Ikaruga have been called “gimmicky” by some critics, but gimmicks are exactly what made those games so powerful. It’s no longer enough to haphazardly toss a few ships and guns on a screen and expect a hit. It’s time to step up and shove some innovation into the genre.