Ray’z Arcade Chronology

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 62 reviews
  • graphics
  • music
  • gameplay
Ray’z Arcade Chronology Game Cover
Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.
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"Ray’z Arcade Chronology" is a compilation of classic arcade games, including "Legionnaire," "Rayforce," and "Raystorm." This collection offers enhanced features such as remastered graphics, rearranged soundtracks, and a gallery mode with concept art. Players can experience the evolution of the shoot 'em up genre through these renowned titles.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 62 reviews
graphics4 positive mentions
music3 negative mentions
  • Excellent compilation of three classic Taito shmups with high-quality ports by M2, preserving the original arcade experience.
  • The games feature a fun lock-on mechanic and challenging gameplay that appeals to both casual and hardcore players.
  • Includes quality of life features such as quick save/load, online leaderboards, and achievements, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The price is considered steep for newcomers, and some feel the HD versions do not live up to expectations, lacking true HD enhancements.
  • Missing features from previous home versions, such as training modes and historical bonuses, detracts from the overall package.
  • Technical issues on certain platforms, including crashes and lack of fullscreen mode, have been reported, affecting the user experience.
  • graphics14 mentions

    The graphics in the compilation of *Rayforce*, *Raystorm*, and *Raycrisis* show noticeable improvements in the HD versions, though they do not reach full HD or 4K quality, landing somewhere between PlayStation and PS2 visuals. While *Raycrisis* maintains a unique cyber aesthetic, *Raystorm* feels less polished due to its early polygon graphics. Overall, the graphical enhancements are appreciated, but some users have reported technical issues and noted that the HD versions primarily differ in graphics rather than gameplay.

    • “Great compilation of rayforce, raystorm, and raycrisis, the latter two featuring alternate versions with higher resolution graphics.”
    • “Speaking of, there are some interesting graphical differences between the arcade and home ports, especially on raycrisis, which features none of the cool boss warnings. It flows quite seamlessly with its cyber/network aesthetic, giving it a very unique feel.”
    • “Raystorm, on the other hand, feels detached from the series, not just because the story takes place in another setting, but also because it was the first attempt at polygon graphics and feels overall less polished.”
    • “I only have 2 real complaints about this: price (it's way too expensive at $50 although you can get a discount if you have Dariusburst CS and that game's Rayforce DLC) and the HD versions aren't any different save for graphics.”
    • “The difference in the series is mostly the art style direction as the game transitions into a more 3D state.”
  • music11 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its classic Zuntata compositions, featuring both original and arranged soundtracks that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the significant audio improvements and the nostalgic value of the arcade music, making it a compelling reason to enjoy the game at full volume. Overall, the soundtracks are considered a standout feature, complementing the engaging gameplay of the shoot 'em ups.

    • “Audio is where the biggest changes were made as all games have both the original and arranged/alternate soundtracks, and because it's all by Zuntata, that alone warrants a purchase (and crank up the volume too).”
    • “It offers very accurate arcade ports of three superb, nuanced shoot 'em ups, famous for their fantastic soundtracks, engrossing gameplay mechanics, and visual showboating.”
    • “Audio is where the biggest changes were made as all games have both the original and arranged/alternate soundtracks, and because it's all by Zuntata that alone warrants a purchase (and crank up the volume too).”
    • “The music has the classic Zuntata music as well as an arranged soundtrack for the games.”
    • “Even with the background music from the arcade and the arrangements.”
  • gameplay10 mentions

    The gameplay retains the classic arcade experience with optional UI tweaks for beginners, in-game saving, and local multiplayer. Notably, the two-layered lock-on mechanic enhances the challenge and depth, while a unique code unlocks varied gameplay for each session. Players can expect engaging boss fights and a rich soundtrack, making it a standout in the shoot 'em up genre.

    • “The two-layered lock-on action is amazing, and we've seen the mechanics repurposed and heightened in many later STGs like the legendary Kamui or Crimzon Clover.”
    • “It offers very accurate arcade ports of three superb, nuanced shoot 'em ups, famous for their fantastic soundtracks, engrossing gameplay mechanics, and visual showboating.”
    • “The lock-on mechanic really sets this apart within its genre, even if managing your position and your targeting reticle at the same time will lead to many, many deaths while learning.”
    • “The games play the same as in the arcade with a few optional UI tweaks available to make it easier for beginners to understand, but also add some storyline information. Make note of that 'code' you enter when you first play Raycrisis - it acts like a password to unlock much deeper gameplay that changes every time you start a new game!”
    • “You get the expected sidebar information on your gameplay like M2 does with all their ports, which is always fun too.”
  • story8 mentions

    The trilogy's story unfolds non-linearly, starting with Raystorm, followed by Raycrisis, and concluding with Rayforce, which can be confusing for players due to the release order. While the games maintain their arcade roots, they incorporate additional storyline elements and gameplay mechanics, such as a unique code in Raycrisis that enhances replayability. However, Raystorm is perceived as somewhat disconnected from the series, both in narrative and due to its early polygon graphics, which feel less refined compared to its successors.

    • “The games play the same as in the arcade with a few optional UI tweaks available to make it easier for beginners to understand (in-game saving is also available and there's still local multiplayer for all games) but also add some storyline information. Make note of that 'code' you enter when you first play Raycrisis - it acts like a password to unlock much deeper gameplay that changes every time you start a new game!”
    • “Raystorm, on the other hand, feels detached from the series, not just because the story takes place in another setting but also because it was the first attempt at polygon graphics and feels overall less polished.”
    • “It's worth noting that the games' release order is not the chronological story order through the trilogy - the story actually begins with Raystorm, then moves on to Raycrisis and wraps up with Rayforce.”
    • “The games play the same as in the arcade with a few optional UI tweaks available to make it easier for beginners to understand, but also add some storyline information.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
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Critic Reviews

80% average critic score

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