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{{Unreferenced|date=September 2007}} |
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{{Infobox VG |
{{Infobox VG |
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|title = RayStorm<br> |
|title = RayStorm<br> |
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{{flagicon|Japan}}Layer Section II (Saturn) |
{{flagicon|Japan}}Layer Section II (Saturn) |
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|image = |
|image = [[Image:RayStorm front cover.jpg|225px]] |
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|caption = North American front cover art |
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|developer = [[Taito Corporation]] |
|developer = [[Taito Corporation]] |
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|publisher = {{flagicon|Japan}}[[Taito Corporation]] (Arcade, PS)<br> |
|publisher = {{flagicon|Japan}}[[Taito Corporation]] (Arcade, PS)<br> |
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[[THQ, Inc.]] (PS)<br> |
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Mediaquest (Saturn)<br> |
Mediaquest (Saturn)<br> |
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CyberFront Corporation (Windows)<br> |
CyberFront Corporation (Windows)<br> |
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1998-03-12 (PS rerelease)<br> |
1998-03-12 (PS rerelease)<br> |
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2001-04-06 (Win, CyberFront)<br> |
2001-04-06 (Win, CyberFront)<br> |
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2003-04-04 (Win |
2003-04-04 (Win rerelease, CyberFront)<br> |
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2004-08-06 (Win |
2004-08-06 (Win rerelease, CyberFront)<br> |
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2005-09-30 (Win |
2005-09-30 (Win rerelease, Sourcenext)<br> |
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{{flagicon|USA}}1997-06-30 (PS)<ref name="wdraystormhome">{{cite web |url=http://www.workingdesigns.com/museum/playstation/ourgames/raystorm/contents.htm |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20041112192636/http://www.workingdesigns.com/museum/playstation/ourgames/raystorm/contents.htm |archivedate=2004-11-12 |title=Raystorm |publisher=[[Working Designs]] |accessdate=2008-08-23 }}</ref><ref name="ignreview">{{cite web |url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/152/152108p1.html |title=RayStorm Review |author=IGN Staff |publisher=[[IGN]] |date=1997-09-11 |accessdate=2008-08-21 }}</ref><br> |
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{{flagicon|USA}}1996-12-31 (PS)<br> |
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{{flagicon|Europe}}1997-09-? (PS) |
{{flagicon|Europe}}1997-09-? (PS) |
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|genre = [[ |
|genre = [[Scrolling shooter]] |
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|modes = single player, Co-op; Up to 2 players simultaneously |
|modes = single player, Co-op; Up to 2 players simultaneously |
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|cabinet = Horizontal |
|cabinet = Horizontal |
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}} |
}} |
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'''RayStorm''' is |
'''''RayStorm''''' is a [[scrolling shooter]] developed by the [[Taito Corporation]] (now part of [[Square Enix]]). Originally released in Japan as an [[arcade game]] in 1996, it was later [[Porting|port]]ed there to [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]]'s [[PlayStation]] game console in 1997, to the [[Sega Saturn]] (under the name '''''Layer Section II''''') in that same year, and to [[Microsoft]]'s [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]-based [[personal computer]]s in 2001. In North America, it was released for the PlayStation by [[Working Designs]] in June 1997. |
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The game is set hundreds of years in the future. Players must pilot their "R-Gray" [[spacecraft]] through eight vertically scrolling stages and shoot down enemy ships and vehicles to prevent the forces of a [[Rebellion|rebellious]] [[federation]] of [[Colony|colonies]] from destroying [[Earth]]. |
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== Plot == |
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''Lifted from the game manual:'' |
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''RayStorm'' is one of three "Ray" games, all featuring similar [[gameplay]], released by Taito. ''[[RayForce]]'' was released before ''RayStorm'', and the ''RayForce'' [[prequel]] ''[[RayCrisis]]'' was released after the others. The [[plot]] of ''RayStorm'', which is minimally revealed in the game itself but further described by the game's [[Instruction manual (computer and video games)|instruction manual]] and "Extra Mode" in home releases, is not [[Continuity (fiction)|connected]] to the "Con-Human" storyline of the other two games. |
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2219 AD: Space Travel has been a reality for 100 years. The human race expanded into space until Earth eventually controlled a Star Federation of 20 space colonies, stretching all the way to Orion. To maintain control over the Earth's ever-expanding territories, the colonies were kept under strict martial law. However, the colonies mutinied against Earth's control: they took control of the planet Secilia, the most important of the colonies, where they established the Secilia Federation and began their fight for freedom. Following a succession of sweeping victories, the Federation finally defeated Earth's forces. |
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Its PlayStation versions were generally well-received by American reviewers,<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/198426.asp |title=RayStorm Reviews |publisher=[[Game Rankings]] |accessdate=2008-08-21 }}</ref><ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/psx/raystorm?q=raystorm |title=RayStorm (psx: 1997): Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=2008-08-21 }}</ref> but criticized for short game length, music, and similarities to other games such as ''[[Xevious 3D/G+]]''. |
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24 hours after Earth's surrender, directly after all the inhabitants had been transferred to the colonies, the Secilia Federation announced its intention to destroy the planet completely. It has forcibly suppressed all opposition from the colonies and has dispatched a special force to carry out the annihilation of the Earth. |
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== Plot == |
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However, Earth's Balca Division foresaw this eventuality and is now in the process of developing the 'R-GRAY', based on technology salvaged from the Secilia starsystem. The 'R-GRAY', a craft made up of parts from 13 different Secilia ships, is the only craft able to carry out 'OPERATION RAYSTORM' - the Balca Division's desperate mission to combat the Secilia Federation... |
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''RayStorm'' consists of eight stages taking place between August 4 and August 7, [[2219|2219 AD]]; the first three stages take place on Earth, the last three at the planet Secilia, and two between them in the orbits of Earth and Secilia, respectively;<ref name="nagamemanualmissions">{{cite book | year=1997 | editor=Working Designs | title=RayStorm North American instruction manual | pages=17 | publisher=Working Designs|language=English|id=SLUS-00482}} (This page states that stage 7 and 8 take place on August 4, while the game itself states "August 7" at the beginning of the seventh stage.)</ref> Whereas ''RayForce'' players must head ''toward'' Earth to destroy it, ''RayStorm'' players start at and move ''away'' from the planet. The plot of the game is exposed minimally during play, with only dates and place names given at the start of each of its first seven stages. An "Extra Mode" included with home versions of the game displays maps before the first seven stages and a [[Scrolling|closing crawl]] after completing the game, which further illustrate the plot; the map for the fifth stage, for example, shows that a "[[Gravitation|gravity]] [[catapult]]" at the [[Moon]] is used to travel from Earth orbit to Secilia orbit. |
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The game manual for the North American ''RayStorm'' release describes the plot even further, depicting a future where space travel has existed since 2119. Humans explored space, and within 100 years Earth established a twenty-colony Star [[Federation]] extending to [[Orion]], with each colony kept under [[martial law]]. The colonies then [[Mutiny|mutinied]] against the Federation: they took control of the major colony Secilia, formed the Secilia Federation and defeated Earth's forces after many battles. After Earth's surrender, all of its inhabitants had been transferred to the colonies. The Secilia Federation suppressed colonial opposition and sent out a force to destroy the planet completely. However, by then the ''R-Gray'', a craft made with parts salvaged from 13 different Secilia ships, is completed and deployed to carry out "OPERATION RAYSTORM", a desperate attempt to defend Earth from the Federation.<ref name="nagamemanualstory">{{cite book | year=1997 | editor=Working Designs | title=RayStorm North American instruction manual | pages=4 | publisher=Working Designs|language=English|id=SLUS-00482}}</ref> |
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After the R-Gray(s) destroy the final [[boss (video games)|boss]], the ships try to escape the exploding "Juda Central System" (as the seventh stage is called) through a tunnel. What occurs afterwards differs between the game modes. The original arcade ending shows several R-Grays flying away from Secilia, through a fleet of destroyed enemy ships, towards Earth. The Extra Mode ending shows the player ship(s) enveloped in the tunnel explosion, then a view of the "Juda Satellite colony" exploding, and a view of a heavily damaged R-Gray using its remaining engines to drift from the Moon towards a large debris cloud; the crawl shown as Juda explodes explains that the colony is pushed from its orbit toward the nearby [[gas giant]] Seraphim by the explosion, at least "70% of the seven billion inhabitants" of the colony die from the explosion, the "Secilian empire" is no longer a danger, and the mission is complete. |
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== Gameplay == |
== Gameplay == |
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<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:Raystorm 5.png|thumb|left||200px|In game screenshot of the player engaging the beginning level's boss, Pendragon]] --> |
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:Raystorm 5.png|thumb|left||200px|In game screenshot of the player engaging the beginning level's boss, Pendragon]] -->[[Image:RayStorm.png|thumb|left||200px|A one-player game in progress]] |
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''RayStorm'' is a [[ |
''RayStorm'' is a [[shoot 'em up]]. The player views their ship from a distanced perspective while gunning down enemies in the game's vertically scrolling stages. At the beginning of the game, the player must choose one of two ships; a third secret ship is [[RayStorm#Modes|available]] in ported versions. |
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The player uses a |
The player uses a [[M61 Vulcan|vulcan]]-like [[laser]] weapon as their primary offense, and a missile weapon which can [[Fire-and-forget|lock onto]] multiple targets and gain a combo multiplier, accumulating into a point total. Additionally, each ship has two special maneuvers. The ''Special Attack'' is initiated when the player fills a bar to the maximum by engaging in multiple lock-ons. When full the player can unleash a massive screen wide attack with a brief period of invincibility afterwards. The second, the ''Hyper Laser Assault'', executes a special attack unique to each ship, and is performed by setting all available lock-on attacks on a single target and firing. |
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The ships have slightly differing methods of destroying enemies and attaining a big point total: |
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* The '''<font color=crimson>R-Gray 1</font>''' uses a basic single laser cannon with shots that spread out. By moving the reticule over various enemies, it can lock on and fire multiple missiles. This ship is best suited for beginners. |
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* The '''<font color= |
* The '''<font color=crimson>R-Gray 1</font>''' uses a basic single laser cannon with shots that spread out. By moving the reticule over various enemies, it can lock on and fire multiple missiles. This ship is best suited for beginners. |
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* The '''<font color=navy>R-Gray 2</font>''' uses twin lasers, and its attack power is considered superior to the R-Gray 1, but the width and range of its fire is decreased. However, its lock on maximum is 16 targets, meaning its point accumulation is much higher. |
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Additionally, each ship has two special maneuvers. The ''Special Attack'' is initiated when the player fills a bar to the maximum by engaging in multiple lock-ons. When full the player can unleash a massive screen wide attack with a brief period of invincibility afterwards. The second is called ''Hyper Laser Assault'' which executes a special attack unique to each ship. This is performed by setting all available lock-on attacks on a single target and firing. |
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== |
=== Modes === |
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Home versions contain two gameplay modes: the ''[[Arcade perfect|Arcade Mode]]'' which preserves the look and feel of the original arcade version, and the ''Extra Mode'' that has enhanced graphics, additional enemies, modified bosses, and tougher difficulty,<ref name="nagamemanualmodes">{{cite book | year=1997 | editor=Working Designs | title=RayStorm North American instruction manual | pages=6 | publisher=Working Designs|language=English|id=SLUS-00482}}</ref> as well as a different ending. Completing either mode unlocks a "stage select" option to play individual stages in the completed mode for a high score, while succeeding in both modes unlocks a "13 Players" option. |
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The names of the stages and bosses draw to a heavy degree from the history of [[Ancient Rome|Rome]]. Secelia's own intent to annihilate Earth after conquering it is redolent of the habit of Roman-era conquerors of utterly desolating those foes who had dared to heavily resist conquest, as an example to others. Likewise, the forcible transfer of Earth's inhabitants to the other colonies is similar to the practice of selling the vanquished into slavery. The bosses, meanwhile, are mostly named for generals and leaders who warred against Rome. |
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The "13 Players" option requires the player to complete the game using a total of 13 ships from 5 groups: three R-Gray 1 ships using "manual" control, in which primary and lock-on weapons are controlled separately; three R-Gray 2 ships, with manual control; three R-Gray 1 ships using "auto" control, in which primary and lock-on weapons are controlled with the same button; three "auto" R-Gray 2 ships; and one ''<font color=teal>R-Gray 0</font>'' "prototype" ship. Either mode can be played with this option; completing the game under Extra Mode with this option reveals an additional [[epilogue]]. |
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St. 1: [[Albion]], D.U.<br> |
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St. 2: New [[Gaul]] City<br> |
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St. 3: [[Palmyra]] Valley<br> |
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St. 4: 3rd Fleet of Secelia, Earth orbit<br> |
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St. 5: [[Carthage]] Base, Secelia orbit<br> |
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St. 6: [[Etruria]], Secelia<br> |
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St. 7 and 8: [[Judea|Judah]] Central System of Secelia<br> |
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== Development == |
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Boss 1: [[Aurelius Ambrosius|Pendragon]]<br> |
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Staff involved in the development of ''RayStorm'' include [[Game producer|producer]] and [[Game director|director]] Yukio Abe, director Tatsuo Nakamura, music [[composer]] Tamayo Kawamoto, and [[sound effect]] composer Munehiro Nakanishi,<ref name="rsreleasegamefaqs">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/coinop/arcade/data/568581.html |title=RayStorm Release Information for Arcade Games |publisher=[[GameFAQs]] |accessdate=2008-08-26 }}</ref> who all had the same roles developing ''RayForce'' beforehand.<ref name="rfreleasegamefaqs">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/coinop/arcade/data/567793.html |title=RayForce Release Information for Arcade Games |publisher=[[GameFAQs]] |accessdate=2008-08-26 }}</ref> Kawamoto and Nakanishi composed as members of Taito "house band" [[Zuntata]], who trace their first work under that name to June 1987.<ref name="zuntata">{{cite web |url=http://zuntata.jp/about/ |title={{nihongo|About ZUNTATA|ZUNTATAについて}} |publisher=[[Taito Corporation]] |quote={{nihongo|"TAITO GAME MUSIC Vol.2 DAIRUS" (Alpha Records) is released. The name ZUNTATA is used for the first time on this album.|「TAITO GAME MUSIC Vol.2 DAIRUS」(アルファレコード)リリース。ZUNTATAの名称はこのアルバムで初めて使われた。}} |language=Japanese |accessdate=2008-08-26 }}</ref> A soundtrack to the game, including both its original music and some [[arrangement]]s, was released on October 11, 1996.<ref name="soundtrack1">{{cite web |url=http://zuntata.jp/lineup/zttl0002.html |title=RAYSTORM |publisher=[[Taito Corporation]] |language=Japanese |accessdate=2008-09-05 }}</ref> |
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Boss 2: [[Vercingetorix]]<br> |
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Boss 3: [[Zenobia]]<br> |
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Boss 4: [[Hannibal]]<br> |
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Boss 5: [[Geiseric|Genseric]]<br> |
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Boss 6: [[Alaric I|Alaric]]<br> |
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Boss 7: [[Spartacus]]<br> |
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Boss 8: [[Yggdrasil]] |
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The game was ported to the PlayStation in Japan in January 1997,<ref name="ignreview" /> and in March John Ricciardi of ''videogames.com'', then the video gaming website of [[GameSpot]], reported that "several companies [were] interested in porting" it for a North American release; no specific companies were named.<!--ref name="gamespotreview">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/raystorm/review.html |title=RayStorm for PlayStation Review |author=Staff, GameSpot |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=1997-03-06 |accessdate=2008-08-21 }}</ref--><ref name="gamespotreview">{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamespot.com/psx/shoot/raystorm/review.html |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/19990221200504/http://www.videogamespot.com/psx/shoot/raystorm/review.html |archivedate=1999-02-21 |title=RayStorm for PlayStation Review |last=Ricciardi |first=John |publisher=[[GameSpot|GameSpot, Inc]] |date=1997-03-06 |accessdate=2008-08-30 }}</ref> Working Designs, which had already translated and published ''[[Popful Mail]]'', some [[Lunar (series)|''Lunar'' titles]], and other Japanese games in America, previously contacted Taito to license ''RayForce'', but publisher [[Acclaim Entertainment|Acclaim]] had done so a few days before; when they heard about ''RayStorm'', they quickly asked Taito if that game was available, licensed it immediately, and met with Taito to discuss converting the game for American release in April.<ref name="nagamemanualnotes">{{cite book | year=1997 | editor=Working Designs | title=RayStorm North American instruction manual | pages=20 | publisher=Working Designs|language=English|id=SLUS-00482}}</ref> Working Designs' version was their first release for the PlayStation and the first game released under their "SPAZ" label dedicated to shooter games;<ref name="nagamemanualnotes" /> the last under that label was the next "Ray" game, ''RayCrisis''.<ref name="spazdone">{{cite web |url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/087/087665p1.html |title=Victor Ireland on Lunar 2 |publisher=IGN |date=2000-11-10 |accessdate=2008-08-23 |quote=Spaz is done. RayCrisis was the last game for that label. }}</ref> On the same month it was released, an "Interactive CD Sampler" containing a playable [[Game demo|demo]] of the game was bundled with American PlayStation consoles.<ref name="vgrebirth">{{cite web |url=http://playstationdemos.vgrebirth.org/index_files/detail%20pages/ps1/interactive%20vol%204/interactive%20vol%204.html |title=Interactive CD Sampler Volume 4 |work=[http://playstationdemos.vgrebirth.org/ lockshaw13's PSone & PlayStation 2 US Demo Page] |accessdate=2008-08-23 }}</ref> |
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==Compilations== |
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This game was bundled with following titles: |
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*Taito Memories |
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*Taito Legends 2 (PS2 version) |
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*G-Darius+Raystorm PACK |
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*Simple 1500 Series Vol. 75: The Double Shooting |
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[[Square Enix]] acquired Taito in 2005. On June 25, 2008, Square Enix made its [[PlayStation Network]] debut in Japan, releasing their new subsidiary's ''RayStorm'' and five other previously-published PlayStation titles as downloadable games for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation Portable]] (PSP) systems.<ref name="ignrerelease">{{cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/884/884128p1.html |title=Square Enix Titles Downloadable to PSP, PS3 |last=Tanaka |first=John |publisher=[[IGN]] |date=2008-06-25 |accessdate=2008-08-24 }}</ref> |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.sourcenext.com/titles/ent/61280/ G-Darius+Raystorm PACK page] |
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[[Image:RayStorm flyer lock-on.jpg|thumb|right||200px|A Japanese [[Flyer (pamphlet)|flyer]] touts the game's 3D graphics and the return of lock-on weapons from the previous ''RayForce''.]] |
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=== Compilations === |
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''RayStorm'' was bundled with several titles: |
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*''Taito Memories Volume 2'', a.k.a. ''Taito Memories Gekan'', which includes 24 other Taito games<ref name="ignmemories">{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/objects/924/924732.html |title=Taito Memories Gekan |publisher=IGN |accessdate=2008-08-22 }}</ref> |
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*''[[Taito Legends 2]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]], with 38 other games |
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*''[[G-Darius]]+Raystorm Pack''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sourcenext.com/titles/ent/61280/ |title={{nihongo|Sourcenext: G-Darius(R)+Raystorm Pack|ソースネクスト:Gダライアス(R)+レイストームパック|Sōsunekusuto: G Daraiasu(R)+Reisutōmupakku}} |publisher=Sourcenext Corporation |language=Japanese |accessdate=2008-08-21 }}</ref> |
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*''Simple 1500 Series Vol. 75: The Double Shooting'' for the PlayStation, which also includes ''RayCrisis''<ref name="igndouble">{{cite web |url=http://psx.ign.com/objects/571/571222.html |title=The Double Shooting |publisher=IGN |accessdate=2008-08-22 }}</ref> |
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=== Differences between releases === |
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The Japanese PlayStation release of ''RayStorm'' was well received by gamers, but suffered from [[Frame rate#Frame rates in video games|slowdown issues]] at certain points.<ref name="gamespotreview" /> Working Designs worked to speed up their version of the game, and it runs more smoothly than Taito's release.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} The company also said that the Japanese version had a [[Computer compatibility|compatibility]] issue with some programmable [[game controller]]s, and that they fixed it for their release.<ref name="nagamemanualnotes" /> |
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The Working Designs version has a revised difficulty and continue system as well. When it was first released, the publisher offered a chance to win [[USD|US$]]10,000 by completing the game with all stages set to [[difficulty level]] 4 or above, and then submitting the resulting on-screen game summary to them.<ref name="nagamemanualnotes" /> If players set any stage's difficulty below level 4, the game runs in a [[training]] mode where they can only play the first 4 stages; Working Designs said they forced this to prevent gamers from completing ''RayStorm'' with such levels and complaining "that the game was too easy".<ref name="nagamemanualnotes" /> When the contest was over, the company released{{Fact|date=August 2008}} a [[Cheat code|code]], with which players can unlock the game's "Free Play" option. |
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=== Stages and bosses === |
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{{Original research|section|date=August 2008}} |
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The names of the stages and bosses draw to a heavy degree from the history of [[Ancient Rome|Rome]]. Secilia's own intent to annihilate Earth after conquering it is redolent of the habit of Roman-era conquerors of utterly desolating the lands and cities of those foes who had dared to offer heavy resistance, as an example to others. Likewise, the forcible transfer of Earth's inhabitants to the other colonies is similar to the practice of selling the vanquished into slavery. The bosses, meanwhile, are mostly named for generals and leaders who warred against Rome. |
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==== Stages ==== |
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#[[Albion]], D.U., Earth |
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#Old [[Gaul]] City, Earth |
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#[[Palmyra]] Valley, Earth |
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#3rd Fleet [of Secilia], Earth orbit |
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#[[Carthage]] Base, Secilia orbit |
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#[[Etruria]], Secilia |
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#[[Judea|Juda]] Central System, Secilia |
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==== Bosses ==== |
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#[[Aurelius Ambrosius|Pendragon]] |
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#[[Vercingetorix]] |
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#[[Zenobia]] |
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#[[Hannibal]] |
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#[[Geiseric|Genseric]] |
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#[[Alaric I|Alaric]] |
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#[[Spartacus]] |
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#[[Yggdrasil]] |
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== Reception == |
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=== Critical response === |
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{{VG Reviews |
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|title=Reception |
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|subtitle=(PlayStation version) |
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|GSpot = 7.8 out of 10<ref name="gamespotreview" /> |
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|IGN = 7.5 out of 10<ref name="ignreview" /> |
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| |
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|GR = 78%<ref name="GR" /> |
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|MC = 79 out of 100<ref name="MC" /> |
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}} |
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GameSpot's review of its Japanese release called it "easily the best shooter currently available on the PlayStation"; the website's staff praised its "[intense] lighting effects" and "marvelous explosions" that "fill the screen" and said its two [[Video game music|soundtrack]]s by [[Zuntata]] are "done well", but said some of the music lacks "the urgency and intensity you'd expect from a fast-paced shooter", that "the game is nowhere near as difficult as its predecessor" ''RayForce'' despite adjustable difficulty, and that the ships' main weapon does not "seem to be as much of a necessity as it was in the original [''RayForce'']".<ref name="gamespotreview" /> IGN reviewed the North American release, criticizing the game's similarities to [[Xevious 3D/G+]] and calling it "a little short", but saying that it has "amazing graphics, excellent music, and solid gameplay".<ref name="ignreview" /> |
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=== Legacy === |
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The arcade game ''[[RayCrisis]]'', released by Taito two years later, has R-Gray-like "Wave Riders" for the player to use, and its home versions include R-Grays 1 and 2 as hidden ships. |
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On April 2007, Taito released ''[[Furu Furu Park]]'', a collection of [[minigame]]s inspired by the company's arcade games, for [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]] game console. Gaming website [[GameDaily]] said that its ''RayStorm'' minigame "requires some very strong bullet-dodging skills", but some of its other minigames are "way too easy".<ref name="gdfuru">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/furu-furu-park/wii/game-reviews/review/6891/1940/ |title=Furu Furu Park on Wii Review |publisher=[[AOL|AOL, LLC]] |last=Workman |first=Robert |work=[[GameDaily]] |date=2008-01-29 |accessdate=2008-08-29 }}</ref> |
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== References == |
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{{Reflist|2}} |
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== External links == |
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*[http://www.cyberfront.co.jp/title/platina/1-20/index.htm CyberFront Raystorm page] |
*[http://www.cyberfront.co.jp/title/platina/1-20/index.htm CyberFront Raystorm page] |
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*[http://curious-cat.net/rays/list/item.html |
*[http://curious-cat.net/rays/list/item.html A list of Ray games, soundtracks, and other media] |
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*[http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=9270 Raystorm at The Killer List of Videogames] |
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[[Category:1996 video games]] |
[[Category:1996 video games]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:1997 video games]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:2001 video games]] |
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[[Category:Arcade games]] |
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[[Category:PlayStation games]] |
[[Category:PlayStation games]] |
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[[Category:Science fiction video games]] |
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[[Category:Scrolling shooters]] |
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[[Category:Sega Saturn games]] |
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[[Category:Taito games]] |
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[[Category:Working Designs]] |
[[Category:Working Designs]] |
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[[es:RayStorm]] |
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[[ja:レイストーム]] |
[[ja:レイストーム]] |
Revision as of 23:49, 5 September 2008
RayStorm Layer Section II (Saturn) | |
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Developer(s) | Taito Corporation |
Publisher(s) | Taito Corporation (Arcade, PS) THQ, Inc. (PS) |
Platform(s) | Arcade, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Windows 95 |
Release | 1996-? (arcade) 1997-01-10 (PS) |
Genre(s) | Scrolling shooter |
Mode(s) | single player, Co-op; Up to 2 players simultaneously |
Arcade system | Taito FX-1B |
RayStorm is a scrolling shooter developed by the Taito Corporation (now part of Square Enix). Originally released in Japan as an arcade game in 1996, it was later ported there to Sony's PlayStation game console in 1997, to the Sega Saturn (under the name Layer Section II) in that same year, and to Microsoft's Windows-based personal computers in 2001. In North America, it was released for the PlayStation by Working Designs in June 1997.
The game is set hundreds of years in the future. Players must pilot their "R-Gray" spacecraft through eight vertically scrolling stages and shoot down enemy ships and vehicles to prevent the forces of a rebellious federation of colonies from destroying Earth.
RayStorm is one of three "Ray" games, all featuring similar gameplay, released by Taito. RayForce was released before RayStorm, and the RayForce prequel RayCrisis was released after the others. The plot of RayStorm, which is minimally revealed in the game itself but further described by the game's instruction manual and "Extra Mode" in home releases, is not connected to the "Con-Human" storyline of the other two games.
Its PlayStation versions were generally well-received by American reviewers,[3][4] but criticized for short game length, music, and similarities to other games such as Xevious 3D/G+.
Plot
RayStorm consists of eight stages taking place between August 4 and August 7, 2219 AD; the first three stages take place on Earth, the last three at the planet Secilia, and two between them in the orbits of Earth and Secilia, respectively;[5] Whereas RayForce players must head toward Earth to destroy it, RayStorm players start at and move away from the planet. The plot of the game is exposed minimally during play, with only dates and place names given at the start of each of its first seven stages. An "Extra Mode" included with home versions of the game displays maps before the first seven stages and a closing crawl after completing the game, which further illustrate the plot; the map for the fifth stage, for example, shows that a "gravity catapult" at the Moon is used to travel from Earth orbit to Secilia orbit.
The game manual for the North American RayStorm release describes the plot even further, depicting a future where space travel has existed since 2119. Humans explored space, and within 100 years Earth established a twenty-colony Star Federation extending to Orion, with each colony kept under martial law. The colonies then mutinied against the Federation: they took control of the major colony Secilia, formed the Secilia Federation and defeated Earth's forces after many battles. After Earth's surrender, all of its inhabitants had been transferred to the colonies. The Secilia Federation suppressed colonial opposition and sent out a force to destroy the planet completely. However, by then the R-Gray, a craft made with parts salvaged from 13 different Secilia ships, is completed and deployed to carry out "OPERATION RAYSTORM", a desperate attempt to defend Earth from the Federation.[6]
After the R-Gray(s) destroy the final boss, the ships try to escape the exploding "Juda Central System" (as the seventh stage is called) through a tunnel. What occurs afterwards differs between the game modes. The original arcade ending shows several R-Grays flying away from Secilia, through a fleet of destroyed enemy ships, towards Earth. The Extra Mode ending shows the player ship(s) enveloped in the tunnel explosion, then a view of the "Juda Satellite colony" exploding, and a view of a heavily damaged R-Gray using its remaining engines to drift from the Moon towards a large debris cloud; the crawl shown as Juda explodes explains that the colony is pushed from its orbit toward the nearby gas giant Seraphim by the explosion, at least "70% of the seven billion inhabitants" of the colony die from the explosion, the "Secilian empire" is no longer a danger, and the mission is complete.
Gameplay
RayStorm is a shoot 'em up. The player views their ship from a distanced perspective while gunning down enemies in the game's vertically scrolling stages. At the beginning of the game, the player must choose one of two ships; a third secret ship is available in ported versions.
The player uses a vulcan-like laser weapon as their primary offense, and a missile weapon which can lock onto multiple targets and gain a combo multiplier, accumulating into a point total. Additionally, each ship has two special maneuvers. The Special Attack is initiated when the player fills a bar to the maximum by engaging in multiple lock-ons. When full the player can unleash a massive screen wide attack with a brief period of invincibility afterwards. The second, the Hyper Laser Assault, executes a special attack unique to each ship, and is performed by setting all available lock-on attacks on a single target and firing.
The ships have slightly differing methods of destroying enemies and attaining a big point total:
- The R-Gray 1 uses a basic single laser cannon with shots that spread out. By moving the reticule over various enemies, it can lock on and fire multiple missiles. This ship is best suited for beginners.
- The R-Gray 2 uses twin lasers, and its attack power is considered superior to the R-Gray 1, but the width and range of its fire is decreased. However, its lock on maximum is 16 targets, meaning its point accumulation is much higher.
Modes
Home versions contain two gameplay modes: the Arcade Mode which preserves the look and feel of the original arcade version, and the Extra Mode that has enhanced graphics, additional enemies, modified bosses, and tougher difficulty,[7] as well as a different ending. Completing either mode unlocks a "stage select" option to play individual stages in the completed mode for a high score, while succeeding in both modes unlocks a "13 Players" option.
The "13 Players" option requires the player to complete the game using a total of 13 ships from 5 groups: three R-Gray 1 ships using "manual" control, in which primary and lock-on weapons are controlled separately; three R-Gray 2 ships, with manual control; three R-Gray 1 ships using "auto" control, in which primary and lock-on weapons are controlled with the same button; three "auto" R-Gray 2 ships; and one R-Gray 0 "prototype" ship. Either mode can be played with this option; completing the game under Extra Mode with this option reveals an additional epilogue.
Development
Staff involved in the development of RayStorm include producer and director Yukio Abe, director Tatsuo Nakamura, music composer Tamayo Kawamoto, and sound effect composer Munehiro Nakanishi,[8] who all had the same roles developing RayForce beforehand.[9] Kawamoto and Nakanishi composed as members of Taito "house band" Zuntata, who trace their first work under that name to June 1987.[10] A soundtrack to the game, including both its original music and some arrangements, was released on October 11, 1996.[11]
The game was ported to the PlayStation in Japan in January 1997,[2] and in March John Ricciardi of videogames.com, then the video gaming website of GameSpot, reported that "several companies [were] interested in porting" it for a North American release; no specific companies were named.[12] Working Designs, which had already translated and published Popful Mail, some Lunar titles, and other Japanese games in America, previously contacted Taito to license RayForce, but publisher Acclaim had done so a few days before; when they heard about RayStorm, they quickly asked Taito if that game was available, licensed it immediately, and met with Taito to discuss converting the game for American release in April.[13] Working Designs' version was their first release for the PlayStation and the first game released under their "SPAZ" label dedicated to shooter games;[13] the last under that label was the next "Ray" game, RayCrisis.[14] On the same month it was released, an "Interactive CD Sampler" containing a playable demo of the game was bundled with American PlayStation consoles.[15]
Square Enix acquired Taito in 2005. On June 25, 2008, Square Enix made its PlayStation Network debut in Japan, releasing their new subsidiary's RayStorm and five other previously-published PlayStation titles as downloadable games for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable (PSP) systems.[16]
Compilations
RayStorm was bundled with several titles:
- Taito Memories Volume 2, a.k.a. Taito Memories Gekan, which includes 24 other Taito games[17]
- Taito Legends 2 for the PlayStation 2, with 38 other games
- G-Darius+Raystorm Pack[18]
- Simple 1500 Series Vol. 75: The Double Shooting for the PlayStation, which also includes RayCrisis[19]
Differences between releases
The Japanese PlayStation release of RayStorm was well received by gamers, but suffered from slowdown issues at certain points.[12] Working Designs worked to speed up their version of the game, and it runs more smoothly than Taito's release.[citation needed] The company also said that the Japanese version had a compatibility issue with some programmable game controllers, and that they fixed it for their release.[13]
The Working Designs version has a revised difficulty and continue system as well. When it was first released, the publisher offered a chance to win US$10,000 by completing the game with all stages set to difficulty level 4 or above, and then submitting the resulting on-screen game summary to them.[13] If players set any stage's difficulty below level 4, the game runs in a training mode where they can only play the first 4 stages; Working Designs said they forced this to prevent gamers from completing RayStorm with such levels and complaining "that the game was too easy".[13] When the contest was over, the company released[citation needed] a code, with which players can unlock the game's "Free Play" option.
Stages and bosses
The names of the stages and bosses draw to a heavy degree from the history of Rome. Secilia's own intent to annihilate Earth after conquering it is redolent of the habit of Roman-era conquerors of utterly desolating the lands and cities of those foes who had dared to offer heavy resistance, as an example to others. Likewise, the forcible transfer of Earth's inhabitants to the other colonies is similar to the practice of selling the vanquished into slavery. The bosses, meanwhile, are mostly named for generals and leaders who warred against Rome.
Stages
- Albion, D.U., Earth
- Old Gaul City, Earth
- Palmyra Valley, Earth
- 3rd Fleet [of Secilia], Earth orbit
- Carthage Base, Secilia orbit
- Etruria, Secilia
- Juda Central System, Secilia
Bosses
Reception
Critical response
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
GameRankings | 78%[3] |
Metacritic | 79 out of 100[4] |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
GameSpot | 7.8 out of 10[12] |
IGN | 7.5 out of 10[2] |
GameSpot's review of its Japanese release called it "easily the best shooter currently available on the PlayStation"; the website's staff praised its "[intense] lighting effects" and "marvelous explosions" that "fill the screen" and said its two soundtracks by Zuntata are "done well", but said some of the music lacks "the urgency and intensity you'd expect from a fast-paced shooter", that "the game is nowhere near as difficult as its predecessor" RayForce despite adjustable difficulty, and that the ships' main weapon does not "seem to be as much of a necessity as it was in the original [RayForce]".[12] IGN reviewed the North American release, criticizing the game's similarities to Xevious 3D/G+ and calling it "a little short", but saying that it has "amazing graphics, excellent music, and solid gameplay".[2]
Legacy
The arcade game RayCrisis, released by Taito two years later, has R-Gray-like "Wave Riders" for the player to use, and its home versions include R-Grays 1 and 2 as hidden ships.
On April 2007, Taito released Furu Furu Park, a collection of minigames inspired by the company's arcade games, for Nintendo's Wii game console. Gaming website GameDaily said that its RayStorm minigame "requires some very strong bullet-dodging skills", but some of its other minigames are "way too easy".[20]
References
- ^ "Raystorm". Working Designs. Archived from the original on 2004-11-12. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
- ^ a b c d IGN Staff (1997-09-11). "RayStorm Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
- ^ a b "RayStorm Reviews". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
- ^ a b "RayStorm (psx: 1997): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
- ^ Working Designs, ed. (1997). RayStorm North American instruction manual. Working Designs. p. 17. SLUS-00482. (This page states that stage 7 and 8 take place on August 4, while the game itself states "August 7" at the beginning of the seventh stage.)
- ^ Working Designs, ed. (1997). RayStorm North American instruction manual. Working Designs. p. 4. SLUS-00482.
- ^ Working Designs, ed. (1997). RayStorm North American instruction manual. Working Designs. p. 6. SLUS-00482.
- ^ "RayStorm Release Information for Arcade Games". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
- ^ "RayForce Release Information for Arcade Games". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
- ^ "About ZUNTATA (ZUNTATAについて[[Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text]])" (in Japanese). Taito Corporation. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
"TAITO GAME MUSIC Vol.2 DAIRUS" (Alpha Records) is released. The name ZUNTATA is used for the first time on this album. (「TAITO GAME MUSIC Vol.2 DAIRUS」(アルファレコード)リリース。ZUNTATAの名称はこのアルバムで初めて使われた。)
{{cite web}}
: URL–wikilink conflict (help) - ^ "RAYSTORM" (in Japanese). Taito Corporation. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
- ^ a b c d Ricciardi, John (1997-03-06). "RayStorm for PlayStation Review". GameSpot, Inc. Archived from the original on 1999-02-21. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
- ^ a b c d e Working Designs, ed. (1997). RayStorm North American instruction manual. Working Designs. p. 20. SLUS-00482.
- ^ "Victor Ireland on Lunar 2". IGN. 2000-11-10. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
Spaz is done. RayCrisis was the last game for that label.
- ^ "Interactive CD Sampler Volume 4". lockshaw13's PSone & PlayStation 2 US Demo Page. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
{{cite web}}
: External link in
(help)|work=
- ^ Tanaka, John (2008-06-25). "Square Enix Titles Downloadable to PSP, PS3". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-24.
- ^ "Taito Memories Gekan". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-22.
- ^ "Sourcenext: G-Darius(R)+Raystorm Pack (ソースネクスト:Gダライアス(R)+レイストームパック[[Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text]], Sōsunekusuto: G Daraiasu(R)+Reisutōmupakku)" (in Japanese). Sourcenext Corporation. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
{{cite web}}
: URL–wikilink conflict (help) - ^ "The Double Shooting". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-22.
- ^ Workman, Robert (2008-01-29). "Furu Furu Park on Wii Review". GameDaily. AOL, LLC. Retrieved 2008-08-29.