The Megami Tensei series has always been known for its dark themes and challenging gameplay, but RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army brings something different to the table. This updated version of the 2006 PlayStation 2 game shows impressive improvements that go well beyond what you’d expect from a typical remaster.

The story kicks off with our hero becoming the fourteenth person to carry the name Raidou Kuzunoha. As part of the Kuzunoha clan, he’s tasked with protecting the world from demons that have been causing trouble for over 1,300 years. But before he can officially start his mission, there’s one last test to pass – a trial set by the village elder to prove he’s worthy of the title.

This opening sequence does double duty as both story setup and gameplay tutorial. It’s a smart way to ease players into the game’s unique combat system without overwhelming them with too much information at once.

Action-Packed Combat Sets It Apart

What makes RAIDOU stand out from other Shin Megami Tensei games is its real-time combat system. Instead of the turn-based battles the series is famous for, this game throws you into action RPG-style fights that feel fast and engaging.

When combat starts, you’re placed in a special arena where you can perform regular and heavy attacks. The basic moves include dodging, jumping, and blocking – all the essentials you need for real-time action. Your status bar keeps things simple, showing just your health points and MAG (Magnetite), which powers your special abilities.

The combat gets more interesting as you learn new techniques. One standout feature is using elemental magic to hit enemy weak spots. When you nail their weakness, enemies get stunned, and all your follow-up attacks become critical hits. You also get a gun for long-range attacks, which works great for stopping enemies in their tracks.

For players who like to stay mobile, there’s the “Devil’s Feint” move that lets you dodge and instantly appear behind your opponent. It’s a slick maneuver that adds style to the combat.

Demon Allies Add Strategic Depth

Being a Devil Summoner means you’re not fighting alone. You can recruit demons to join your party either by talking to them or using a special skill called Art of Confinement. While you can’t directly control these demon partners during fights, you can tell them how to behave. For example, you might want them to focus on hitting enemy weaknesses with their skills, or play it safe to save MAG for when you really need it.

The tutorial wraps up with a boss fight against Okiku-Mushi, the Pagan Queen. This battle lets you test everything you’ve learned and serves as a proper challenge before the real adventure begins. Once you prove yourself, the protagonist officially becomes Raidou Kuzunoha XIV and starts his journey with Gouto-Douji, a talking black cat companion.

More Than Just a Simple Remaster

The first thing that catches your eye is how good the game looks. While it might seem like just a resolution boost at first glance, the developers actually rebuilt almost everything from scratch. Character models and game assets have been completely redone, resulting in a much cleaner and more detailed visual experience.

What’s clever about the visual update is that it still feels like a PS2-era game in the best way possible. The classic look and feel remain intact, but everything is sharper and more polished. The user interface also got a makeover, making it easier to read and navigate through menus.

Even from this brief tutorial session, it’s clear that RAIDOU Remastered goes far beyond what most remasters offer. The original game was often overshadowed by its sequel, but these improvements bring it up to a level that feels just as good, if not better.

The developers have managed something tricky – they’ve made significant upgrades while keeping the original’s charm completely intact. This careful balance between old and new makes the wait for the full game even more exciting, especially to see how these improvements carry through the entire experience.

For fans of the series and newcomers alike, RAIDOU Remastered looks like it will offer a unique entry point into the Shin Megami Tensei universe, with its action-focused gameplay and compelling demon-summoning mechanics setting it apart from the rest of the franchise.