Overview
Strip away complexity and focus on fundamentals. Raiden succeeded through refinement rather than innovation—tight controls, satisfying weapons, readable patterns, and rock-solid two-player co-op. Seibu Kaihatsu’s shooter became the template against which vertical shooters would be measured throughout the 1990s.
Fast facts
- Developer: Seibu Kaihatsu.
- Players: Two simultaneous.
- Approach: Refined fundamentals.
- Legacy: Defined 1990s vertical shooting.
Weapon systems
| Main weapon | Behaviour |
|---|
| Vulcan | Spread shot, wide coverage |
| Laser | Focused beam, high damage |
| Sub weapon | Behaviour |
|---|
| Nuclear missile | Homing |
| Bomb | Straight, powerful |
Power-up progression
| Level | Effect |
|---|
| P collection | Incremental power |
| Max power | Full weapon strength |
| Bomb stock | Limited screen-clear |
Stage design
| Environment | Challenge |
|---|
| Urban | Ground and air targets |
| Ocean | Naval enemies |
| Industrial | Tank formations |
| Final | Boss gauntlet |
Two-player co-op
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|
| Shared screen | Coordinated coverage |
| Weapon mixing | Vulcan + Laser combination |
| Continue system | Fair revival |
Series continuation
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Raiden | 1990 |
| Raiden II | 1993 |
| Raiden DX | 1994 |
| Raiden Fighters | 1996 |
Home conversions
| Platform | Quality |
|---|
| PC Engine | Excellent (CD version) |
| Mega Drive | Good |
| SNES | Competent |
See also