Video Game Vintage Title: Raiden IV

Raiden IV

Raiden IV is a video game that follows up from the events of its precursor, Raiden III. It was developed by the Japanese company MOSS, under the license of Seibu Kaihatsu, and currently in co-operation with Taito.

Raiden IV Plot

The Cranassians have returned again after numerous defeats against humanity. The World Alliance Military immediately launches the Raiden mk-II and its blue counterpart, the "Raiden mk-II Beta" to stop the invasion and save the Earth.

Raiden IV Gameplay

The gameplay of Raiden IV is identical to its prior installments, although its level design is different than Raiden III, but it is exactly the same as Raiden II, as the player starts from in-land, over the farms. In later levels the game progresses through a vast cityscape, into the sky, and finally onward to space. The player faces many enemies, powerful stages, and fearless bosses. The Flash Shot System, first introduced in Raiden III, returns in IV. Multipliers are given for destroying enemies that just appeared on screen; the faster players destroy enemies, the higher the bonuses are.

Reception
Raiden IV has received below average review scores upon its U.S. release, with both IGN and the Official Xbox Magazine scoring it a 6 out of 10. IGN's Eric Brudvig writes: "Though at first glance you might think there are 14 levels in Raiden IV ... there are in fact only seven with the second half of the game merely repeating the first.... UFO Interactive went ahead and added insult to injury with its use of downloadable content. After dishing out $40 for the game, you'll find that only one of the three ships on the main menu can be used. The other two must be purchased through Xbox Live." Backlash over the pay to play ships has created controversy at several gaming forums, leading gamers to wonder whether the extra content is worth the price to obtain them.