RayForce (2012)

TAITO, renowned for its arcade shooting games, presents RayForce, a key installment in the celebrated RAY trilogy. Since the release of the first game in 1993, RayForce has captivated fans with its cinematic visual style and intricate layered raster scrolling graphics. Now fully adapted for iPhone and iPad, this classic 2D shooter delivers the original arcade experience alongside modern gameplay enhancements.

Game Modes

RayForce offers two distinct game modes to cater to different types of players:

• Remix Mode: Specifically optimized for iPhone, this mode introduces simple flick-style controls for an intuitive and mobile-friendly experience.
• Arcade Mode: A faithful touchscreen recreation of the original arcade version, providing a traditional and challenging gameplay experience.

Shooting Options

Players can choose between two shooting methods, offering flexibility in gameplay style:

• Auto Mode: Automatically fires both the standard weapon and the lock-on laser, allowing one-finger control for simplified play.
• Manual Mode: Adds full weapon control with a toggle for the standard shot and a separate fire button for the lock-on laser, replicating the authentic arcade experience.

Controller and Compatibility

RayForce supports MFi Bluetooth controllers with full key configuration, enabling players to use external devices for enhanced control. The game is also compatible with Game Center, featuring individual rankings for each ship and game mode, allowing competition with global players. Achievements are included, rewarding players for meeting various in-game conditions.

Display Options

Two display settings are available to suit different preferences:

• Zoom Display: Expands the play area to fill the entire screen, showcasing dynamic visuals and providing an immersive experience.
• Original Display: Offers a pixel-perfect rendition of the original arcade screen for purists seeking authentic visuals.

Difficulty Levels

RayForce includes eight difficulty settings, ranging from Very Easy to Very Hard, allowing both beginners and experienced players to enjoy the game at a suitable challenge level.

Graphics and Audio

The game faithfully reproduces the striking raster scrolling and visual style that defined the original RayForce arcade experience. TAITO has meticulously recreated these graphics for the iPhone edition, maintaining the aesthetic and technical fidelity of the classic title. The original soundtrack, produced by TAITO's ZUNTATA sound team, is also fully restored. Additionally, an arranged BGM for Area 1, composed by SHOHEI TSUCHIYA, is available. Players can select between the original BGM and the arranged version through the game's options.

System Requirements

RayForce is compatible with iPhone 4 or newer devices running iOS version 4.2 or later.

Support

For inquiries or assistance, players are encouraged to contact TAITO's customer support at appsupport@taito.co.jp.

If you’re a fan of classic 2D shooters, RayForce might catch your eye, but it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. While the game retains its iconic graphics and soundtrack, it struggles to adapt its arcade experience to mobile. The two game modes (Remix and Arcade) feel limited, and the touch controls, although optimized for iPhone, fail to deliver the precision needed for a satisfying gameplay experience.

Despite its nostalgic appeal, RayForce feels outdated on mobile devices. The visuals are a nice throwback to the 90s, but they’re not enough to justify the flaws in gameplay. The difficulty options and MFi controller support are decent additions, but they don’t fix the core issues with the touch controls and overall pacing. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, thrilling shooter, there are better options out there. Skip this one unless you’re a die-hard fan of the original game.