Raidou Remastered: atlus and Sega Revive a Cult Classic Action-RPG
A comprehensive reimagining of the 2006 PlayStation 2 title, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is poised to launch globally on June 19, 2025, promising an enhanced experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. Developed by Atlus and published by Sega, the remaster aims to address the original game’s shortcomings with modernized mechanics inspired by its sequel.
The narrative unfolds from a seemingly simple missing person case brought to the Narumi Detective Agency by a wealthy heir, Daidoji. The situation quickly escalates into a nationwide conspiracy after the client requests to be killed and is subsequently kidnapped by soldiers. Players assume the role of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, a young Devil Summoner affiliated with the Yatagarasu institution, tasked with investigating supernatural mysteries alongside his articulate feline companion, Gouto.
Set in a fictionalized 1930s Japan – specifically the Taisho period – raidou Remastered boasts a unique aesthetic blending authentic Japanese architecture and fashion with supernatural and demonic elements. This distinctive atmosphere is further enhanced by the game’s dual-world structure: the bustling, seemingly normal capital city of Tokyo and the haunted Dark Realm, a parallel dimension inhabited by devils. This duality forms the core of both the story and gameplay.
A central focus of the remaster is a complete overhaul of the battle system. Atlus promises a smoother, more strategic combat experience, allowing players to summon two demons simultaneously for increased tactical depth. The original’s limited combat options – a single melee attack and elemental pistol – have been replaced with a system featuring both minor and heavy attacks, each with its own combo potential. Light attacks build the MAG meter, essential for devil skills, while heavy attacks maximize damage, notably when exploiting enemy weaknesses or breaking boss shields. Raidou will also automatically fire at targeted enemies during attacks, keeping the action flowing.
According to a company release, maintaining aggressive pressure with minor attacks is crucial, as allied devils rapidly deplete the MAG meter. Mastering timing and utilizing the responsive jump button for evasion is key, as perfect dodges activate powerful Devil’s Bane attacks that restore MAG. Element attacks with a cooldown system further contribute to the dynamic gameplay.Notably, Raidou is now less reliant on his devil companions, possessing his own elemental abilities, signs, and a wider range of defensive maneuvers. The original’s long sword fusion system has been replaced with Sword Alchemy, allowing players to create and upgrade weapons with unique properties.
Outside of combat, gameplay centers around inquiry. Players explore Tokyo,gather clues,and interact with characters,utilizing captured devils to overcome obstacles like finding hidden items or reading minds. A significant improvement lies in the investigation system itself. The original PS2 game required players to manually select the correct devil for each ability,a process described by some as tedious. Raidou Remastered introduces a contextual menu that automatically suggests the appropriate devil and ability, streamlining the experience.
Ultimately, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is positioned as the definitive way to experience this unique story. The improvements to the battle system and overall presentation are transformative, resulting in a stronger action-RPG experience. For veterans of the Shin Megami Tensei series and fans of the original game, this remaster represents an possibility to revisit a beloved title with the gameplay it deserved from the start.
Platforms: PC, Xbox series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Sega
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Genre: Action-RPG
Plus:
- Strong narration
- Fighting system improvement
- No Random Battle
- Investigation mode
Minus:
- The feel of detective work is lacking
- Limited demon Fusion
