Ray’z Arcade Chronology

Ray’z Arcade Chronology is a lovingly crafted collection that preserves one of Taito’s most influential shoot-’em-up franchises for modern audiences. Developed by M2 and published by TAITO, this compilation brings together RayForce, RayStorm, RayStorm neo-HD, RayCrisis, and RayCrisis HD, creating a comprehensive showcase of a series that played a significant role in the evolution of arcade shooters. Rather than feeling like a simple bundle of old games, the collection presents itself as a historical journey through the growth of the genre, highlighting how each installment expanded upon the ideas introduced by its predecessor. The defining feature of the Ray series is its innovative lock-on laser system, a mechanic that continues to stand out even decades after its debut. Players are challenged to engage enemies across multiple layers of the battlefield, targeting threats above and below while managing waves of incoming fire. This adds a strategic dimension that separates the games from many traditional shooters that rely solely on quick reflexes. The mechanic remains engaging throughout the collection, rewarding precision, planning, and mastery while delivering the satisfying spectacle of destroying entire groups of enemies with a well-timed attack. RayForce remains an exceptional example of classic arcade design. Its futuristic presentation, memorable stage progression, and carefully balanced difficulty create an experience that still feels remarkably fresh. The game excels at building atmosphere through its visual style and pacing, drawing players into a large-scale science-fiction conflict while maintaining tight and responsive gameplay. Despite its age, it demonstrates why it earned a reputation as one of the most respected vertical shooters of its era. RayStorm marks the franchise’s transition into the world of 3D graphics. While many games struggled during the industry's move from sprites to polygons, RayStorm successfully retained the series’ identity. The original version offers a fascinating snapshot of arcade gaming in the late 1990s, while RayStorm neo-HD provides an updated visual presentation with enhanced clarity and smoother visuals. The result is a game that bridges nostalgia and modernization, allowing both longtime fans and newcomers to appreciate its strengths. The collection’s darkest and most experimental entry is RayCrisis. With its cybernetic themes, unique progression structure, and more intense atmosphere, it pushes the series into new territory. The game introduces additional layers of challenge and complexity that encourage repeated playthroughs. Both the original and HD versions capture the title’s distinctive personality, offering an experience that feels more ambitious and emotionally charged than many arcade shooters of its time. One of the collection’s greatest strengths is the work performed by M2, a developer widely respected for arcade preservation. The package includes numerous quality-of-life features designed to make these demanding games more approachable. Save states, replay functions, practice options, and performance tracking tools allow players to learn mechanics at their own pace while also supporting advanced score-chasing strategies. These additions enhance accessibility without compromising the authenticity of the original arcade experience. The soundtrack across the series deserves special recognition. The music perfectly complements the futuristic settings, blending atmospheric electronic compositions with energetic battle themes. Each title benefits from a distinctive audio identity that amplifies the excitement of gameplay while reinforcing the mood of its science-fiction worlds. Even years after their original release, many of the tracks remain memorable and contribute significantly to the franchise’s enduring appeal. While the collection excels as a preservation effort, it is not entirely flawless. Some players may have appreciated a larger selection of historical extras, such as development materials, concept artwork, interviews, or deeper behind-the-scenes content. The focus remains primarily on the games themselves and the tools that support them. Additionally, newcomers unfamiliar with arcade shooters may find the difficulty intimidating, although the included practice features help ease the learning curve considerably. Overall, Ray’z Arcade Chronology is an outstanding tribute to a legendary shoot-’em-up series. It successfully preserves five versions of three highly influential games while adding modern conveniences that make them more enjoyable than ever. The collection highlights the creativity, challenge, and style that helped define arcade shooters during their golden years. Whether approached as a piece of gaming history or as a set of timeless action games, it delivers a rewarding and expertly presented experience that showcases the enduring brilliance of the Ray franchise. Rating: 8/10

Excellent collection of some of the best Shoot 'em ups ever made!

兎に角、弾をすり抜けて敵を撃破するのが気持ちよいよね。 レーザーで大量に一掃すればことさら。 頑張れば頑張るほど、上手くなっていく気もするし。

If everybody loves classic games this collection should be for you

[strike] 取り消し線付のテキスト 下線レイストの一面ボス前で必ず落ちるんやが... 調べたら2P側でR-GRAY1を使っていると必ず落ちるよう。 わけわからんバグなので直してください。 [/strike] 修正をしてくれました。

当時、対してやりこんだわけではない程度の自分にとっては、あの頃と変わらず楽しめる良移植でした。