RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

The story of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army receives praise for its engaging setting, intriguing premise, and episodic structure. Critics like Atomix highlight its entertaining balance between comedic and dark tones, while Siliconera and RPG Site commend its rich Taisho-era world-building and quirky twists. TheXboxHub and TechRadar Gaming note the compelling narrative filled with twists, emphasizing the blend of supernatural mystery and historical context. The game’s focus on Raidou Kuzunoha XIV’s detective work, combined with demonic elements, resonates with fans of the genre, as seen in IGN Benelux’s acknowledgment of its “engaging” themes and Digitally Downloaded’s praise for its exploration of nationalism and cultural tension. The episodic format, praised by Push Square, allows for a meaningful pace, while Malditos Nerds appreciates the structured narrative that balances world-building with character progression. However, several critics critique the story’s execution, citing issues with pacing, coherence, and emotional depth. Combo Infinito and Riot Pixels argue the narrative lacks charm and fails to engage, with the protagonist feeling silent and unrelatable. Omelete and DualShockers highlight a disjointed structure, noting that the story loses focus in later acts, diverging into confusing sci-fi elements or repetitive fetch quests. But Why Tho? and Critical Hits point to a slow start and derivative plot, while TheGamer and RPG Fan criticize the overreliance on predictable tropes and unresolved subplots. Digital Chumps and Nintendo Life also mention shallow character development, with some reviewers feeling the stakes are underwhelming despite the game’s ambitious premise. Overall, the critics present a mixed but nuanced consensus. While many praise the game’s atmospheric setting, episodic storytelling, and supernatural intrigue—particularly from outlets like Atomix, Siliconera, and TheXboxHub—others find it hindered by narrative inconsistencies, pacing issues, and a lack of emotional resonance. The divide reflects differing expectations: fans of Atlus’ traditional detective narratives may feel let down by the game’s deviations, while others appreciate its unique blend of humor, history, and supernatural elements. Despite polarizing opinions, the story’s strengths in world-building and twists often outweigh its flaws for those who prioritize atmosphere over structural polish, as noted by RPG Gamer and Cultura Geek, though it remains a divisive entry in the franchise.

The gameplay of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army receives praise for its modernized mechanics, accessibility, and engaging elements that cater to both newcomers and fans of the series. Critics like Malditos Nerds highlight the removal of random encounters and improved pacing, while TheXboxHub notes the action-oriented combat system with dynamic demon control. The real-time combat, demon fusion mechanics, and strategic depth in systems like DualShockers’ "Press Turn" adaptation are frequently lauded for adding variety and tactical options. Additionally, improvements such as fast travel, clearer progression systems (Atomix), and refined UI elements (Game8) enhance the overall experience, making it more approachable while retaining core mechanics from the original. The game’s focus on exploration and detective work, with Nintendo Life praising its dynamic combat and Cultura Geek noting fluid action, underscores a shift toward accessibility without entirely abandoning the series’ roots. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks, particularly in repetition, lack of depth, and gameplay mechanics that feel outdated. Omelete criticizes the simplistic combat and reliance on AI-controlled demons, calling battles monotonous, while Critical Hits and TheGamer highlight the repetitive nature of missions and shallow systems. Issues like clunky hit detection (Cubed3), awkward camera angles, and AI inconsistencies during boss fights further detract from immersion. The detective elements are often seen as overly simplified or tedious, with NintendoWorldReport noting that the remaster’s quality-of-life changes may have stripped away challenge, and Hey Poor Player criticizing the "checklist" approach to investigation. Even positive aspects like demon fusion (DualShockers) and customization (RPGamer) are tempered by concerns over repetitive execution and a lack of strategic nuance in core systems. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging RAIDOU Remastered as an improved, more accessible iteration of the original, albeit with persistent issues that hinder long-term engagement. While IGN Benelux and SpazioGames praise its modernized combat and dynamic systems, many feel the game struggles to balance innovation with depth, resulting in a gameplay loop that feels safe and unoriginal (DualShockers) or overly simplistic (Omelete). The remaster’s strengths—such as streamlined exploration (PlayStation Universe) and engaging demon mechanics (Hobby Consolas)—are often overshadowed by repetitive combat and underdeveloped systems. Despite these flaws, the game is seen as a worthwhile experience for fans seeking a more polished entry into the Shin Megami Tensei universe, though its lack of originality and pacing issues prevent it from fully satisfying all critics.

The majority of reviewers praise RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army for its enhanced visual fidelity while preserving the original’s artistic identity. Critics like Generación Xbox highlight the 4K resolution, improved lighting, and vibrant color palettes that elevate the game’s aesthetic without losing its PS2-era charm. Impulsegamer and Cultura Geek commend the remaster for its bright, appealing character designs and unique blend of Art Deco and 1920s Japanese architecture, respectively. TheXboxHub and RPG Site note high-quality demon and NPC designs, smooth animations, and a cohesive visual overhaul that modernizes the experience while retaining nostalgia. Siliconera and Atomix emphasize the game’s improved textures, 3D environments, and faithful recreation of 1932 Japan, with Game8 praising Kazuma Kaneko’s art style brought to life through detailed character models and cinematic cutscenes. These positive reviews collectively underscore a successful balance between modernization and homage to the original’s visual language. However, several critics point out persistent technical limitations and design choices that detract from the experience. RPGamer notes lower-fidelity textures and oversaturated colors, while SpazioGames mentions stiff animations and outdated character models despite improved resolutions. ElDesmarque and Gameliner criticize awkward camera angles that disrupt immersion, and DualShockers observe that the game still feels dated by modern standards, with smudged cutscenes and underwhelming background characters. Combo Infinito finds the overall design unappealing despite technical upgrades, while Omelete highlights a divisive visual redesign that alienates fans of the original’s darker tone. These critiques reveal that while the remaster improves upon the PS2 version, it struggles to fully escape its age, with some elements feeling constrained by outdated mechanics or artistic compromises. Overall, critics agree that RAIDOU Remastered is a commendable upgrade that revitalizes the game’s visuals without erasing its roots. TheXboxHub, RPG Site, and Siliconera emphasize its successful fusion of modern polish and nostalgic charm, while Cultura Geek and Atomix celebrate its unique artistic direction. However, the consensus acknowledges lingering flaws, such as rough animations (Generación Xbox), technical inconsistencies (DualShockers), and divisive design choices (Omelete). While not flawless, the remaster is widely seen as a respectful and visually impressive restoration that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers, with its strengths in artistry and modernization outweighing its shortcomings.

The sound design and music of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army have been widely praised for their atmospheric depth and faithful yet enhanced presentation. Critics consistently highlight Shoji Meguro’s signature blend of jazz, noir, and orchestral elements, with Cultura Geek noting the “jazz with a noir atmosphere” that immerses players in the game’s 1930s setting. The remastered soundtrack is lauded for retaining its original identity while benefiting from improved sound quality, as noted by Generación Xbox, Impulsegamer, and Atomix. Voice acting additions are another standout, with Game8 and Nintendo Life emphasizing how full English and Japanese dubs enrich storytelling, while Hobby Consolas praises the “jazz, orchestral, and electronic elements” that elevate the experience. The music’s ability to mirror the game’s dark, stylized tone is a recurring theme, with Malditos Nerds comparing it to Atlus’ signature style in Persona. Despite the acclaim, some criticisms emerge regarding specific aspects of the audio. PlayStation Universe points out that combat music feels repetitive and unchanged from the original, while DualShockers criticizes the “poor English dub sync in cutscenes” as distracting, though in-game voice acting is better received. RPGamer notes amateurish voice work in some instances, and Combo Infinito highlights the absence of Portuguese subtitles as a significant oversight for Brazilian audiences. Additionally, while most praise the soundtrack’s emotional depth, Digital Chumps and TheGamer mention that specific musical details are not elaborated upon, leaving some aspects of the score underexplored. These critiques suggest that while the remaster succeeds in many areas, certain technical or localization issues detract from the overall audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music being a cornerstone of RAIDOU Remastered’s appeal. The remastered soundtrack’s atmospheric richness, combined with improved voice acting, is seen as a major enhancement that respects the original while modernizing its presentation. Nintendo Life and TechRadar Gaming emphasize how the jazz-rock fusion creates a unique identity, while Cubed3 (Switch 2) and Omelete highlight the immersive storytelling bolstered by strong vocal performances. Though minor flaws exist—such as repetitive tracks or localization gaps—the majority of reviewers agree that the audio elements significantly elevate the game’s charm and narrative depth, making it a standout feature for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The voice acting in RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is widely praised as a significant enhancement to the game’s narrative and immersion. Critics consistently highlight the high quality of performances, particularly noting the emotional depth and character development they bring. For instance, TheXboxHub commends Gouto’s voice for adding gravitas, while Game8 and TechRadar Gaming laud the “emotional depth” and “expressive” delivery that elevate the storytelling. The inclusion of both English and Japanese dubs is frequently celebrated, with Siliconera and Nintendo Life emphasizing how the English voice work enhances accessibility and appeal. Additionally, RPG Site and Vandal note that the remastered voice acting improves character interactions, while Omelete praises the Japanese dub for its “excellent” contribution to demon characters. These positives underscore a general consensus that the voice acting enriches the experience, particularly for fans of the original. However, several critics point out notable flaws and inconsistencies. DualShockers criticizes the English dub in cutscenes as “egregious and wildly distracting,” despite praising in-game voice acting as flawless. Impulsegamer notes “inconsistencies in character accents” that may detract from immersion, while RPGamer highlights “amateurish performances” by minor characters. Cubed3 mentions that while Gouto’s sharp wit is a standout, the quality of voice acting isn’t deeply analyzed beyond this. Additionally, Combo Infinito expresses disappointment over the lack of localization for non-English languages, and Riot Pixels points out the protagonist remains silent in most dialogues. These critiques reveal that while the overall voice work is strong, technical issues, uneven performances, and limited scope (e.g., silent protagonists) create some friction for players. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers view the voice acting as a standout feature of the remaster, with only minor reservations. The consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for the effort and quality, particularly in major story beats and character roles. Game8 and TechRadar Gaming frame it as a “significant improvement” over the original, while Omelete and Vandal emphasize its contribution to immersion and cinematic quality. While some critics like DualShockers and Impulsegamer point out specific flaws, these are often framed as isolated issues rather than overarching failures. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a crucial element that enhances the game’s narrative and appeal, with most reviewers agreeing it successfully elevates the remaster’s experience.

The technical performance of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army receives largely positive feedback across platforms, though with nuanced differences. On Xbox Series X, critics like Generación Xbox praise its smooth 60 FPS and negligible loading times, while Impulsegamer highlights modernized controls and improved save systems, enhancing accessibility. For Nintendo Switch, multiple reviewers—such as Cultura Geek, Game8, and SpazioGames—note stable frame rates, reduced performance issues compared to the original PS2 version, and quality-of-life upgrades like auto-save features. On PS5, Atomix and But Why Tho? emphasize flawless 4K/60fps performance, while Hobby Consolas and Noisy Pixel commend its polished technical execution. Overall, the remaster’s enhancements in frame stability, UI refinements, and accessibility features are widely appreciated across all platforms. However, some platform-specific drawbacks emerge. On Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub points to control issues that hinder gameplay, while Impulsegamer notes lingering save system flaws. For Nintendo Switch, Multiplayer.it criticizes the game’s age-related technical limitations despite improvements, and Nintendo World Report highlights lower performance on older hardware (Switch 1) compared to the newer Switch 2. On PS5, Cubed3 and Combo Infinito mention design and localization issues that overshadow technical polish, while GamersRD notes persistent original-era problems. Additionally, Push Square points out minor backtracking flaws on PS5, and Riot Pixels acknowledges some unresolved stability concerns despite overall improvements. The consensus among critics is largely positive, with the remaster’s technical performance being a standout achievement across platforms. While Xbox Series X and PS5 receive praise for their smooth frame rates and modernized features, Nintendo Switch users benefit from enhanced accessibility but face variability in performance between hardware versions. Despite minor issues—such as control hiccups on Xbox, age-related limitations on Switch 1, and design flaws on PS5—the remaster is widely regarded as a technically solid upgrade that improves the original experience. Critics like Cubed3 (Switch 2) and Noisy Pixel (PS5) emphasize its stability and polish, while others acknowledge room for refinement without detracting from its overall success. The technical improvements across platforms reflect Atlus’s commitment to modernizing the title, even if some imperfections persist in specific areas.

The reviews of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its replay value. Multiple critics, including Generación Xbox, Impulsegamer, and TheXboxHub, emphasize the game’s structured variety through demon fusion systems, multiple routes, and side missions that encourage experimentation with strategies and character development. Nintendo Life and Cubed3 note the dynamic combat and flexibility in difficulty, which cater to both newcomers and returning fans. Additionally, Siliconera and Hobby Consolas praise quality-of-life improvements and New Game Plus modes, suggesting that completionists or those intrigued by the demon-collecting mechanics may revisit the game for deeper exploration. The inclusion of optional bosses, varied cases, and narrative-driven choices also adds layers to the experience, making it appealing for players seeking diverse playstyles. However, several critics point to limitations that could hinder replayability. Multiplayer.it and Nintendo Insider argue that the game’s repetitive combat mechanics and linear story structure may deter multiple playthroughs, while TechRadar Gaming and Riot Pixels criticize the lack of complex systems or branching narratives. Critical Hits and Atomix highlight the simplistic side quests and padded runtime, suggesting that the 20–30 hour campaign feels less substantial for seasoned players. Combo Infinito and DualShockers also note that the remaster’s accessibility features and simplified mechanics might not satisfy those seeking deeper challenges. These critiques underscore a tension between the game’s design intent to attract both new and old fans and its execution in maintaining long-term engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward moderate replay value. While Generación Xbox, Impulsegamer, and Game8 celebrate the game’s strategic depth and content variety, others like Nintendo Insider and Riot Pixels find it lacking in innovation or incentive for repeated play. The game’s appeal seems to hinge on player preferences: fans of demon-fusion mechanics and JRPG tropes may enjoy its flexibility, while those seeking narrative complexity or open-world exploration might feel underwhelmed. Hobby Consolas and GameSpew acknowledge that the game’s unique systems could encourage revisits for completionists, but many reviewers agree it is more of a niche experience than a must-replay title. The remaster’s strengths lie in its accessibility and mechanics, but its replayability ultimately depends on individual tolerance for repetition and engagement with its core systems.