Bringing together three legendary arcade shoot ’em ups from the ’90s, Ray’Z Arcade Chronology is a must-have compilation for fans of arcade shooters that includes RayForce, RayStorm, and RayCrisis. Published by ININ Games in cooperation with Taito, we checked out these classics on a PlayStation 4.
RayForce, originally known as Layer Section, takes players on a vertical shooting adventure where they must utilize a revolutionary “dual-layer attack” system to defeat enemies on different planes. RayStorm introduces a 3D world, dynamic camera changes, and the ability to combine standard shots and lasers, making for an exciting experience. RayCrisis, set within a supercomputer, adds a progression system and incentivizes replayability based on performance. Although the narrative takes a backseat in these games, the excellent gameplay more than makes up for it.
The gameplay mechanics across the three titles in Ray’Z Arcade Chronology offer a mix of classic vertical shooting action and innovative features. RayForce’s lock-on system, allowing players to fire lasers at enemies on different planes, adds depth to the gameplay and rewards skillful play. RayStorm continues the series’ legacy with impressive visuals, dynamic backgrounds, and the option to combine standard shots and lasers into one button, simplifying controls. RayCrisis stands out with its innovative progression system, different routes, and grading based on player performance. Overall, the gameplay mechanics and controls are solid, providing a satisfying shooting experience.
The visual presentation of the three games in Ray’Z Arcade Chronology receives a significant boost, particularly in the HD versions of RayStorm and RayCrisis where the original 3D visuals didn’t age that well. While they may not match the graphical fidelity of newer shooters, the crisp polygonal graphics breathe new life into these classics. Each game maintains its distinctive art style and showcases impressive sprite work or 3D environments. The accompanying soundtracks, courtesy of Zuntata, complement the intense action and evoke a nostalgic feel.
Ray’Z Arcade Chronology preserves the essence of the original releases while offering new features and improvements. Players can customize the difficulty settings, adjust the number of lives, and enjoy features like save states and replays. The inclusion of global leaderboards adds a competitive element as well, encouraging players to chase high scores like they would have in the arcades. Furthermore, the compilation showcases the timeless appeal of these classic shoot ’em ups and allows both existing fans and newcomers to appreciate the games’ historical significance.
One minor drawback of Ray’Z Arcade Chronology is the lack of museum-like content for those seeking additional historical context or background information. This omission doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the games themselves, but for fans it’s a shame to not have anything like that – missed opportunity. Additionally, the confusing release variations and the absence of the R-Gear prototype in the digital version of the game may leave some players disappointed. Despite these minor issues, the core experience of the compilation remains exceptional.
Ray’Z Arcade Chronology is a brilliant compilation that pays homage to Taito’s classic shoot ’em up series. Featuring RayForce, RayStorm, and RayCrisis, this package offers engaging gameplay mechanics, solid controls, and enhanced visuals. The collection’s preservation of the original games, coupled with new features and options, ensures a satisfying experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre. Despite minor drawbacks such as the absence of museum content and the omission of certain release variations, the overall quality of the compilation shines through. Ray’Z Arcade Chronology is a nostalgic blast from the past and a must-have for arcade shooter enthusiasts.
Score: 8.0/10