Raiden (video game)

Raiden is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up arcade game developed by Seibu Kaihatsu and first released in Japan in 1990. It established many of the conventions of the "vertical shooter" genre, influencing later titles.

Gameplay:

The game features a player-controlled fighter aircraft tasked with destroying enemy forces. Players navigate through various landscapes, battling waves of enemy aircraft, tanks, ships, and other military vehicles. The game is known for its challenging difficulty and relentless enemy attacks. The player's aircraft can be upgraded with power-ups collected by shooting down special enemy formations. These power-ups typically enhance the aircraft's weapons, speed, or defensive capabilities. Two main weapons are available: a powerful, but narrow beam laser and a wider-spread vulcan cannon. Collecting weapon power-ups upgrades their strength. Players can also collect bombs to inflict heavy damage on enemies and clear the screen.

Key Features:

• Vertical Scrolling: The game world scrolls vertically upwards, presenting new challenges and enemies as the player progresses.
• Power-Up System: The player can acquire power-ups to improve their aircraft's capabilities, allowing for strategic customization.
• Boss Battles: Each stage typically culminates in a challenging boss battle, requiring skillful maneuvering and precise shooting.
• Difficulty: Raiden is notorious for its high difficulty, demanding precise control and pattern memorization from the player.

Legacy:

Raiden was a commercial success and spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. The original game is considered a classic of the shoot 'em up genre and continues to be enjoyed by players worldwide. The game's influence can be seen in many later shooters.

Sequels and Related Games:

• Raiden II
• Raiden Fighters series
• Raiden III
• Raiden IV
• Raiden V

Developers:

• Seibu Kaihatsu (Developer)
• Various publishers (depending on region and port)