Battle of the Ports - Raiden - 雷電 (Show #43) 60fps

[@philmason9653]

I have to admire Micronics' dogged determination to have choppy scrolling even on a 16-bit console. That's dedication to craft.

[@RetroCore]

Lol, they try their best.

[@thefurthestmanfromhome1148]

From Andrew Seed of Imagitec Design: PC and Amiga versions of Raiden were converted from the Jaguar version which of course started out as the Falcon version.

[@RetroCore]

Why port a crap version? Lazy devs.

[@thefurthestmanfromhome1148]

@@RetroCore just added the extra info from Andrew, incl him being 14th person asked about Martin Hooley claiming Raiden was started on the Atari Panther, it's 14-1 saying it wasn't Martin is simply confusing his Atari formats.

[@shinkazama3959]

Such a classic game, I own Raiden Project on Playstation and love it to bits, however Mark I never realized the FM Towns version OST was that good!

[@vludi7857]

The checkpoints are obligatory in Arcade japanese version of Raiden, it's just some western version that remove the checkpoints.

[@Bro-cx2jc]

I personally like the checkpoints. It reinforces that your lives are indeed lives, not just some exploitable health bar. Some games like this have areas you can "skip" by just smashing through there and sacrificing a life rather than truly fighting past it. The ports of Raiden Trad that use checkpoints force you to beat every inch of each stage the right way.

[@thefurthestmanfromhome1148]

Amiga version was advertised in US Press alongside PC version as being available from your local dealer now.

[@RetroCore]

I guess a case or ads being placed before the product hit the shelves.

[@thefurthestmanfromhome1148]

@@RetroCore seem to remember they went in 6-9 months in advance

[@losalfajoresok]

I LOVE Raiden, I still play it today on MAME. I think it has one the best explosion effect and sound, I like it so much that I used it as a reference for a videogame I worked on a couple of years ago. Great video as always!

[@thefurthestmanfromhome1148]

More from Andrew Seed Seedy1812 said: At the end of the year it will be 30 years since I started at Imagitec so the memory is a bit hazy. For the Falcon we wrote using the Falcon but Atari being Atari provided they came with US power supplies so we have to run them with power convertor bricks. The fun was I went to Martin saying we need the convertors and he said dont bother - so 10 mins later one loud bang and a room full of smoke.  For a few months I worked on Dino Dudes , Freddy ( Nigel Conroy) worked on Raiden and Trev did a Falcon dsp mod player. We stopped for a week or so to get the Space Junk demo updated. Originally Space Junk was going to be released on CD but as nobody had them then it decided to be on floppies  The demo itself came on multiple discs so i would dread how many disc it would have been on. Sometime later we were shown the Jaguar in a pc case running Minter demos which looked impressive and then Freddy and myself were moved onto the Jaguar. I had completed the majority of the game so another programmer whose name I forget took over the Falcon version. A year or so later i was asked to remove the password protection which was easy so that it could be released as shareware. When I started at Imagitec another programmer joined ( Martin Randall ) who was employed to create tools for us. There was already a map editor on the PC for Dino Dudes/Humans so Martin wrote a map / sprite editor for Raiden. It also created attack wave patterns. Graphics could be exported as PC (byte per pixel ), Atari ( planes ) and Jaguar . As I had to give up the Falcon when I got a Jaguar I was given a TT with the 1024 mono screen. Throughout the development of the game I used Hisoft Devpac 3 which was better / more useable than the MadMac stuff Atari provided. From what I read about atariage.com/forums/topic/80735-panther/?do=findComment&comment=4124156 that Martin doesn't remember Panther he might have done pitches for many games on a variety platforms which will not come to fruition. I am not surprised even Steve Noakes says he doesn't remember what the were graphics originally for. Atari might have mentioned to Martin about there future plans with the Panther and Jaguar but until Atari going to pay them no nothing will be started. When I joined Imagitec they had Gladiators on Genesis , Humans on Snes , Demonsgate on multiple platforms , Lynx Rampart, molders working on masks for Space Junk ,Falcon Raiden. This was in Nov 92 having completed PC and Amiga Humans. As you can see Martin had a lot of Irons in the fire at the same time

[@RetroCore]

Now that is a story. Maybe having so many projects going at once was not the best of ideas?

[@jeremygregorio7472]

In the United States Raiden was a huge arcade hit because the company that distributed the arcade cabinet specialized in laundromats and convenience stores so it had a huge number of sales because there's so many of those here.

[@rorydropkick]

Sweet. Always have loved Raiden and the many sequels. I even have a pretty slick t-shirt with the Raiden logo.

[@atrocity3010]

A couple of corrections/additions: - The arcade version does feature checkpoints that send you back, but only in certain versions. Sadly there is no dip switch setting to enable/disable them. The version that was in my local arcade had checkpoints. - The Mega Drive version of Raiden Trad has an extra stage after the credits roll, and the stage is exclusive to this version of the game. It is in a true sense of the word a bonus stage, and is realistically only beatable when your ship is fully powered up. For this reason it's better to boot this up on an emulator/flash cart and throw down a savestate at the beginning of the stage, so that if you die you don't have to beat the whole game again. Also, once you reach this special stage and lose all your lives, it's an instant game over with no option to continue. - There is one flaw in the FM Towns version that keeps it from being the definitive edition for me. There is frame hitching throughout the game, most notably in Stage 2. It's never too terrible but it's definitely noticeable compared to the butter-smooth framerate of the PS1 version. In my opinion the versions worth owning are the PS1, FM Towns, PC Engine CD (Super Raiden), and Mega Drive versions.

[@sturmwind1180]

Great stuff. You are a proper aficionado of game soundtracks, too.

[@RetroCore]

:) Thanks!

[@retrozone_rrf]

Looks like , the Genesis version uses the same engine as Toaplan vertical shmups , especially Fire Shark

[@naofumiosato3911]

Megadrive version was actually made by some Seibu kaihatsu staff so its really well made. Raiden project version has similar graphics to the arcade version but its game play actually differs slightly so its not arcade perfect. Raiden its own was also released on PS1 years later Raiden project was released.

[@RetroCore]

It's a shame Seibu Kaihatsu staff didn't work on the SFC Version

[@theraptorus]

The Mega Drive port had an exclusive level to play through after you beat the game. It was hard as hell!!

[@RetroCore]

Man, I never knew that. Wish I did before making the video. Isn't it funny how shooters of the past are still rock hard despite not being bullet hell shooters like most we have these days.

[@SuperHighTechGamer]

Excellent. Really jealous of those powerful Japanese home computers like the FM Towns and the X68000. I always had to be content with my port on the MD/Genesis. Raiden Project on the PS 1 collection is the best bang for the buck. Props for showing the mobile phone version!

[@RetroCore]

It really is funny when you think that we got the Amiga and ST with 99% of the time really crappy arcade ports while the Japanese were getting close to arcade perfect ports.

[@rafaellima83]

An amiga version was planned and there's even a 1 level demo floating around, but it sadly was cancelled.

[@RetroCore]

Probably just as well unless someone like Sales Curve were handling the port.

[@rafaellima83]

I never tried the demo, but judging by the video I saw, it was looking nicely. Mind you it was a very late port, many years after the arcade version was released, so programmers already knew the hardware better... and it wasn't one of those US Gold ports where they paid peanuts for a team to port the game to dozens of systems at the same time :D

[@RetroCore]

Rafael Lima sounds like it could have been a good effort. The Amiga needed more quality Ports rather than the mountains of half arsed crap it ended up with. Still, on the bright side, it had a vastly better library of games than the likes of the Jaguar or 3DO.

[@rafaellima83]

The real funny thing is that most of the good arcade ports the Amiga got are from arcade games that weren't really *that* good to begin with, or arcade games that weren't very known / sucessfull

[@MrNightshade2010]

@@rafaellima83 like the colecovision ….

[@yethboth7873]

Great video. :) I had the Atari Jaguar version which I enjoyed but I do like the original Arcade version with the anime explosion sound effects the most.

[@RetroCore]

You can't really go wrong with any of the raiden versions apart from the Super Nintendo version. That really is crap.

[@exitplanetduster]

@@RetroCore the worst aspect of that version, in my opinion, is that it plays wrong, it has a different (worse) interaction feeling, maybe because of different (worse) stage layouts.

[@KGRAMR]

I know the Atari Jaguar version might not be the best port but there's something about that .MOD soundtrack that makes me like it a lot.

[@YuukoEnjoyer]

Also... in case you didnt knew it.... there IS a version of the arcade Raiden that sends you slightly back in the stage. So yes, there is actually two versions of the original Raiden. Proof is that I have a couple versions of Raiden on MAME, and while one of them sends you directly back, the other one sends you slightly back.

[@retrozone_rrf]

Not many knows , but there's also existed a SPMP8000 chinese console version called "Raiden of the Deepkiller" featuring new player aircraft sprite , graphics ripped from Genesis version and only 3 stages with different layouts.

[@RetroCore]

Very interesting. Any links to this version?

[@retrozone_rrf]

Try this:archive.org/download/LetCoolN350JPpreloadedgames/LetCool%20N350JP%20preloaded%20games.zip/DeepKiller-1.2.6_SPCA8000_320x240_EN_P_new.bin But i must say , that there is no emulator for this console , so , the only way to play it is GET some of them , like Ritmix RZX40 , or my favorite - Defender MultiMixMagic(Letcool) , featuring AV cable and even a gamepad ON PORTABLE CONSOLE

[@manifestnull]

You forgot Super Raiden on the PC-Engine CD! It's pretty much the pc-engine version just with an arranged soundtrack like the FM Towns. Also, are you playing the Jaguar version on an emulator? It has been a while since I have played it but I don't remember it being that slow. The Jaguar emulators are quite bad. (edit: wait is that the PAL version of the Jaguar game? That would make sense.)

[@RetroCore]

The Jag version was running full speed at 60fps. I guess it really is that slow :( Yes, I know about the PCE CD version but sadly I didn't have access to it.

[@KGRAMR]

Well, the Phoenix Project Emulator runs Raiden well enough...it royally sucks that Iron Soldier doesn't work on it though (as it's one of my Top Jag games) :(

[@atrocity3010]

Super Raiden also has two exclusive stages after Stage 8. Very difficult and I doubt many will ever beat them given the checkpoints.

[@thefurthestmanfromhome1148]

You've got to 'love' Imagitec Design's Martin Hooley, telling ST Format magazine at the time, their conversion of Raiden to the Jaguar was better than the Arcade original and they didn't want to surpass it, as Raiden 2 was out and they didn't want to upstage the sequel.

[@RetroCore]

Lol, in other words, "we made a turd of a game but we don't want to admit it." 😁

[@leonardoantonio8756]

After watching your show I realized the variety of arcade games in japan, from the big electro-hydraulic ones to the more simple ones like raiden and other you covered in the show. I also realized that is very very rare to find simple arcade cabinets in my country, here are only the bigger cabinets with Cruising USA-Daytona-Outrun-Crazy taxi-18 wheeler racing type, also the shooting type like house of the dead and time crisis, the simpler ones are the fighting games, but here we have been missing simpler cabinet type games like this one, and believe me I know about it, every time I go to a mall of other city in Venezuela I check out the arcades.

[@RetroCore]

There are always a good selection of normal arcade games in any real arcade in Japan. Familly places tend to have the big sit down cabinets only.

[@leonardoantonio8756]

Yes! there are only family arcades places here, never saw a gamers arcade like the one you showed in 1st series of Retro Core. What we did have, about the years 1999-200X was places where you played playstation-N64-dreamcast and pay for half hour or the complete hour, there was one near my house i used to go often, they had a great selection of games (copy bootlegged versions)

[@RetroCore]

Ah, yes. I've read about those "arcades" where they'd use normal consoles with copied discs :) Still, at least you could play some new games.

[@leonardoantonio8756]

Yeah, unfortunely in Venezuela to buy original games for any console has always been very very expensive. So when the playstation came and you could burn cds you could "chipear" as the word in Spanish says, you could modify the motherboard with another chip to run every type of game original or copy of any region NTSC and PAL, it was an awesome feature. I don't support piracy but I live in a third world country.. what can I say..

[@RetroCore]

Leonardo Antonio No worries. I understand that it's not easy to get real games in some parts of the world. What's important is that you can atleast get to play them in one form or another.

[@YuukoEnjoyer]

I can't get enough of Raiden. It's most likely my favorite shoot'em up of all time. Gotta LOVE the soundtrack!!! Especially the Gallantry theme (level 1 theme)

[@RetroCore]

+Lyra 雷電ファン I guess that's why your KZbin name is Raiden Fan ;)

[@dimalink4486]

Very ineresting. More videos about such kind arcades!!!!

[@Speedkingfox0007]

Great vid as usual, i have the jag version which is pretty good, maybe have your top 3 listed at the end of botp vids. I respect your opinion and it will generate more comments

[@RetroCore]

I like the idea of my top 3. I'll concider it for a future video. In this video's case I'd choose 1. FM Towns, 2. PlayStation and 3. Mega Drive. The arcade wouldn't count since that is the original nad the Android release is basically emulation. Worst would be the SFC/SNEs followed by the Jaguar. The PC version is the same as the Jag but doesn't have that nasty stats bar which is a plus.

[@turrican3839]

Bro the MS DOS version is SUCH an underrated soundtrack when you pitch it to the Jaguar version at +2.20, seriously it's THAT good.

[@bombjack1984]

Great comparison, thanks. This is a true classic, so many vertical shooters have been directly inspired by this. The Jaguar version looks like the kind of port you'd find on the Amiga - vaguely similar but not really too alike. Also can't believe this and the SFC version can only manage 30fps whereas the little 8-bit PC Engine manages 60fps easily. I think you're being a tad harsh on the MD version, it's easily the best console version (bar PS1 of course) despite the murky colours. As an aside, MAME recently got an update to the Seibu driver, meaning Raiden 2, Raiden DX and the very nice beat em up Zero Team are finally playable.

[@RetroCore]

Hmm, maybe I was a little hard on the MD version but that's only because it could have been so much better if given to a beter developer.

[@bombjack1984]

Retro Core I do agree that pretty much everything else Micronet have made is rubbish (Heavy Nova!), but they did a fair job with this port. It 'feels' like the arcade game, which is the main thing.

[@Kani8122]

I don't like how the sound effects seem to drown the music in the Megadrive version.

[@bombjack1984]

NamKakkua True, the sound effects are a bit too loud.

[@Arcadiality]

Only played the PS1 version recently. I love it, for a older shooter that is. I like the fact you can tate your Welly, so it feels ever more so like an arcade experience!! A decent botp sir!!

[@RetroCore]

Glad you enjoyed the PS1 Raiden. It's probably the best port out there but I miss the FM Towns audio when playing the PlayStation version.

[@SebasHCG]

another *Shmup Legend* cover, thanks !

[@RetroCore]

I do like my shoot'em ups.

[@Bro-cx2jc]

Plot twist: Densetsu means legend :D

[@JudgmentStorm]

SNES/SFC's Raiden has the BGM in the wrong order. That's the stage 5 BGM playing on SNES's stage 2.

[@RetroCore]

Thanks to the awful development team behind it.

[@boarMcberry]

this just popped today on daily youtubes, kinda fun refresher. btw, wonder if Raiden 2 worth for battle of ports? seeing as this video were from 8 years back & that game only has like PS1 & PC Windows ports.

[@RetroCore]

I do need to look in to some more raiden ports. I'll add them to the list.

[@thor1829]

The PC-DOS version is pretty much an arcade perfect version, but I guess getting the music to work is a pain due to soundcard shenanigans.

[@solarflare9078]

The SNES laser sound effect sounds like a squeaky rocking chair.

[@RetroCore]

The game plays like a squeaking rocking chair too.

[@tiaoferreira]

Retro Core, if you enter on configurations of playstation version, you will find a mode soundtrack TOO MUCH BETTER than FM Towns soundtrack. Try listen it and compare again.

[@tiaoferreira]

HAHAHA! Ok! :)

[@pelgervampireduck]

nice video, I love the raiden games. in the DOS version you have to run a setup program first to configure the sound, the sound blaster cards usually are at "port 220, irq 5 (or 7) dma 1". sadly you can't get both sound effects and music at the same time on the regular floppy disc version. you have to choose, unless you have the CD-ROM version, you choose effects and the game plays the music from the CD.

[@paulocorreia2024]

I loved this game all my life.

[@RetroCore]

It's one of the few shooters that made it big in the West.

[@stratohealing]

I'v been playing a lot of Raiden II lately, trying to finish the game with one life I'v watched a few waltrough... long story short this how I found this video :p You really did a good job putting all the ports together with no crappy emulation. Everything sound and plays as it should (if not then you fooled me ^^' ) . I kinda like your opinions too, If I had the money I'll buy the FM Towns marty since it does play burned games fairly easy. Man I really want to play that fm towns raiden and also truxton II ^^ (and so many other games on that system O.o ). It's sad it didn't do well, i know it actualy got a very limtited release in Europe, not sure if I ever found one tough.

[@RetroCore]

Hi there, Glad you enjoyed the video! I have a confession though. Some of the ports featured in this video are emulated but emulated well :)

[@1983parrothead]

Next request: Dynamite Duke. That was released initially in the arcades with similarities to Data East's Shootout and TAD's Cabal arcades; however, it scrolls horizontally to the right and features close combat. It was ported to the MD/GEN, Master System and Sharp X68000.

[@RetroCore]

Dynamite Duke is on the list of future videos. I may just bring it forward :)

[@1983parrothead]

@@RetroCore Thanks! By the way, while the FM TOWNS and PS1 versions of Raiden rival each other, the FM TOWNS version ported by KID Corp. in association with Success Corp., may have some good exclusive features, the backgrounds in it don't entirely animate (e.g., rivers, oceans, etc.). The PS1 port has 2 music modes: arcade replica powered by internal soundchip 16-bit Sony SPU, and an arranged soundtrack that might be powered by same soundchip, but still lighter sounding than the FM TOWNS and PCE CD/TG-CD arranged soundtracks.

[@fungo6631]

Fun fact: Raiden is powered by two 8086 CPUs

[@lambsauce7969]

I'd like to see a Battle of the Ports episode on Moon Cresta, if you haven't done so already. Your stuff is great!

[@RetroCore]

Oh, I've not done that one. I'll add it to the list. Thanks fior the suggestion.

[@mastersproutgamer9327]

The PC Engine version is tough to play because I had to much time beating the boss of the first stage, which is totally frustrating.

[@YuukoEnjoyer]

Found out that there's an unreleased version for the Amiga, which seems to be based on the Jaguar version. Interesting.

[@RetroCore]

It's probably total crap then but still worth a look.

[@YuukoEnjoyer]

Retro Core Actually it looks kinda good. It look like a big improvement on the Jaguar game.

[@RetroCore]

Ah, in that case it should be good. Sadly another kick in the face for Jag fans. Even a home computer which is notorious for poor arcade ports is better than the Jag. A console with no redeeming features IMO.

[@YuukoEnjoyer]

Actually, I just found a ROM of it (its on Planetemu.net) and.... litterally the worst version of Raiden. It has the Jaguar graphics, but it plays awfully. The level design is nowhere close to the Arcade original. The music is nice, but thats about it. The Jaguar version is a masterpiece next to this version. Try it for yourself, but if you got WinUAE, make sure you use the A1200 mode with the Kickstarter 3.1 ROM. It wont work with the A500 mode. According to a website, the Amiga version was finished and even reviewed, but never released and never found. That ROM is nothing but a Demo of it. So where's the full version of the game that was unreleased? We've got a case of Lost Media here...

[@Gridseeker]

When the worst port makes even the Jaguar port look like decent, then you know somethin went wrong, terribly wrong. How on the hell they screwed up so badly the sound effects, in particular with the laser in the SFC version!?

[@matthewconley7568]

Huh, I am surprised you did not cover the Turbografx-CD version: Super Raiden. Is there much of a difference between the CD and the Turbografx version besides music?

[@largadeugnt]

Wait. Do you think Raiden is a slow game? Have you ever made it through second stage? Believe me, this game is insane! Btw nice vid bro. 👍

[@RetroCore]

Yep, completed the game a few times over the years. I guess compared to newer shooters it does seem slow but as it's own thing at the time of release it isn't I guess.

[@littlewalkway8171]

Seibu Kaihatsu’s Raiden was ported to many systems. While the Sega Genesis port was rather accurate in terms of content, graphics were simplified and many details were lost. This hack aims to change that: fully reworked sprites, background tiles & color palettes stage transition scenes & loading screen (red eye) restored most palette based animations restored, e.g. stage 1 river, stage 5 yellow lights on buildings, lamps and engines on enemies and player craft see readme file for details www.romhacking.net/hacks/3598/

[@AstarOfDavid]

Retro Core: Are you aware there is a PC-Engine SCD version called Super Raiden with similar music to the FM towns?

[@RetroCore]

Yep. But not when this video was made about 4 years ago.

[@largadeugnt]

Played this game on the arcade machine for a long time. Maybe if I kept all the money spent on it, rather than plaing, could've bought my own Raiden arcade. 😁

[@RetroCore]

Lol, that would be likely.

[@hygiene76]

Nice,the jag version looks horrible,theres more detail of the cows in the field than anything else,never new lynx had a version until now,but raiden is must for any shmup fan :)

[@yup873]

now we need an arcade perfect PC version, id buy it

[@bland9876]

all the games on steam have negative reviews wtf

[@ShreyanM]

Can I ask what are your opinions on Raiden 5 (Raiden V)? The new title of the series appears to be extremely different to original Raiden games, so much so, that it doesn't feel Raiden anymore. Is it just me who finds Raiden 5 to lack immensely?

[@RetroCore]

In all honesty after playing it for a while I think it's a very cheap and dull entry in to the series. The worst of the lot IMO. Plus it's running on an Xbox One but looks more like a Dreamcast game! The texture work is awful for today's standards and even if it was on a Dreamcast it still wouldn't be impressive.

[@ShreyanM]

Retro Core​ At one boss, the jet dives (with out animation) from the sky, clips into a building and the second part of the boss starts in a huge school corridor! The soundtrack is not very Raiden is it?

[@RetroCore]

Nope. It's more like an indie take on Raiden than an actual Raiden game.

[@astracrits4633]

Well, it had good OST at least.

[@bland9876]

multiple questions why did you say there are 21 weapons i thought there where three red spreed blue laser and purple homing laser also dont forget the 2 sub weapons missiles going forward and homing missiles also depending upon witch player you select you get different bombs fore some reason

[@RetroCore]

No idea if I did say that. I'll have to watch the video again when I have time.

[@williamwilliam9993]

However the fm towns version has arranged soundtrack red book CD audio

[@MrNightshade2010]

what was everyones favorite color of power up ?

[@RetroCore]

Green.

[@brettprichard7066]

Red.

[@doctorclu]

For this video was the Jaguar version played on a real Jaguar or under emulation? The Jaguar emulators are still not 100%.

[@doctorclu]

+doctorclu Fun to play with a controller with Rapid fire BTW. :D

[@RetroCore]

Emulator but I have played this on a real jaguar and it's no better I'm afraid.

[@EricHostile]

+Retro Core I do not remember it being so choppy that looks like emulation frame skip IMO. Im no Jaguar fan btw.

[@RetroCore]

It probably is down to emulation since jaguar emulation isnt the greatest.

[@liamconverse8950]

The Megadrive version has good audio idk what you're talking about

[@Jac2Mac]

Capcom REALLY should have done the SNES port of Raiden Trad.

[@RetroCore]

Nah, capcom's snes games were full of slowdown, even Street Fighter 2 was. Compile would have been the right choice.

[@mukankakuna]

I just want to say how good it's the quality of the game on the smartphone and I'm referring about the recorded video, haha. What camera are you using, the GH2?

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, I'm using my GH2 for all "live" recordings. It's been hacked with the Flow Motion hack to allow super crips recording. On the downside the file sizes are massive and you will need a very fast SD card. Something like a UII level or higher. I use a 64GB UII myself. As for the game quality, it's fantastic as long as you have at least a dual core 1.5ghz phone.

[@mukankakuna]

Retro Core Thanks for the info. The recorded video looks fantastic.

[@RetroCore]

mukankakuna Thanks. For a camera that's a few years old it sure is a great bit of kit.

[@prulcan]

Need to try that on android... truxton is amazing to have on android. Normaly i have lot of problems with virtual controls. Can't get used of it. But those shooters are fantastic to play with touch. Virtual d pad is no go. Can't play it.

[@marioghernandez4960]

Here's an unpopular opinion of mine: this game definitely had very, VERY rough edges that the sequels helped to smooth out.

[@RetroCore]

I'm not a big fan of the original Raiden either to be honest.

[@marioghernandez4960]

Yeah, the sequels were much better.

[@enkidux88]

how about Turbo Grafx 16 CD ?

[@Ashura96]

The Raiden series suddenly has become very recently enjoyable and accessible to me. A local arcade has both I and II running in the same cabinet (a staple of theirs to fit 2 PCBs into one cabinet). Originally I thought their Raiden I PCB was the Japanese version due to the absence of the Fabtek (US distributor) name on the title screen and the use of the checkpoint system instead of instant respawn. However my most recent visit to the arcade saw the game running with instant respawn instead. I can't seem to find any info on which PCBs offer both death types as a setting. III and IV are pretty good, and I like V despite its oddities and the awful English voiceovers.

[@AlviEao]

Ah yes, Raiden. Seibu Kaihatsu showed that a top-down 2D shooter doesn't have to be BULLET HELL to warrant a difficult game, although later entries by MOSS went toward that direction somewhat. So Kindle Imagine Develop did the FM Towns version? The developer made a few shooters under their belt, namely Summer Carnival '92: Recca, Dezaemon (FC), and Max Warrior: Wakusei Kaigenrei (Isolated Warrior in the West). Oh god, FUCKING Micronet! At least it's not as bad as the Super Famicom port by Micronics, the master of butchering Famicom ports of Capcom arcade games. Maybe they should've had KID handle those ports instead... or anyone else but Micronet and Micronics!

[@RetroCore]

You know what would be great, a show that shows all the shitty Japanese shadow developers and finding out which one was worse :) We all know that in the 80's and 90's many western console game developers were total ass such as Gray Matter, Software Creations, Probe Software, Absolute Entertainment, T.HQ and so on but we don't know much about crappy Japanese companies such as Micronics.

[@AlviEao]

Retro Core That's a great idea! It could be called Cream of the CRAP: Japan's SHITE Developers or something...

[@RetroCore]

Cream of the crap :) I like it.

[@dy031101]

The SFC version's performance would have been good on the 8-bit FC. How could whoever did that port bring themselves to do this and call it a day?

[@RetroCore]

All I can say is that the developer of the SFC version has never produced anything of quality. They were probably happy with the results knowing their low quality levels.

[@MrNightshade2010]

there up to what Raiden 5 or 6 ..and there's a squad based side series …… wasn't raidrn one of if not the first shumps that had leveling up power ups? like if you kept collecting the same color they just bigger/stronger? sometimes you got lucky and picked up one that maxed it out ….. I had the US snes (well until the ps version) didn't sound that bad …….. I remember the raiden project being sold for 19.99 new and you couldn't give them away used ….. today its like the holy grail of ps1 games it was going for 89.99 complete last time I looked ..gods the sounds on the lynx are like a 2600/7800...……..

[@cameroonya1]

Wow the jag can't even handle Raiden

[@RetroCore]

Don't let Jag fans hear you say that :p

[@cameroonya1]

Haha Jag fan, I don't understand how anyone could be a fan. There's less than 5 ok games for it. Even the 32x has a better library.

[@cameroonya1]

Yeah I realize its mostly down to poor programming, but the Jag hardware did have some serious flaws that were difficult to work around. Perhaps a version that looks/plays like the PS1 port is possible but it would probably have to run without music or sound effects.

[@KGRAMR]

I don't believe that fact that Jaguar Raiden is just Falcon Raiden ported over :-/ Do you have any proof to back it up :-| ?

[@IMDRanged]

Interesting. I hope to find the Playstation version. I did own the Jaguar version, while good, the sound effects were typical sounds and it missed that cool "anime" explosion sound from the arcade. For example hitting the enemy hovering crafts.

[@RetroCore]

I think the PlayStation version would be the one to go for. You not only get a great version of Raided but also another great game.

[@IMDRanged]

Retro Core Thank you. Collecting official commercial releases are fun. There is a Steam version of Raiden Legacy, but customers were complaining it was a terrible port due to FPS making it unplayable. I believe its for all PC versions including GOG.com. The Android version sounds interesting I might try out as well if it is flawless.

[@RetroCore]

I don't know if the android versions are flawless but playing with the control pad via Bluetooth offers an excellent experience.

[@Blueflag04]

plz review the other raiden games

[@notsuoh16Bit]

May I ask if this port dissection is on the emulated examination table?

[@RetroCore]

You can but I'm not sure what yo mean. Which port are you referring to?

[@notsuoh16Bit]

I'm wondering if the port examples in this video are running on real hardware, or are they running via emulation? Thanks.

[@jonespianist3189]

@@notsuoh16Bit Late, but arcade and computer versions are emulated. Everything else is from real hardware.

[@sloppynyuszi]

I have this on my iPhone. Great collection I agree. I’m guessing it’s the same as the android version by your screen

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, I'd imagine they are the same game.

[@Monacomaverick]

A poor showing on the SNES and Lynx for sure. The Jaguar port barely bests the two, but it's nowhere near as good as The Raiden Project.

[@dirkb9788]

FM Towns?????

[@atarijaguarsgarage8873]

The, Jaguar version is totally misrepresented. It does not run that sluggish, even the music is slower. You are using a bad emulator and not playing on real hardware. So what is the point?

[@joshdieckmann595]

As a long time fan of the original Raiden arcade game, and owner of the Genesis/Megadrive port, as well as the PS1 Raiden Project collection, I must disagree with some of your thoughts on the Megadrive version. True, the colors are bland and washed out, and Micronet could have selected a slightly brighter palette to use for that port, but no Megadrive/Genesis port of an arcade game escaped that trap. Even the excellent Street Fighter 2 Championship Edition suffers from some unfortunate color palette issues. But in terms of the music, it more closely resembles the arcade original than any of the other cart-based ports, and the gameplay is spot on, aside from being slightly easier than the arcade version due to the processing power of the unit obviously being less than the original PCB. It's not a perfect port, but as far as home console ports go, I'd say it's definitely closer to the top than the bottom. It's certainly nowhere near the abysmal SNES port, or the buggy Jaguar version. Raiden on the Lynx is impressive for what it is, but obviously scaled down too far to truly be a great port.

[@RetroCore]

The SNES port is just a joke but that's no surprise when you concider who deveolped it. I still think the MD version could have been so much better though if handled by Compile or someone like that.

[@knightstwenk176]

Laser in SNES port=earrape

[@Bro-cx2jc]

Mega Drive was my first time playing and I've stuck with it, periodically visiting the SNES. I have to be honest, the arcade version seems all right but those colors are just not doing it for me, especially in the first level. The green is so heavily saturated to my eyes, it almost makes me sick. The desert and town areas look okay. On the Jag and with DOS, everything is pretty dark and ugly, and I'm not sure which is worse. The PC Engine version looks slightly better but still surprisingly dark. I wonder how much adjusting contrast and brightness on a TV could fix all of these. I love the Mega Drive version and don't really mind the sending back rule, it seems to balance things out fine. And it does give you the option to recollect a powerup or two, which is useful for retrying boss fights. The laser sound in the Mega Drive version is so piercing, I'm glad my preference is for the red bullets. As well as the colors, although they are somewhat bland, I like them better this way than in the arcade version (and arcade similar / perfect ports) overdoing it. I sometimes thought "it'd be cool to actually go down there and walk around that place".

[@RetroCore]

What I don't understand is how Raiden became so popular with the western audience ? There are many better shooters that were around at the time. Maybe they didn't get the coverage outside of Japan.

[@Bro-cx2jc]

@@RetroCore Can't answer that, as I don't know of many shoot em ups. I played Truxton before (I like the PAL version better) and thought it was pretty decent, but because Raiden Trad is the first shmup I ever took seriously, I find myself comparing all others I play to that one.

[@lailanitaganap2402]

The most impressive port is the PC Engine?

[@RetroCore]

I'd rank the Mega Drive higher.

[@lailanitaganap2402]

PC Engine looks better more color, better sound, faster, smoother fps with more on screen and less slow down? PC Engine runs shoot em ups better than Snes and Genesis? PC Engine kills the Snes and beats the Genesis no question?

[@SeekerLancer]

The SNES port was such a disaster.

[@RetroCore]

Yep. Pretty shoddy developer though

[@RichardCraig]

Just gotta say, if we yanks are expected to call the ZX Spectrum the "Zed-X" Spectrum since it's a British computer then the Atari Jaguar should be pronounced "Jag-war" instead of "jag-you-er" since it was made by an American company. There, I've had my pointless nitpick of the day :-P

[@RetroCore]

Maybe all Americans should cal lthe British car a Jag-you-er then and not a Jag-war :p But seriously, who really cares as long as we understand what is being talked about :)

[@RichardCraig]

True, and I was being rather tongue-in-cheek about it, and unlike ZX, Jaguar already exists as a word, so it wasn't even a good argument to begin with, haha.

[@RetroCore]

Richard Craig haha, I know. I was just having a bit of fun too (^o^). Glad you liked the show. Is there anything you'd like to see covered in a future episode?

[@RichardCraig]

I forget off the top of my head, but have you ever done a BotP for any of the original Mortal Kombat games? Those would each have plenty of ports to cover!

[@RetroCore]

Richard Craig No, not yet although recently a lot of people ask me to do a Mortal Kombat one. So I guess I will be at some point :)

[@rufnek3124]

i do prefer the psikyo 1945 series may be because of the concept

[@antonhenry4817]

Classic game Played this on pc, You can get this on steam. Raiden legacy.

[@ShadowSumac]

Heard quite a lot about this series, but seen it first time in your video. Rather surprised that SNES port was awful. It doesn't look like a super complicated game to port, but alas...

[@timhouston8007]

No PCE CD coverage? *fart noise

[@rockhyde7775]

The PC Engine version is hard to get into and Super Nintendo and Genesis versions are definitely inferior to the PlayStation version. That’s often the case with a lot of 16-bit games having 32-bit counterparts. And I must confess, Spriggan Powered is not an awful game at all, I think it’s pretty good. I can say the same thing about Xardion which you also appear to dislike. Acrobat Mission is meh. I think you were being a bit harsh with the SNES version of Raiden (though I choose the PS1 version over it) and Thunder Spirits (though I choose Thunder Force III on the Mega Drive over that version) but I can live with that, tastes differ from person to person after all.

[@hil1893]

the ms dos version locks lika a flash game and not a dos game

[@bland9876]

egg2.com/games/raiden-x.htm this is what a flash version of raiden looks like

[@TheFieryWind99]

The DOS port runs too fast in DOSBox. Not even I know what the optimal speed is

[@solarflare9078]

I can tell given the hilarious kamikaze at 9:54

[@Blueflag04]

how you really pronounce raiden???

[@millerman7799]

Wow! o.O The SNES version is so incredibly shitty, considering what the hardware is capable of.

[@thefunframe7912]

without phisical controls, with the precision that requiers bullet dodging, i cannot see the point in playing the android version with virtual ones, it has to be a totally fustrating experience.. especially for the ones like raiden fighters which are crazy, by the way.

[@sumdood8563]

I’m pretty sure you’re using a Jaguar emulator because my Atari Jaguar does not run like that I guarantee you.

[@RetroCore]

I am. The Jaguar is practically nonexistent in Japan.

[@ΔημητριοςΡουτσολιας]

Best Smup ever!

[@gmracing15]

I disagree with your assessment of the jaguar port of raiden your emulation is to blame for the sluggish control and the colours concern I actually have jag version as well as the mega drive , the super f and I have played the arcade(it's one of my favorite game) and except the side bar the Jag is virtually arcade perfect best port of the three that I have for sure

[@RetroCore]

I have actually played the Jag version on real hardware back in the day (I worked in a retail store) and even then it wasn't aracde perfect. It's not the worst version though. The SNES port is awful.

[@Bro-cx2jc]

I like the Genesis port best, especially on the PXP3 with the altered music. Genesis is the first version I ever played, but that isn't tainting my reason any :D

[@Lonnehart]

It was painful to watch the SNES port of this game... but even more painful to play it (I owned it a long while ago). Thankfully I now own the Android collection. The collection is certainly cheaper to own than to play the actual arcade version with a roll of quarters (I think it's around $5 or so).

[@RetroCore]

The Android collection is really cool.

[@daishi5571]

Raiden Legacy is also available on gog.com for the PC. Nice Video. Subbed.

[@sumdood8563]

Raiden doesn’t play that bad on my Jaguar.

[@fulgenzio1973]

I just tried the Super Famicom version with an emulator, and it's really bad!

[@RetroCore]

Yep, it's bloody awful.

[@marioghernandez4960]

OH GOD GET THE SFC PORT AWAY FROM ME AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@Bro-cx2jc]

How's about that Mega Drive version? :) *Sets my Raiden ship's speed to: MEGA DRIVE* Fits well :D

[@marioghernandez4960]

Bro Well that was reasonable

[@bland9876]

i wish they would release all 4 raiden games and the fighters games on modern systems especially switch i would buy that so fast !. found out there is a fifth game and 2. on steam they all have bad reviews :(

[@RetroCore]

The Ports to android are good

[@Speedkingfox0007]

Cool

[@leonardoantonio8756]

The Super Nintendo version looks like it was originally meant to be released for the Famicom, and the Lynx version suck balls :S, like and old beat up car, you don't know when its going to break

[@wrena79]

Omg the super famicom port looks terrible!! And it sounds terrible too. I've heard that Spriggan Powered is actually pretty good however??

[@RetroCore]

I had Spriggan Powered and to be honest it's pretty poor. I think people only like it due to the 3D rendered sprites but even they look poor.

[@wrena79]

Having collected for the SNES for years and being a huge shoot-em-up fan it was to my surprise that I only found out about Spriggan Powered recently - it does seem to split opinion so I'm keen to check it out.