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RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
Item: RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableJun 19, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperAtlus

Overview

The story of apprentice detective and Devil Summoner extraordinaire Raidou Kuzunoha XIV returns in this remastered classic! Call upon your demons to solve supernatural mysteries and dispose of enemies.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army garners mostly positive reviews for its engaging narrative and unique Taishō era Japan setting, blending demons and political intrigue. Critics praise its comedic and dark tones, along with the episodic format. However, issues like emotional depth, pacing, and flat characters detract from the experience, leaving room for improvement in character development and narrative execution. Overall, the game is compelling but could benefit from more refined storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging narrative and unique setting. Reviewers like RPGamer and Generación Xbox highlight the intricate intertwining of demons and political intrigue within a fictionalized Taishō era Japan, which creates a rich backdrop for the game. Critics such as Atomix and Hobby Consolas appreciate the balance of comedic and dark tones, noting that the episodic format allows for engaging smaller plots alongside the main conflict. The presence of historical figures, as mentioned by CGMagazine, adds an extra layer of intrigue, making the game feel distinctive within the RPG genre. Additionally, the narrative's twists and character dynamics, as pointed out by TheXboxHub and PlayStation Universe, contribute to a compelling experience that keeps players invested. However, several critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the story. Digital Chumps criticized the narrative for lacking emotional depth and failing to create compelling stakes, which could have better engaged players. Others, like RPG Fan and Noisy Pixel, mentioned pacing issues and a reliance on fetch quests that detracted from the overall experience. While some plot elements are engaging, as noted by RPGamer, others are described as logically questionable, leading to a sense of predictability and disjointedness in the storytelling. Critics such as Push Square also remarked on the presence of flat characters, which may hinder the emotional connection players can form with the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while RAIDOU Remastered presents a captivating and unique story set in an intriguing historical context, it suffers from pacing issues and a lack of emotional resonance. Many reviewers, including LevelUp and TheSixthAxis, appreciate the engaging twists and episodic nature of the narrative but agree that the execution could have been more refined. The blend of humor and darker themes, along with the rich setting, creates a promising foundation, but the game ultimately leaves room for improvement in character development and narrative depth.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army impresses with its revamped real-time combat, enhanced exploration, and engaging puzzle-solving elements, earning praise from critics for its fluid gameplay and modernized mechanics. However, some worry that the simplification of traditional systems and inconsistent challenge levels may alienate long-time fans. Overall, it strikes a solid balance, making it accessible yet compelling for both newcomers and veterans alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting several significant improvements and engaging mechanics. Reviewers such as RPGamer and PlayStation Universe praised the fluidity of the combat system, which has transitioned from turn-based to real-time action, allowing for a more dynamic and immersive experience. The introduction of features like a rotatable camera and Summoner Skills, as noted by RPGamer, enhances player control and strategy. Critics like Atomix and Hobby Consolas also emphasized the incorporation of exploration and puzzle-solving elements, alongside a deep system for capturing and fusing demons, contributing to a rich RPG experience. The removal of random encounters and the addition of quality-of-life improvements, such as fast travel and clearer progression systems, have made the game more accessible and enjoyable for players, as highlighted by LevelUp and Push Square. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay. For instance, while the combat system is praised for its action-oriented nature, Digitally Downloaded expressed concerns that it may not appeal to fans of traditional SMT gameplay, lacking the depth and nuance of turn-based systems. Additionally, TheXboxHub mentioned control issues, particularly with capturing demons, which could hinder the overall experience. The simplification of the demon negotiation and fusion systems was also a common critique, with Noisy Pixel and RPG Fan noting that while engaging, these elements might disappoint players seeking more complexity. Furthermore, the challenge level was described as inconsistent, with Generación Xbox mentioning a lack of hand-holding that could frustrate some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that RAIDOU Remastered delivers a compelling and engaging gameplay experience that successfully modernizes the franchise while retaining its core elements. Most reviewers, including CGMagazine and Digital Chumps, highlighted the action-packed nature of the gameplay and the intuitive systems that enhance combat flow. While there are valid concerns regarding the simplification of certain mechanics and potential control issues, the majority of critics agree that the improvements made in this remaster significantly elevate the gameplay experience. The game strikes a balance between accessibility and depth, making it appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans of the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

"RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army" impresses with enhanced visuals, praised for its vibrant depiction of 1932 Japan and improved character models. Critics commend its art style and design quality, but note issues like lower-fidelity textures, rough animations, and inconsistent background visuals that detract from immersion. While the remaster is a step forward, there's still room for improvement to deliver a more cohesive visual experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of "RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army" is largely positive, with many critics praising the enhancements made to the original game's visuals. Critics like Atomix and Hobby Consolas highlight the significant improvements in character models, environments, and animations, crediting the Unity engine for its vibrant representation of 1932 Japan. The remaster successfully maintains the original artistic style while elevating the visual clarity and color saturation, as noted by LevelUp. The high-quality design of demons and NPCs, as mentioned by TheXboxHub, further contributes to the game's appealing aesthetic, making it a visually engaging experience for players. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the graphics that detract from the overall experience. RPGamer points out the presence of lower-fidelity textures and oversaturated colors, which can diminish the visual impact. Generación Xbox and Digital Chumps express a desire for a more substantial visual overhaul, indicating that some animations remain rough due to the game's PS2 origins. Additionally, PlayStation Universe mentions that while character models have received upgrades, some background models still appear underwhelming, suggesting inconsistencies in the overall visual quality. TheSixthAxis also notes that the graphics are stunning in cutscenes but inconsistent during gameplay, highlighting a disparity that can affect immersion. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that "RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army" presents a visually appealing remaster that enhances the original game's graphics while preserving its essence. While many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and RPG Fan, commend the improvements and overall polish, there remains a collective acknowledgment of areas that could benefit from further refinement. The remaster is seen as a step in the right direction, yet some critics, including Digital Chumps and TheSixthAxis, indicate that there is still room for improvement to achieve a more cohesive visual experience throughout the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army" boasts impressive sound design and music, garnering praise for its atmospheric audio and modernized soundtrack that respects the original. Critics highlight the effective blend of dark jazz and traditional elements, alongside strong voice acting that enhances the narrative. However, some voice performances are deemed amateurish, and the soundtrack can be repetitive during combat. Overall, while improvements are needed, the remastered audio contributes significantly to the game's immersive experience, earning a generally positive reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of "RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army" have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's atmospheric and immersive audio experience. The remastered soundtrack has been praised for its respect towards the original compositions while incorporating modern elements. Critics like Generación Xbox noted the effective use of dark jazz and traditional percussion that enhances the game's 1930s theme, while Atomix appreciated the blend of jazz and rock, stating it maintains the original's identity with improved sound quality. Additionally, the inclusion of well-cast voice acting has been recognized as a significant enhancement, with Hobby Consolas and LevelUp noting the full English and Japanese voiceovers that elevate the narrative experience. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Some critics pointed out areas that could be improved, particularly regarding the voice acting quality. RPGamer mentioned that while the sound quality has improved, some of the voice performances felt amateurish. PlayStation Universe echoed this sentiment by stating that while the sound design is generally good, the soundtrack can become repetitive, especially during combat sequences, which did not receive significant updates. This suggests that while the remaster has made strides in audio quality, there are still elements that could benefit from further refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music in "RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army" are strong components of the game, contributing positively to the overall experience. The majority of reviewers, including TheSixthAxis and RPG Fan, expressed satisfaction with the remastered soundtrack, highlighting its funky and well-composed nature. Despite some criticisms regarding voice acting and repetitiveness in the soundtrack, the general sentiment leans towards a favorable reception, indicating that the audio aspects of the game are a significant strength that enhances the player's immersion in the game's world.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army features impressive voice acting that enhances the narrative and immerses players, with standout performances like Gouto’s earning praise. Critics laud the option for English and Japanese voiceovers, boosting accessibility. However, some minor characters' amateurish acting and lingering limitations from the original version raise concerns about consistency. Overall, despite minor flaws, the remaster significantly improves the gameplay experience, marking it as a strong update in the franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its significant enhancements over previous iterations. Critics like Atomix and RPG Fan emphasized that the introduction of full voice acting greatly enriches the narrative experience, making the storytelling more engaging and immersive. The option to choose between English and Japanese, as noted by Generación Xbox and Hobby Consolas, further enhances accessibility for a broader audience. Additionally, standout performances, particularly by the character Gouto, received commendation for adding depth and gravitas to the overall experience, as highlighted by TheXboxHub and LevelUp. However, not all feedback is entirely favorable. RPGamer pointed out that while the main characters deliver solid performances, some minor characters fall short, exhibiting amateurish acting that can detract from the experience. This sentiment reflects a concern about inconsistency in the quality of voice performances, which may disrupt immersion for some players. Generación Xbox also noted that while the voice acting is of good quality, it still reflects the limitations of the original version, suggesting that some aspects may not have been fully modernized in the remaster. Overall, the consensus among critics is that RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army features a commendable voice acting implementation that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. While there are minor criticisms regarding the quality of certain performances and the limitations of the original, the majority of reviewers, including Atomix and RPG Fan, agree that the remaster's voice acting contributes positively to the narrative and character engagement. The inclusion of both English and Japanese voiceovers further demonstrates a commitment to catering to diverse player preferences, solidifying the remaster as a noteworthy update in the franchise.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army impresses with smooth 60 FPS gameplay and 4K performance on Xbox Series X and PS5, earning praise for its stability and animations. While some minor issues exist—control quirks on Xbox and texture details on PS5—they don't detract from the overall positive reception. Critics celebrate it as a testament to Atlus's commitment to quality.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army has garnered largely positive feedback from critics across different gaming platforms. On the Xbox Series X, both Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub noted that the game runs smoothly at 60 FPS, with Generación Xbox emphasizing the lack of significant loading times and performance issues. Meanwhile, TheXboxHub highlighted good animations, which contribute to the overall gameplay experience. On the PlayStation 5, the consensus is similarly strong, with Atomix, CGMagazine, and Noisy Pixel all praising the game for its flawless performance at 4K and 60 FPS. Critics like Hobby Consolas and LevelUp also noted the game’s stability and quality-of-life improvements, indicating a well-polished experience that showcases Atlus's commitment to technical quality. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics pointed out minor issues that could detract from the experience. On the Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub mentioned control issues that could affect gameplay, which suggests that while the performance is solid, there are still areas for improvement. On the PlayStation 5, LevelUp noted that some character models lack detailed textures, which may impact the visual fidelity of the game. Additionally, Push Square mentioned minor issues related to backtracking and side quests, although these did not significantly hinder the overall performance. These critiques indicate that while the technical performance is commendable, there are still aspects that could be refined. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army delivers a very good technical performance across both Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 platforms. The majority of reviews highlight the smooth gameplay, high frame rates, and stability that enhance the player experience, with many critics like Atomix and Noisy Pixel emphasizing the game's strong technical foundation. While there are some minor issues noted, such as control problems on Xbox and texture quality on PS5, these do not overshadow the overall positive sentiment. Critics agree that the game is a testament to Atlus's dedication to delivering a polished and technically sound product.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army boasts strong replay value, praised for its diverse routes, side missions, and demon fusion mechanics that cater to completionists and genre fans. However, some critics warn of its simplified gameplay and potential repetitiveness, which may deter certain players from multiple playthroughs. Overall, it's a mixed but mostly positive reception regarding replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is predominantly positive, with several critics highlighting the various features that enhance the game's longevity. Generación Xbox points out the multiple routes and optional bosses, which encourage players to explore different strategies, while TheXboxHub emphasizes the abundance of side missions and demon fusions that contribute to a rich gameplay experience. Additionally, Hobby Consolas lauds the inclusion of a New Game Plus mode and various optional quests, making it particularly appealing for completionists and players seeking a challenge. Critics like Push Square also appreciate the unique mechanics of demon fusion and team-building, which promote experimentation and replayability. However, not all reviews are uniformly positive, as some critics express concerns about the game's replay value. Atomix notes that while the game offers a solid 25-30 hours of gameplay, the simplified mechanics and lack of challenging elements may deter some players from returning for additional playthroughs. LevelUp echoes this sentiment, mentioning that although there are opportunities for different strategies and demon combinations, certain aspects of the game may feel repetitive over time. This suggests that while there are engaging elements, they may not be enough to sustain interest for all players. In summary, the consensus among critics is that RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army offers a commendable level of replay value, particularly through its diverse gameplay mechanics and optional content. Critics like Digital Chumps and Hobby Consolas highlight the potential for replay, especially for genre enthusiasts and completionists. However, the concerns raised by Atomix and LevelUp regarding the game's simplicity and potential repetitiveness indicate that while many players may find enjoyment in replaying the game, others might feel less inclined to do so. Overall, the game presents a mixed yet generally favorable outlook on its replay value, appealing to a broad audience while also acknowledging its limitations.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's improvements over the original. RPGamer highlights the engaging story and fun gameplay, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of action RPGs and the Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) series. Similarly, Atomix notes the successful revitalization of the classic through modern enhancements, including improved visuals and a great soundtrack. Critics like CGMagazine and Hobby Consolas emphasize that the remaster sets a new standard for Atlus RPG remasters, blending nostalgia with modern enhancements, thus making it a must-play for fans of the genre. The engaging combat and exploration elements, as pointed out by Noisy Pixel and PlayStation Universe, further contribute to the game's appeal. However, the remaster is not without its drawbacks. Several critics mention issues such as control hiccups and camera problems, as noted by TheXboxHub and Digital Chumps, which detract from the overall experience. Some reviewers, like Digitally Downloaded and RPG Fan, point out that while the remaster is worthwhile, its action combat system may not satisfy all players, particularly newcomers who may find some elements dated. Additionally, Generación Xbox mentions that the game’s darker tone and slower pace may not appeal to everyone, suggesting that the remaster has a niche audience. Despite the noted shortcomings, the overall consensus among critics is that RAIDOU Remastered is a significant improvement over its predecessor and a compelling addition to the action RPG genre. Most reviewers recommend it for fans of the series, with LevelUp and Push Square asserting that it retains the original's charm while enhancing the experience. The game is seen as a worthy revisit for fans, with many critics encouraging both veterans and newcomers to explore its engaging story and action-packed gameplay. Overall, RAIDOU Remastered is positioned as a celebrated remaster that successfully revitalizes a cult classic, making it a notable title in the current gaming landscape.

TL;DR

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a largely positive remaster that modernizes a cult classic, featuring an engaging story, improved visuals, and fun gameplay. Critics praise its blend of nostalgia and innovation, setting a new standard for Atlus RPGs. However, issues like control hiccups and a slower pace may deter some players. Overall, it's a recommended experience for fans of action RPGs and the SMT series, combining charm with modern enhancements.

MONSTER

Reviews

63 reviews found

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some control hiccups, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a compelling remaster that deserves to be played for its engaging story and action-packed gameplay.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its story shortcomings and camera issues, RAIDOU Remastered delivers engaging monster-taming and action combat, making it a worthwhile experience for JRPG fans.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

RAIDOU Remastered sets a new standard for Atlus RPG remasters, eclipsing its original release and standing as an essential JRPG experience.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Raidou Remastered is a well-optimized action RPG that offers enjoyable combat and exploration, despite some shortcomings in demon fusion and pacing. It is recommended for both veteran fans and newcomers.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Raidou Remastered is a unique RPG that may not appeal to everyone due to its darker tone and slower pace, but it rewards players who enjoy deep learning and exploration.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Raidou Remastered is deemed a definitive version of a classic RPG, successfully blending nostalgia with modern enhancements, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

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Atomix

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army successfully revitalizes a classic with modern enhancements. It offers an entertaining story, improved visuals, and a great soundtrack, though it simplifies gameplay mechanics, which may not appeal to all fans of the original.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Raidou Remastered is a compelling action RPG that successfully revives a unique title from Atlus' past, making it a must-try for fans.

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Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Raidou Remastered is a niche classic with a culturally rich narrative, though the action combat system may not satisfy all players. The remaster is considered worthwhile despite its flaws.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, the game is recommended for fans of the genre, with engaging gameplay and story, despite some graphical inconsistencies and minor gameplay flaws.

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