Atlus’ choice to revisit the PS2-era classic, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, may seem unexpected given the extensive catalog from that period. This action RPG, often overlooked when reflecting on the developer’s most notable releases, now finds itself receiving a modern revival.
For contemporary fans, particularly those who began their journeys with the Persona series, Raidou provides an intriguing look into the studio’s history, making the remastered version a tale worth rediscovering.
Despite its title, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army functions more as a remake than a mere remaster. While it retains the original storyline and structure, the game has undergone a significant visual transformation with new 3D assets, and its core gameplay mechanics have been substantially enhanced. This revitalization marks a stark contrast to the lackluster reception of the 2021 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster.
Players step into the shoes of Raidou Kuzunoha, a budding Devil Summoner who ventures into Tokyo to confront ominous forces. Positioned as a peacekeeper intertwined with those who safeguard the nation from dark influences, Raidou employs an array of demons typical of the Shin Megami Tensei series to aid his investigations.
The narrative begins with a compelling premise and evolves through a series of unpredictable twists. While some characters may lack depth, the story maintains a certain charm. Though not particularly well-structured, its eccentric plot elements make it a memorable experience, something that is increasingly rare in today’s gaming landscape.
Narratively, the game unfolds in episodic segments, marked by title cards that enhance the pacing of its relatively brief campaign. Lasting around 30 hours, it offers a refreshing contrast to many of Atlus’ more recent, lengthy titles.
The game features two primary aspects: investigation, where Raidou gathers clues on various cases, and dungeon exploration in a spirit realm inhabited by demons. The investigation component has been simplified for the remaster, with added objective markers and hints that alleviate some of the original’s challenge but make the gameplay less tedious.
However, certain elements reveal the game’s age, such as the occasional necessity of backtracking across locations for minimal dialogue. The optional side quests feel repetitive and lack engaging content.
Combat, initially a weak point in the 2006 version due to its repetitive action mechanics, has been overhauled in the remaster. Battles now occur in fully three-dimensional arenas, with Raidou displaying smoother controls akin to a true action protagonist, equipped with combos and special moves accessible via button shortcuts. This significant redesign enhances both the functionality and enjoyment of combat.
In this revamped system, Raidou fights alongside two AI-controlled demon allies, playing a pivotal role as the facilitator of offense rather than the primary damage dealer. Striking an enemy’s weakness momentarily disrupts them, allowing Raidou to extend his combos and regain SP, creating an engaging loop of action.
Building a strong team of demons becomes essential. During battles, Raidou can recruit lesser enemies to fight alongside him, but the real excitement lies in demon fusion. Just like in Persona, this feature allows skills and traits to be transferred to create powerful new forms, ensuring a fulfilling sense of character progression.
Outside of combat, it’s crucial for Raidou to curate a diverse team of demons. Specific abilities are needed during investigations to interact with people or objects, fostering greater bonds between the protagonist and his unique companions. Although the demons may not be dynamic personalities, their interactions and quirky dialogue add a layer of charm, making them feel more integral to the storyline than in many other Atlus titles.