Ray’z Arcade Chronology

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.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

70%

Audience ScoreBased on 27 reviews

Excellent compilation of three classic shmup titles with high-quality ports by M2, preserving the arcade experience.
The games feature a unique lock-on mechanic and offer a satisfying challenge, making them enjoyable for both casual and competitive players.
Includes quality of life features such as quick save/load, online leaderboards, and a wealth of information displays that enhance the gameplay experience.

The price is considered steep for newcomers, and some players feel the HD versions do not meet expectations.
There are technical issues reported, such as lack of fullscreen mode and crashes on certain systems, which detract from the overall experience.
The collection lacks some additional content found in previous console versions, leading to disappointment among fans of the series.

graphics
7 mentions
43 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
The graphics in the compilation of *Rayforce*, *Raystorm*, and *Raycrisis* show noticeable improvements in the HD versions, particularly in smoother visuals, though they do not reach full HD or 4K quality, landing somewhere between PlayStation and PS2 levels. While *Raycrisis* maintains a unique cyber aesthetic, *Raystorm* feels less polished due to its early polygon graphics, and there are significant graphical differences between arcade and home ports. Overall, the enhancements are appreciated, but some users have experienced technical issues with crashes in various versions.
- “Great compilation of Rayforce, Raystorm, and Raycrisis, the latter two featuring alternate versions with higher resolution graphics.”
- “For the latter two games, the differences between the HD versions and regular are noticeable, but don't expect super-sharp full HD/4K quality graphics even though they are smoother and an improvement over the original.”
- “Speaking of, there are some interesting graphical differences between the arcade and home ports, especially on Raycrisis, which 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.”
- “The difference in the series is mostly the art style direction as the game transitions into a more 3D state.”
- “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.”
music
5 mentions
60 % positive mentions
-20 % neutral mentions
60 % negative mentions
The music in the game features classic tracks from Zuntata, complemented by both original and arranged soundtracks, enhancing the overall audio experience. Reviewers emphasize the quality and nostalgia of the music, making it a significant highlight that warrants a purchase.
- “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 features classic Zuntata compositions along with an arranged soundtrack for the games.”
- “The music includes both classic Zuntata tracks and an arranged soundtrack, enhancing the overall experience.”
- “Even with the background music from the arcade and the arrangements.”
- “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.”
story
4 mentions
75 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The trilogy's story unfolds non-linearly, starting with Raystorm, followed by Raycrisis, and concluding with Rayforce, despite the release order being different. While the games maintain their arcade roots, they incorporate additional storyline elements and gameplay features, such as in-game saving and local multiplayer. However, Raystorm is perceived as somewhat disconnected from the series due to its distinct setting and earlier graphical style.
- “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 (in-game saving is also available and there's still local multiplayer for all games) but also add some storyline information.”
- “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.”
- “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!”
- “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.”
gameplay
4 mentions
75 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The gameplay retains the classic arcade feel with optional UI tweaks for beginners, in-game saving, and local multiplayer support. Notably, the introduction of a "code" system in Raycrisis unlocks deeper gameplay experiences that vary with each playthrough. The innovative two-layered lock-on mechanic enhances the experience, though it requires skillful management of positioning and targeting, leading to a challenging learning curve.
- “The gameplay is reminiscent of the arcade experience, with optional UI tweaks for beginners, in-game saving, and local multiplayer. Additionally, there's storyline information, and the 'code' you enter when first playing Raycrisis acts as a password to unlock deeper gameplay that changes with each new game.”
- “The two-layered lock-on action is amazing, and we've seen the mechanics repurposed and enhanced in many later shoot 'em ups like the legendary Kamui or Crimzon Clover.”
- “The lock-on mechanic really sets this apart within its genre, even if managing your position and targeting reticle simultaneously can lead to many deaths while learning.”
- “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 gameplay feels repetitive and lacks innovation, making it hard to stay engaged for long periods.”
- “The controls are unresponsive at times, which can lead to frustrating moments during critical gameplay.”