I came late to the Megami Tensei party, only delving into the series and its sprawling spin-offs in recent years. However, getting the chance to experience RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, especially in such a significantly enhanced form, has catapulted it to the top of my list of favorite games within the entire Megami Tensei universe.
Play as detective and Devil Summoner
The story is a captivating blend of historical fiction, supernatural intrigue, and thrilling mystery. Set in a fictionalized Taisho-era Tokyo, you step into the shoes of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, a young detective and Devil Summoner working for the Narumi Detective Agency. When strange disappearances plague the city and rumors of soulless soldiers circulate, Raidou and his talking cat partner, Gouto, are thrust into a complex web of secrets, conspiracies, and ancient forces vying for control. Without giving away too much, the narrative had me hooked from beginning to end, constantly throwing curveballs and unexpected revelations. It’s a masterclass in pacing and intrigue, earning its place as one of my favorite stories in the Megami Tensei mythos.
Action detective
A high point of the game is undoubtedly the detective work itself. Unraveling the different cases and following the red thread that connects them is a consistently rewarding experience. Gathering clues, interviewing witnesses, and piecing together the truth feels genuinely engaging, thanks to the game’s clever writing and well-designed mysteries.
Gameplay-wise, RAIDOU diverges from the turn-based combat that defines many other games in the Megami Tensei universe. Instead, it opts for an action RPG system, which feels both refreshing and incredibly satisfying. Raidou can attack with his sword and gun, dodge enemy attacks, and, crucially, summon demons to fight alongside him. This shift in perspective is a welcome change of pace and keeps the combat feeling dynamic and engaging.
Demons, demons and demons
Of course, a core element of the experience is demon collection and fusion, mechanics that series veterans will find immediately familiar. Recruiting demons during battle, nurturing their abilities, and fusing them to create even more powerful allies is as addictive and rewarding as ever. The sheer variety of demons, each with their unique skills and strengths, adds a significant layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay.
But being a detective isn’t just about fighting demons. A significant portion of the game revolves around investigation, requiring you to thoroughly explore environments, talk to people, and uncover hidden clues. This is where your demons truly shine. Each demon possesses unique field skills that can aid in your investigations, allowing you to gather information, break down barriers, or even manipulate the minds of NPCs. This is a fantastic addition that not only makes your demons feel more useful but also integrates them seamlessly into the detective aspects of the story, making them feel like a natural extension of Raidou’s abilities and contributing to a richer character narrative.
Remastered deluxe
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army isn’t just a simple visual upgrade; it feels like a definitive edition. While the graphical improvements are certainly welcome and the game runs incredibly smoothly, the real value lies in the wealth of added content. The inclusion of numerous new demons, the full voice acting (which elevates the entire experience), and other quality-of-life improvements make it feel like so much more than just a mere remaster. It’s a remaster with “extra everything,” enhancing the original experience in meaningful ways.
That said, it’s important to remember that RAIDOU is still an older game at its core. Navigating the environments, while charming, can feel a bit stiff compared to modern titles. Furthermore, the gating of progress behind in-game currency can occasionally feel like an outdated design choice. Bargaining with demons and potentially losing items and money in the process, forcing you into unnecessary grinding, can be frustrating.
Conclusion
Going into RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, I was unsure what to expect. However, its engaging story, satisfying action combat, compelling detective work, and relatively shorter runtime (I clocked in at around 24 hours with a good amount of side content and demon collecting) have cemented its place in my top three Megami Tensei games. I sincerely hope that the second RAIDOU game receives the same loving treatment, as this remaster has proven that these unique entries in the series deserve to be experienced by a wider audience.
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