Taito’s gaming legacy speaks volumes, but I like to think its biggest heyday was sometime between the 80s and 90s, with a number of franchises growing in exponential ways. Amongst them was RayForce, also known in some regions as Layer Section or Galactic Attack. This simple but elegant top-down shooter created some lovely visuals across its stages, making fine use of 3D imagery to bring everything to life. It’s since been followed by two more shooters taking advantage of the 3D format, RayStorm and RayCrisis.
Now, thanks to ININ Games, you can enjoy all of these games in one place with RayStorm x RayCrisis HD Collection, which focuses mainly on the latter two entries but also has the original RayForce that want to enjoy it. Developed by M2 – who have worked on some amazing arcade ports in the past, like Virtua Racingfor the Nintendo Switch – it shows their devotion to the franchise. And what’s more, it comes with options that everyone can enjoy.
Your enjoyment of the package will really depend on how much of a “shmup” fan you are. But if you grew up on any of these games on the PlayStation (or, in some regions, even the Sega Saturn), then RayStorm x RayCrisis is the light you’ve been looking for.
Fun To Play? You Bet Your Ray’z!
Each of the games have something remarkable to offer, as each one presents a variety of ships with firing options. You have your main cannons, which can destroy everything on your existing plane; but there are also lock-on lasers, in which you can use about eight shots to destroy stuff from a distance. This makes for some entertaining boss encounters, in which you need to avoid attacks while firing on both levels. You can also use a screen-clearing special attack as well, though it’s quite limited per stage.
RayCrisis is the most distracting of the three, since it works on kind of a virtual level than the first two games. But it’s also visually dazzling, and the bosses included in that are probably the most creative in the series. So, yes, it’s worth playing.
RayForce and RayStorm have tremendous value as well, including the ability to bump up difficulty to see how you fare in the online leaderboards. You can also play around with the replay system and check out different options, which also unlocking achievements here and there.
And the games play nicely. M2 made sure that the controls weren’t screwed with too much, so they’re just like their classic counterparts. In fact, with the inclusion of different difficulty tweaks, they’re even better. Remember how limiting Working Designs was with those options on the PS1? Those limitations are gone.
There’s a lot here – provided you remember that it only focuses on three games. That may be a bit much for the game’s $40 asking price. But I believe “shmup” fans are still getting quite a deal here, especially considering how hard it is to find these games in physical form.
Good Day, Visual Sunshine
Along with gameplay tweaks and exciting shooting action, RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection also packs on the visuals.
With M2 in charge, each game retains its visual freshness – and how. Like I said, RayCrisis has a virtual showcase that’s a lot to take in at first. But it’s cool; and the new options allow you to either play it in all its HD glory, or with some older options. The other two games are fine as well, running at a beautiful clip and having all sorts of explosive action happening.
As for music, all of each games’ original soundtracks are included here. RayStorm is the standout, with some wonderful tunes that get you excited to blast enemies to kingdom come. RayForce is no slouch, of course; and RayCrisis has its moments as well. The explosions are meaty, and some of the virtual “voice” effects are trippy. You’ll be right at home here.
That said, it would’ve been great to have a virtual history option, walking you through each of the ports and what led up to this collection’s release. There’s also no rewind option, which would’ve come in handy in a few spots here. But I digress, it’s still a solid collection.
Take On the Storm and the Crisis
While RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection is missing a few minor things that make it truly essential, it’s excellent all the same. Each game is a blast to play, particularly RayStorm; and they’ve never looked or sounded better than they do here. The extra options are a real treat as well, especially if you’re looking for a retro approach.
If you love “shmups” in any way or you’re a sucker for old-school destruction, this RayStorm will easily wash over you as you add it to your collection. ININ Games and M2 do it once again!
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
