Summoning with the Soulless Army: Hands-on with RAIDOU Remastered

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a comprehensively reworked version of the 2006 PlayStation 2 title, adapting the supernatural detective tale of Raidou Kuzunoha for a new generation of players. Set in an alternate Taisho-era Japan, the game follows Raidou, a devil summoner tasked with defending the capital from demonic threats. While billed as a remaster, the title enhances both the visuals and gameplay, while preserving key elements such as the atmospheric storytelling and 1930s-style aesthetics.

One of the signature elements of the original Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army was the blend of real-time combat and traditional RPG mechanics. This was a contentious decision given the turn-based approach of most Shin Megami Tensei entries, resulting in a rather lukewarm reception. Wisely, RAIDOU Remastered refines the battle system, allowing for more fluid demon summoning, faster combo execution, and responsive dodging. No longer is conflict confined to a static perspective with the camera following Raidou Kazunoha XIV the grace of a respectable action game.

Revolver, Katana, and Demon Tubes at the Ready!

Players can now seamlessly issue commands to their summoned demons without interrupting the flow of battle, giving combat a more tactical and dynamic feel. Additionally, a revamped user interface also makes it easier to track health, status effects, and demon affinities during the action. The crux of combat is a balance between locking-on with a ranged weapon and delivering a succession of melee strikes. Expectedly, the Switch 2 handled the action seamlessly, maintaining a rock-solid sixty frames-per-second output in the current preview build.

The two staples of MegaTen, demon negotiation and fusion have also been given an overhaul. Negotiations feature updated dialogue options (yes, they’re capricious as ever!), allowing for some spirited efforts to recruit them. Similarly, the fusion system has been augmented with a compendium and search features, allowing players to better plan their combinations and build those optimal demon squads.

Gouto-Douji Still Loves Braised Mackerel and Elegant Women

Notably, exploration and investigation are more engaging in the remaster, thanks to several quality-of-life improvements. Raidou now moves more swiftly through the game’s districts, although it did take a moment to adjust to the fixed perspective. Meanwhile, load times between areas have been shortened, keeping the pace taut. Environmental interactions, such as eavesdropping or gathering evidence, are now highlighted more clearly, making it easier for players to immerse themselves in the detective work without getting stuck due to obscure design choices.

One of the standout improvements in RAIDOU Remastered is its improved AI and demon synergy. Demons now behave more intelligently in battle, using abilities based on enemy weaknesses and Raidou’s actions. Additionally, boss encounters have been rebalanced to offer fairer but still challenging fights.

Looking as Sharp as Those Sideburns

Overall, RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army elevates the original game with modern design sensibilities, while maintaining its unique charm and thematic depth. From its lively, jazz-infused soundtrack, an intricate fusion of global folklore, to the game’s take on noirish detective fiction, the remaster provides the original with the polish the game always deserved. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of devil summoners, RAIDOU Remastered offers a compelling journey into an enigmatic, stylish alcove of action-RPG history.