A classic Atlus RPG in the largerShin Megami Tenseifranchise is returning very soon to the Nintendo Switch and other platforms after almost 20 years asRAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army. The original game was titledDevil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Armyand was the third game in theDevil Summonersubseries ofSMT, released in 2006 for PlayStation 2. There has been little to no mention of the game since, but after a long absence, it’s on its way to Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series/X/S, and Steam.
The announcement forRAIDOU Remasteredcame during theMarch 27 Nintendo Direct, revealing some gameplay details, the story hook, and a release date. According toAtlus, the game will have remastered gameplay enhancements and feature real-time combat and cooperation with demons that can be recruited as allies. The gamewill be released on June 19and is available for pre-order.
Raidou Kuzunoha XIV Is Back With Remastered Visuals
Two Decades Made The Heart Grow Fonder
Being the third entry in theDevil Summonerseries, the game is focused on apprentice detective protagonist Raidou Kuzunoha XIV recruiting demons, using their powers, and devoting himself to protecting the capital. Kuzunoha can use his detective skills to recruit demons for his mission and also use their powers outside of combat, like using Jack Frost’s freezing powers to create a walkable path.Combat is real-time and is focused on exploiting weaknesses, a staple of theShin Megami Tenseiseries.
As a remaster of an almost 20-year-old game, there are some modern enhancements. The game will have"an overhauled battle system, enhanced graphics, full voiceover added to the main story, and quality-of-life enhancements," according to an Atlus PR email. The new voiceovers are of note, asRaidou made a recent non-voiced appearance as a recruitable character inShin Megami Tensei 3 Nocturne HD Remaster,replacing the iconic Dante fromDevil May Cry, who would also end up playable and put back into the game as DLC.
An Underrepresented Shin Megami TenseiTitle Returns For Fans Old And New
The Franchise Is Bigger Than Ever
Fans appear to be quite happy with the game’s announcement. A YouTube user namedendlesspeaceon YouTube celebrated:“AFTER ALL THIS YEARS, FINALLY!!“After seeing a franchise expansion in the West with the success ofPersona, another subseries ofShin Megami Tensei, there appears to be renewed interest in more niche games under the giantShin Megami Tenseiumbrella.
The most recentDevil Summonergame,Soul Hackers 2, launched to mixed reception back in 2022, but a game that has been missing in action for over two decades and has a devoted fan base may be what some of the smallerShin Megami Tenseifranchises need.
Soul Hackers 2 Could Be The Start Of A Second SMT Renaissance
With the return of Soul Hackers 25 years after its initial release, Atlus has opened the door for both new spinoffs and dormant IPs to return.
With the mainShin Megami Tenseiseries being bigger than it ever has been, the return of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV inRAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Armyis bound to make old fans happy and will possibly draw in a lot of newcomers to this legendary franchise.
