Those old enough to remember video arcades may remember quarter guzzling scrolling shooters that challenged your dexterity to the max.  Raiden IV doesn’t deviate from the formula as the game can be near impossible at times!

Developed by Moss Ltd., Raiden IV plays almost identically to the previous games in the franchise.  If you ever played a Raiden of old, you basically played Raiden IV already.  While I can understand Moss’ decision not to mess with a tried and true concept, it’s hard not to be disappointed.  As for gameplay, the first noticeable thing besides the beefed up visuals are the familiar vulcan, laser and plasma weapons.  Missiles and bombs return as secondary weapons.

As for new additions, each ship has a unique weapon that is only available to that ship.  The game comes with only the default ship.  Two additonal ships can be added to the roster via a download purchase on Xbox Live. Also new is the multiplier system where the faster you destroy enemy ships, the higher the multiplier allowing the player to achieve the highest score possible.  This multiplier is especially important for the online leaderboards.

Other than the challenging gameplay, the game tends to get old quickly which is a common problem that plagues this particular genre.  That said, the game is perfect for a quick fix of gaming and at least worth a rent.  The main gripe I have with this game is the cost.  The MSRP is $40 when in fact this game would have been perfect as a $10 title on Xbox Live Arcade.  Additionally, you are required to pay the 80 XBL points per ship when it should have been included from the start.

For those looking for a fresher title in the genre, you are better off tracking down a copy of Ikaruga for the GameCube (Wii compatible of course) or download it on the Xbox 360 for 800 XBL points ($10).