Review: Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (PS5) – A Fantastic Return to Peak PS2 Atlus Vibes

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As a dedicated fan, I must admit that I found it somewhat surprising when Atlus chose to revisit “Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army.

Perhaps, this is why it’s getting another opportunity. For contemporary Atlus fans, who might have first encountered the Persona series, Raidou provides an exclusive look into Atlus’ past. In essence, it’s a story that deserves to be revisited and shared once more.

Although Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army might sound like a simple update, it’s actually a full-fledged remake. It retains the original storyline and structure, but offers a fresh look with 3D graphics, and fundamentally changes the core gameplay mechanics.

2022’s version, on the other hand, shows a remarkable upgrade compared to the relatively simple Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster from last year.

In this game, you take on the role of Raidou Kuzunoha, a newly established Devil Summoner. You travel to the Japanese capital in search of mysterious and possibly malevolent forces. Essentially, Raidou is a peacekeeper who works closely with secret protectors of the nation, using the typical roster of demons from Shin Megami Tensei to aid in his investigations.

The idea is captivating at first glance, and the storyline takes some unexpected turns that are genuinely peculiar. Although some characters lack depth, the tale remains engaging overall. It may not be a very cohesive narrative, but such unusual storylines are rare nowadays, making it quite distinctive in memory.

The story of Raidou unfolds in an episodic manner, using title cards for each section. This approach effectively maintains a clear pace throughout the relatively brief campaign. In contrast to Atlus’ more recent productions, the 30 or so hours of gameplay in Raidou Remastered feels surprisingly fast-paced.

In

In the updated version (Remastered), the investigative aspects have been simplified. Clear objectives and stronger hints largely eliminate the confusing elements from the original game, a change that we believe is likely beneficial.

As a gamer, I can say that taking on the role of a detective is definitely more satisfying when you have to ponder over your choices. However, Raidou wasn’t about uncovering clues or grilling witnesses for the right information. Instead, the objective markers make the whole experience less monotonous; you no longer need to scour entire districts aimlessly searching for that one character who moves the story forward.

At times, it’s apparent that the game has been around for a while. As the story progresses, moving between locations for minimal dialogue can feel somewhat tedious, and the (thankfully optional) side missions mostly involve repetitive tasks that aren’t particularly engaging.

In 2006, the initial game’s combat system drew heavy criticism due to its repetitive hack-and-slash mechanics that overshadowed its unique demon concepts. However, in the Remastered version, Atlus completely revamped the combat system, a change that likely would have also received criticism had it not been implemented.

In this game, traditional battlefields have been upgraded into immersive 3D arenas. The character Raidou now moves and fights like a true action hero, with combos, counters, and special moves that are quickly accessible through button shortcuts. On a fundamental level, the combat system has seen significant enhancement in terms of both operation and sensation.

The original system has always been intriguing, but the enhancements made by Remastered truly bring out its best qualities. In combat, Raidou is supported by as many as two demon allies, which are operated by an AI. As a Devil Summoner, your role is to keep the battle momentum flowing; your regular sword strikes generate SP (Special Points), used to activate your demons’ skills – it’s these abilities that allow you to exploit your enemies’ vulnerabilities.

As a gamer, I find myself momentarily staggering foes when I strike their vulnerabilities, which in turn extends my sword combo sequences and restores even more SP. It’s a captivating cycle of chaos that I orchestrate, where I function as a catalyst for my allies, rather than being the primary damage dealer. This system still feels remarkably unique today.

Indeed, it’s crucial to assemble a formidable team of powerful demons in this case. In combat, Raidou has the ability to capture enemies weaker than himself and convert them into valuable allies. However, the true power lies in combining demons, where the synergy truly shines.

Just as in the game Persona, a demon’s abilities and characteristics can be passed on to a new entity, allowing you to explore and craft various potent companions. Atlus has long utilized this fusion concept, yet the feeling of advancement remains incredibly compelling.

Apart from combat situations, it’s equally crucial for Raidou to gather a diverse group of individuals for investigations. These team members, each possessing unique abilities, are essential in manipulating people or objects. This interaction often results in stronger bonds between our protagonist and his eclectic allies.

In a somewhat different wording: Raidou’s demons may not be considered outstanding characters, but their small conversations and occasional humor inject a touch of personality that makes them more immersive and captivating compared to their portrayals in other Atlus projects. These interactions make you almost hesitant when using the fusion machine to combine them.

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2025-06-18 17:07