Raiden 4 coming to USA (on 360)

[norkusa]

Looks like Raiden Fighters Aces sold well enough to convince UFO to release Raiden 4 here in the US. Hopefully we'll be seeing more shooters coming here soon. Apparently there's a nice crop of them in Japan on the 360.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174377

I just hope it's priced as nice as Fighters Aces was. Best $20 I've ever spent on a game!

[meancode]

There are, which is why I just imported. I don't see games like Otomedius G coming over though. I didn't think that UFO would bring this out before the end of the year. I am glad to see it.

I do wonder why they would not be putting it out on the PS3, seeing as they published Raiden III for the PS2. Of course I have the same question about imports. Why are all the good shmups on the 360 in Japan?

[heybtbm]

Raiden Fighters Aces is incredibly awesome (as was Raiden III). Looking forward to this one too. Let's hope it's another $19.99 release (crosses fingers).

[norkusa]

I do wonder why they would not be putting it out on the PS3, seeing as they published Raiden III for the PS2. Of course I have the same question about imports. Why are all the good shmups on the 360 in Japan?

I think I remember hearing something about Sony not wanting 2D games on the PS3. Guess they think they're too arcadey and don't really do the hardware justice.

Apparently Microsoft doesn't have any problems with it, so they all get released on the 360 instead.

[Flashback2012]

I think I remember hearing something about Sony not wanting 2D games on the PS3. Guess they think they're too arcadey and don't really do the hardware justice.

Apparently Microsoft doesn't have any problems with it, so they all get released on the 360 instead.

This game has a lot of 2D in it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp-kRA4Crdc

Though to be fair, Sony America has long had a indifference towards 2D based games. Luckily on PS3, games are region free. :)

[ProgrammingAce]

I do wonder why they would not be putting it out on the PS3, seeing as they published Raiden III for the PS2. Of course I have the same question about imports. Why are all the good shmups on the 360 in Japan?

Because i can write a shoot-em-up on the 360 in an afternoon. I don't think people realize that shooters are probably the easiest types of games to make. Even puzzle games tend to take a lot of math and research.

That's why there tends to be a lot of homebrew shooters.

[roushimsx]

Because i can write a shoot-em-up on the 360 in an afternoon. I don't think people realize that shooters are probably the easiest types of games to make. Even puzzle games tend to take a lot of math and research.

That's why there tends to be a lot of homebrew shooters.
Writing a shooter and writing a good shooter are two entirely different things, though. Developing interesting enemy patterns and behaviors, not to mention well thought out bullet patterns are only the beginning. I don't think most people realize how difficult it is to actually make a good shooter because so few people have ever played one. Saying that you could write one in an afternoon would be like me saying I could build a FPS in an afternoon...I mean, all it is is a spawn point in a box w/ some ammo and enemies around, right?

Not supporting or knocking Raiden IV since I haven't played it, but III wasn't exactly a high point in the genre (or even in the series). I just wish we got more variety released in the US than what we've received in the last generation or so.

[meancode]

Raiden Fighters Aces is incredibly awesome (as was Raiden III). Looking forward to this one too. Let's hope it's another $19.99 release (crosses fingers).

Somehow I doubt it will be only $20. But that is fine, it is worth paying full price for it.

[Leo_A]

Raiden III from these guys was $30 I think.

[ProgrammingAce]

Writing a shooter and writing a good shooter are two entirely different things, though. Developing interesting enemy patterns and behaviors, not to mention well thought out bullet patterns are only the beginning. I don't think most people realize how difficult it is to actually make a good shooter because so few people have ever played one. Saying that you could write one in an afternoon would be like me saying I could build a FPS in an afternoon...I mean, all it is is a spawn point in a box w/ some ammo and enemies around, right?

Given a blank text file, i could make a knock off of ikaruga (or whatever game you want, really), in very little time. From a programming point of view, there just isn't that much to keep track of. A binary file with the background lay out (each bit in the binary lays out a background tile), a binary file with the enemy layout (each bit lays out an enemy type, each enemy type has an "interesting" AI). Each frame increment the bullets in one direction or the other, move the enemy ships down 3 pixels and move the background down 1. Check collision, and update the enemy and player statuses.

The engine itself takes almost no thought. You can make any of those values dynamic to change speeds and bullets, you can preset enemy movement patterns and just increment the index each frame. The fine tuning and making the game "fun" is just a process of iteration. You're still left with artwork, but that's a wash across all games.

An FPS takes a lot more time, you need 3D models (or sprites), level designs, animations. AI is much more advanced, it doesn't just follow a set path. For modern games, you need to track things like the player's volume, darkness, lighting, bullets, destructibles, explosions. Just tracking bullet velocity and hit detection on a modern FPS would take longer then writing the entire engine for a shooter. Don't get me started on matrix transformations for 3D games...

Just limiting a game to a 2D field reduces the complexity by 10 fold.

[roushimsx]

Given a blank text file, i could make a knock off of ikaruga (or whatever game you want, really), in very little time.
Oh, I thought you were talking about actually making something worth playing. Yea, it takes minimal effort to simply make a knock off of just about anything. Developers do it all the time with shitty games that float around in the bargain bins (hi, Destination Software, Blue Tongue Software, Cauldron, Tamsoft, Secret Level, Spark Unlimited, etc etc etc).

Hell, one developer (initially composed of only three people!) managed to kick out a lackluster shmup called Trizeal. It only took one dude to port it to the Dreamcast (and do all of the packaging and everything himself). It wasn't a very good game, but it shows how little manpower it takes to get one out the door.

On the other hand, when you have a team that actually comprehends how to build a good one (such as G.Rev) then you get stuff like Border Down and Under Defeat. Hell, they even chipped in for Ikaruga. I guess it just depends on what your overall goal is.

[meancode]

Raiden III from these guys was $30 I think.

Since games are $10 more expensive this generation, I would guess this one will be $40 or so.

[b0ub0u]

Hey Trizeal was not that bad... I bought it for the DC when I was in Japan. Nothing special about it, but good old school shooter. But G.Rev, Treasure and Cave always find ways to keep the genre interesting.

I currently have Raiden IV on my ntsc-j 360, it is really good. What is special about Raiden that you don't see often in other shooters is that the bullets are most of the time shot directly at you, instead of pre-determined patterns.

I applaud UFO to having the guts of carrying that game overseas. The market is small here, but it's good to know the genre is still alive.

Now if Deathsmile could come out foe US 360, that would be nice.

[Leo_A]

Since games are $10 more expensive this generation, I would guess this one will be $40 or so.

Hopefully that's not the case, I'll be waiting for a price drop if its $40 I think. I just got the Raiden Fighters compilation and will be set for a long time with those three excellent titles (Which wouldn't of been released at $10 if it was last generation I think, but the same $20 it goes for now).

But you're probably right and it will see $10 tacked on to it like we experienced with other good budget titles like Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collecton and Namco Museum Virtual Arcade. :(

[meancode]

Hopefully that's not the case, I'll be waiting for a price drop if its $40 I think. I just got the Raiden Fighters compilation and will be set for a long time with those three excellent titles (Which wouldn't of been released at $10 if it was last generation I think, but the same $20 it goes for now).

But you're probably right and it will see $10 tacked on to it like we experienced with other good budget titles like Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collecton and Namco Museum Virtual Arcade. :(

I just have a hard time seeing a new game coming out for $20 that is not a compilation of some kind.

I just paid full price for it on Play-Asia o_O but oh well, it was worth it to be playing it now. John just offered me $50 for it if I want to pick up the US release ;) So maybe I will take him up on that offer.

[s1lence]

Well, Fighter Aces was 20 bucks, yes I know it was 3 games in one.

I don't see it for more then 30, people won't buy a shooter for that. (I'm not including the nut jobs like myself that pay 60 plus for imports of these games)

[98PaceCar]

This is cool news! I picked up Raiden Fighters Aces on a whim and have really enjoyed it.

What other 360 shooters worth playing (import or otherwise)?

[s1lence]

This is cool news! I picked up Raiden Fighters Aces on a whim and have really enjoyed it.

What other 360 shooters worth playing (import or otherwise)?

Death Smiles
Otomedius G
Shooting Love 200X
DoDon Pachi Black Label
there are more coming out too like

Mamoru-kun wa Norowarete Shimatta
Ketsui: Kizuna Jigoku Tachi Extra
Mushihimesama Futari

[robotriot]

Does anyone know if Raiden Fighters Ace and the new Raiden IV are region locked? I'm really interested in new shooter material, but there has been no announcement of a EU version yet :/

Edit: Never mind, I just found a compatibility list on PA. They don't work.

[Princess-Isabela]

I don't think if you all know this but shooters on 360 in Japan are priced like any other new release title.
Raiden in Japan on 360 costs $70, and so does basically any other shmup.
we're getting spoiled, here in states.
I hope UFO sells tons of copies, and will earn lots of dough for bringing such fantastic games to US shores, especially at those abstractly low prices.
they deserve it, so buy it up people!
ps.now if they only somehow dragged cave titles here too...

[Bojay1997]

Looks like the earlier poster was right. They are listing MSRP for Raiden IV at $40. No specific release date yet, but it's now up on the UFO site along with their other upcoming releases including Way of the Samurai 3 for the 360.

[alexkidd2000]

Is there any way to play the NTSC/J games on my North American system?

[pseudonym]

Great news, I loved Raiden 3 on the PS2. I'll very likely buy R4 when it comes out.

[Xexyz]

Remember guys, when Valcon first announced Raiden Fighters Aces, the MSRP was $29.99. That price stayed for a while too, because it was displayed at that price for pre-order on Amazon.com for a while. $30 would be the sweet spot for Raiden IV, but I'll still buy it reguardless.

This isn't a compilation of decade old+ shooters, it's a relatively new release from 2007. We in the west have gotten very spoiled thanks to cheap budget priced compilations and arcade style games for the past two generations. It's a nice trend, but it really hurts any chance of success for these types of games when people try to claim they're not worth the $5-$10 of a download even.

[Bojay1997]

Remember guys, when Valcon first announced Raiden Fighters Aces, the MSRP was $29.99. That price stayed for a while too, because it was displayed at that price for pre-order on Amazon.com for a while. $30 would be the sweet spot for Raiden IV, but I'll still buy it reguardless.

This isn't a compilation of decade old+ shooters, it's a relatively new release from 2007. We in the west have gotten very spoiled thanks to cheap budget priced compilations and arcade style games for the past two generations. It's a nice trend, but it really hurts any chance of success for these types of games when people try to claim they're not worth the $5-$10 of a download even.

It's a different publisher though this time and a newer game. UFO games do seem to drop their prices pretty quick after release though. The Shooter Collection for Wii is only $15 now at Gamestop and some other retailers down from the $30 launch price.

[meancode]

Is there any way to play the NTSC/J games on my North American system?

No. Buy a NTSC/J system ;)

[norkusa]

This article says Raiden IV will retail for $39.99 in August:

http://www.arcade-renaissance.com/2009/05/raiden-4-xbox-360-us-trailer.html

That's about $10 more than what I was hoping for. If it's a big game crammed with extras though, I might buy at that price. I remember buying Metal Slug 3 for Xbox at that price and was happy with it, so why not.

[meancode]

This article says Raiden IV will retail for $39.99 in August:

http://www.arcade-renaissance.com/2009/05/raiden-4-xbox-360-us-trailer.html

That's about $10 more than what I was hoping for. If it's a big game crammed with extras though, I might buy at that price. I remember buying Metal Slug 3 for Xbox at that price and was happy with it, so why not.

You get 14 levels. 1-1 to 1-7 then it repeats, just harder for 2-1 to 2-7. Then there is boss rush mode. Has original Arcade mode and Xbox 360 mode. You can also check out replays. The game has 2 DLC planes for 80 MSP. Game is worth it for shmup fans.

[heybtbm]

You get 14 levels. 1-1 to 1-7 then it repeats, just harder for 2-1 to 2-7. Then there is boss rush mode. Has original Arcade mode and Xbox 360 mode. You can also check out replays. The game has 2 DLC planes for 80 MSP. Game is worth it for shmup fans.

Well, you get all that times 3 with Raiden Fighters Aces for half the price. That being said, I think I'll still be picking this up at $40.

[s1lence]

Yeah, but Raiden IV is a much prettier game then Raiden Fighter Aces.

[norkusa]

What's the '360 Mode' in Raiden IV?

[Nesmaster]

I have III on the PS2 and just picked up Aces for 360. Have yet to play either, but I will grab IV after a pricedrop or three. :)

[Xexyz]

Yeah, but Raiden IV is a much prettier game then Raiden Fighter Aces.

I've got to disagree with you there. Taito Type X 3D isn't the prettiest stuff to look at to begin with, and Raiden IV wasn't much of a step-up compared to Raiden III, which looked pretty dull visually. The Raiden Fighters series features gritty, but pleasent to look at 2D sprites and hand drawn backgrounds.

[FanOPants]

I like shooters, but the Raiden series is the pinnacle of mediocrity imo (haven't played the Aces series though).

[meancode]

What's the '360 Mode' in Raiden IV?

New enemies, two new stages, a zillion difficulty settings. Solo, dual, and double play.

[gbrevo]

this is cool. i had plenty of fun with raiden III. This only has to be better than it. At around $40 for Raiden IV, im in.

[gbrevo]

New enemies, two new stages, a zillion difficulty settings. Solo, dual, and double play.



ahh makes my mouth water :-P

[gbrevo]

What's the '360 Mode' in Raiden IV?

yeah im wondering the same thing. anyone know?

[Leo_A]

yeah im wondering the same thing. anyone know?

It was answered two or three post after the one you quoted. :)

[TurboGenesis]

I like shooters, but the Raiden series is the pinnacle of mediocrity imo (haven't played the Aces series though).

Raiden Fighters and traditional Raiden are two different beasts. Raiden games (except DX) are pretty straight forward and basic in gameplay. Raiden Fighters are more tactical and offer a wealth of scoring options to aim for and loaded with secret scoring tricks. Raiden DX probably blends both together and is the middle ground.

For the topic, Raiden IV at $39 is a bit steep, but I will get it straight away regardless. I am not the big fan of Raiden III and had held out on getting the Japanese Raiden IV, and was going to get it but the USA release was announced, and I find $39 far cheaper than $70+shipping.

[heybtbm]

Looks like our $40 will net us a soundtrack too...

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/1236/504xraidenivle.jpg

http://kotaku.com/5319774/raiden-iv-release-powers-up-with-limited-edition

[Solertia]

Just pre-ordered it!

[guitargary75]

Yet just one more reason to own a 360.

[TurboGenesis]

Picked this up on Friday and spent some time with it last night. I also downloaded the other ship and fairy.

Its traditional Raiden, and plays similar to Raiden III, but I find IV to be more enjoyable… the ship moves faster and the game just "feel" more polished I guess. I also used the Raiden MKII for a bit as well as the Fairy. Fairy has good speed so I may stick with that…

Also, I guess this is a Game Stop exclusive? There was a label on the wrap that stated this… and the soundtrack CD has the Game Stop logo on it.

[Robocop2]

I thought it was a GS exclusive but it appears to be listed on Best Buy's site and Amazon now. From what I can tell the GS edition apparantly has an extra file that includes some enemy info, artwork and strategies in a "secret file" lol. Everyone apparantly gets the LE version with a soundtrack disc though which is a nice bonus by its self.
here's a link to where I found the info: http://www.siliconera.com/2009/07/21/raiden-iv-limited-edition-vs-gamestop-edition/

[heybtbm]

My copy shipped from Amazon yesterday. Should be here soon (along with one of my recent RRoD 360's).

[XYXZYZ]

I'm kind of on the fence about getting it; I didn't have much fun with Raiden III. Is tate mode intact in the American release?

[otaku]

I just rented it and am playing the hell out of it and then returning it. Save 30 bucks that way. Its a decent game worth it for us shmup fans who own 360s, at least play it if you don't buy it.

[Xexyz]

I'm kind of on the fence about getting it; I didn't have much fun with Raiden III. Is tate mode intact in the American release?

U.S. publishers stopped removing TATE from our shmup releases last gen.