Raiden IV
Raiden IV is a vertically scrolling shooter developed by MOSS and released as an arcade video game in Japan in 2007. A home conversion was published for Xbox 360 in 2008. An updated arcade version was later released for Taito's NESiCAxLive digital distribution platform.
Also recorded as Raiden IV: OverKill
Raiden IV
- Model
- Raiden
- Date
- 2014
- Publisher
- Raiden IV was published by Taito.
- Language
- English
- Genre
- shoot 'em up
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Documentary summary
Raiden IV is a vertically scrolling shooter developed by MOSS and released as an arcade video game in Japan in 2007. A home conversion was published for Xbox 360 in 2008. An updated arcade version was later released for Taito's NESiCAxLive digital distribution platform.
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Documentary evidence
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wikidata · Q7283778 · wikipedia · Raiden IV
In this article
The object
The object
Two more versions with new content were released: Raiden IV: OverKill for PlayStation 3 and Windows, and Raiden IV x MIKADO remix for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Key facts
Key facts
• Title — Raiden IV • Developer — MOSS • Series — Raiden • Genre — Scrolling shooter • Modes — Single player, multiplayer • Arcade System — Taito Type X, NESiCAxLive
Gameplay
Gameplay
The gameplay of Raiden IV is similar to the previous games. In each stage of increasing difficulty, players maneuver their fighter craft, engaging various enemies and avoiding their attacks. The Flash Shot mechanic, first introduced in Raiden III, returns in this game. Collectible items include weapon upgrade icons, bombs to cancel enemy attacks and deal damage to enemies over a large area, and score items such as medals and fairies.
Plot
Plot
The Crystals have returned again after numerous defeats against humanity. The VCD immediately launches a new model of the Raiden fighter, the Fighting Thunder ME-02 Kai, to stop the Crystals from taking over the Earth.
Development
Development
The first location test for Raiden IV was held at Akihabara Hey on July 22–23, 2006, on an Egret II system. This version had three difficulty levels and forced a different weapon for each player. The second location test was held again at Hey and at Taito Game World in Shinjuku on October 14–16. The third location test was held at High-Tech Sega in Shibuya and Taito Game World in Shinjuku on December 27. The version of the game used in this location test allowed players to select a weapon. The fourth and final location test was held at Shinjuku Gesen Mikado on February 20, 2007. MOSS launched the arcade version of Raiden IV on June 7, 2007 along with an official website.
Ports
Ports
In 2008, an Xbox 360 version was published with new stages, Xbox Live support, monitor rotation options, and downloadable content. The port was set to be released on September 11 by Moss, but was pushed back to October 2 as the game needed more polish and bug fixes. A version designed for the NESiCAxLive arcade download system was unveiled on February 22, 2011, in AOU2011. New features include perfect mode, which incorporates the seven-stage game from the Xbox 360 version of Raiden IV, and background music from the Ultimate of Raiden soundtrack. It has the Fairy character available for use. A PlayStation 3 version was released in early 2014 as Raiden IV: OverKill. This version was the first official European release of the game, and adds two new stages, three different fighters (Fighting Thunder ME-02 Kai, Fighting Thunder Mk-II, Fairy), a new OverKill Mode, and a Replay&Gallery Mode. It was then ported to Windows and released by H2 Interactive worldwide on September 3, 2015. A version titled Raiden IV x MIKADO remix was released for Nintendo Switch on April 22, 2021 in Japan, on May 6, 2021 in North America, and October 22, 2021 in Europe. It features remixed background music by various artists produced by Game Center Mikado. It was later ported to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in Japan, and was released worldwide by NIS America for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in early 2023.
Soundtrack
Soundtrack
Raiden IV -Ultimate of Raiden- is a video game soundtrack CD by INH. It includes Arcade, Xbox 360, and remixed versions of game music tracks from older and current Raiden games, with a total of 27 tracks. The OST was included with the X360 version of game for a limited time. INH has also offered a special PDF file DVD by pre-ordering from their site. The disc named Raiden IV Secret File, contains player ship specifications, enemy combat data, strategies for the game and concept art. This Secret File is also available from American distributor UFO Interactive Games via a code printed on the American version of the CD.
Places
Named by the record
Places
Only places the record itself states, plotted where the house gazetteer settles their coordinates. Nothing is inferred from a name or a nationality.
- Japan
Named but not plotted · 1
Raiden IV is associated with Japan.
Country
Reception
Raiden IV has received mixed or average review scores upon its U.S. release, with both IGN and the Official Xbox Magazine scoring it a 6 out of 10. IGN's Eric Brudvig writes: "Though at first glance you might think there are 14 levels in Raiden IV... there are in fact only seven with the second half of the game merely repeating the first.... UFO Interactive Games went ahead and added insult to injury with its use of downloadable content. After dishing out $40 for the game, you'll find that only one of the three ships on the main menu can be used. The other two must be purchased through Xbox Live". Backlash over the pay to play ships has created controversy at several gaming forums, leading gamers to wonder whether the extra content is worth the price to obtain them.
Primary material
Documents and archives
reference work
- “Raiden IV”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
authority record
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q7283778: Raiden IV
General reference · Wikidata
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.雷電IV blog 第46回 雷電IVとはなんぞや(その1).
- 2.Raiden IV Xbox 360 First Details.
- 3.Raiden IV for Xbox 360 delayed. 27 August 2008.
- 4.タイトー新製品商談会レポートを掲載。自分好みにカスタマイズしたキャラが生き生きと動く「3Dコスプレ麻雀」などの「NESiCAxLive」タイトルも展示.
- 5.Raiden IV: OverKill OUT on PSN TODAY!.
- 6.PS3「雷電IV OverKill」の配信日が4月24日に決定!新たなミッションステージも紹介したPVが公開.
- 7.『雷電IV OverKill』、様式美と伝統を受け継いだ人気シューティングゲームシリーズ最新作をインプレッション. 13 May 2014.
- 8.Raiden IV x MIKADO remix coming west for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and PC in early 2023. Gematsu. July 27, 2022.
- 9.Raiden IV x Mikado Remix for Switch Reviews - Metacritic. Metacritic.
- 10.Romano, Sal. Raiden IV x MIKADO remix for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and PC launches January 31, 2023 in North America, February 3 in Europe. Gematsu. September 7, 2022.
- 11.Raiden IV original sound track -Ultimate of Raiden-. VGMdb.net.
- 12.GameRankings. Raiden IV for Xbox 360. 2009-09-08.
- 13.Metacritic. Raiden IV for Xbox 360 Reviews. 2009-09-08.
- 14.Ray Barnholt. Raiden IV Review (XBOX 360). www.1up.com. 2009-09-09.
- 15.ca.ign.com. Raiden IV Review - IGN. 15 September 2009.
- 16.Raiden IV review at IGN. 15 September 2009.
References
Citations
References
Each reference names the institution holding it, so a reader may go to the document itself.
reference work
Secondary witnessauthority record
General reference
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 17 August 2026.
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