Raiden V is a vertical scrolling shoot ’em‑up video game developed by the Japanese studio MOSS and published as part of the long‑running Raiden series. It was first released for the Xbox One in Japan on 25 February 2016, followed by a worldwide “Director’s Cut” for PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows on 11 May 2016 (Europe) and 5 October 2017 (North America). A Nintendo Switch version launched on 25 July 2019, marking the series’ return to a Nintendo console for the first time since Raiden Trad on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
Gameplay
Raiden V combines mechanics from earlier entries and the Raiden Fighters sub‑series. Players control one of three selectable aircraft—Azuma (Japan), Spirit of Dragon (United States), or Moulin Rouge (France)—each with distinct power, defense, and mobility attributes, as well as a fixed‑power sub‑weapon. All ships share a common bomb configuration. A notable addition is a shield/energy bar that permits a limited number of hits before destruction, after which the player loses their score and must continue. The game retains the “Flash Point” scoring system from Raiden III, featuring five gauge levels that reward rapid enemy destruction with higher score multipliers. An online “Cheer System” allows players to send cheers that fill a Cheer Call gauge; when activated, Cheer Call clears enemy bullets and temporarily boosts sub‑weapon performance.
Plot
Set 17 years after the outbreak of humanity’s war with alien Crystals, Raiden V presents the most detailed narrative in the series to date. The story follows the Vanquish Crystal Defense (VCD) organization’s “Fighting Thunder” project, commanded by officer Richard “Max” Maxwell and communications officer Eshiria Portman. After receiving an attack order, Fighting Thunder assists the North American army against Crystal‑contaminated forces, then pursues Crystal activity across global locations—including New York, the Middle East, France, England, Belgium, and Sweden. The plot explores the origins of the Crystals, their capacity to upgrade machinery, and the moral conflict surrounding continued research into Crystal technology, culminating in a final offensive on the Crystals’ home world.
Development and Release
MOSS developed Raiden V after acquiring the rights to the Raiden franchise from former publisher Seibu Kaihatsu. The game was initially a timed exclusive for Xbox One in Japan; the subsequent Director’s Cut added new stages, online multiplayer features, and enhanced graphics for PlayStation 4 and Windows. The Switch port, released in 2019, introduced handheld playability and minor performance upgrades. Composer Yoshimi Kudo provided the soundtrack, while voice acting featured performers such as Xander Mobus (English) and Rina Hoshino (Japanese).
Reception
Critical response highlighted the game’s refined shooting mechanics, the introduction of the shield system, and the expanded multiplayer features. Reviewers noted that while Raiden V adhered closely to classic shoot‑’em‑up conventions, the added narrative depth and online interactions offered a fresh experience for both series veterans and newcomers.
Legacy
Raiden V continues the Raiden series’ reputation for high‑intensity bullet‑hell gameplay and has been cited as a modern benchmark for vertical shooters on current‑generation consoles. Its incorporation of online cheer mechanics and a more elaborate storyline represent notable evolutions within the franchise.