Return of Classic “shmups” from Taito
Inin Games from Germany is bringing back a trio of well-known “shmups” with the Taito license, amidst new releases and the return of retro classics. Ray’Z Arcade Chronology, developed by the renowned M2 and released in March this year in Japan, features three games: RayForce (1994), RayStorm (1996), and RayCrisis (1998), with remastered HD versions of the latter two. Originally published by Taito between 1994 and 1998, these games were later ported to consoles in the West.
High-Definition Return of Ray’Z Series
The high-definition return of the Ray’Z series in arcade versions is available in both digital and physical formats, with limited quantities of the physical box quickly selling out. Among the many games curated by M2, Ray’Z Arcade Chronology offers a plethora of options and features, enhancing the experience with detailed scoring and progress tracking within levels.
Evolution of the Ray Series
The progression of the Ray series is intriguing, transitioning from 2D digital sprites in RayForce to 3D polygonal graphics in RayCrisis. While Taito maintained the same gameplay mechanics throughout, the series evolved with a focus on precise target selection and laser attacks. Despite not achieving the cult status of other Japanese shooters, the Ray series remains highly regarded and this latest edition breathes new life into these classic titles.
