Among the highly anticipated titles showcased in the March 2025 Nintendo Direct, Shin Megami Tensei: Raidou Remastered – The Mystery of the Soulless Army stands out as a particularly thrilling announcement. This remastered version revitalizes the beloved 2006 PlayStation 2 game, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army. Known for its unique blend of detective work and supernatural elements, the original game found a dedicated fan base within the esteemed Shin Megami Tensei series.
With improvements including enhanced graphics, new voice acting, and refined gameplay mechanics, this remaster aims to attract both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The upcoming Nintendo Switch release promises to deliver a fresh yet faithful interpretation of the classic experience.
Release Date & Pricing Information
Pre-Order Now for Exclusive Bonuses
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is set to launch on June 19, 2025, marking nearly two decades since the original release. The standard edition is priced at $49.99, whereas the Digital Deluxe Edition will retail for $64.99. Gamers who opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition will receive additional content, including the Raidou Glasses, a cosmetic item that transforms the character’s appearance, included with all pre-orders.
The Digital Deluxe Edition further enhances players’ experience with several downloadable content (DLC) packs. Highlights include the Kuzunoha Village Trainings DLC, which offers extra challenges and rewards, the Demons of the Aril Rift DLC featuring unique battles and rewards, and the Guest Demons Pack that includes demons from across the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Furthermore, there is a Skill Book Pack that grants powerful abilities and a Survival Pack stocked with helpful items for combat.
Available Platforms & Pre-Ordering Details
Wide Availability Across Major Platforms
Pre-orders for Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army are currently open across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. Digital pre-orders are available for both editions across all platforms, with physical versions planned for consoles. The PC version, however, will exclusively be available digitally on Steam. Although details regarding a physical Collector’s Edition remain undisclosed, one is expected to be released in partnership with Limited Run Games.
The original title has garnered a Metascore of 74 and a User Score of 8.8 on Metacritic, reflecting a generally favorable reception.
For fans of portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch version delivers flexibility, allowing for play at home or on the move. Although the console may offer lower framerates compared to other platforms, it provides the convenience of quick switch between play styles.
Narrative Insights & Game Plot
A Fresh Take on Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army
The remaster focuses on the engaging combination of detective elements and supernatural confrontations that made the original game stand out. Raidou Remastered enhances visuals and updates the battle system, all while featuring full voice acting without compromising the fundamental aspects of the original.
The narrative kicks off with a gripping scenario: a young heiress approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a request to end her life, only to be promptly abducted before she reveals the details. Players guide Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, an aspiring detective and Devil Summoner, as he delves into the mystery, uncovering a more extensive conspiracy involving demons and various supernatural entities. The story unfolds in an intricately designed 1930s Tokyo, rife with enigmas and lurking demons.
A sequel was launched in 2008 called Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, along with various other titles within the overarching Megami Tensei series.
Noteworthy is the character Gouto, a black cat companion to Raidou, who plays a vital role by offering hints and guidance throughout the narrative, implying a deeper significance to his character beyond mere companionship.
Gameplay Features & Mechanics
In contrast to many titles within the Shin Megami Tensei and previous Devil Summoner installments, Raidou Remastered adopts a real-time combat system. Players control Raidou, who can ally with over 120 unique demons, each possessing distinct abilities and weaknesses. Engaging in battle is not purely action-oriented; it requires strategic thinking to exploit enemy vulnerabilities and to manage resources like Magnetite, a crucial energy source for demon skills. Raidou can execute MAG Drain attacks, allowing for tactical depth in combat.
Understanding the detective aspects is equally essential for unraveling the storyline. Raidou possesses skills like Read Mind, revealing NPC thoughts, and can dispatch demons on independent missions to unearth secrets. Additionally, the game features the Art of Confinement, enabling players to capture demons during battles.
In a unique twist, players can send their captured demons on individual investigations, adding complexity to the gameplay and enabling the discovery of otherwise elusive information. The relationships developed with these demons are pivotal for progressing in the story, encouraging players to experiment with various combinations to unlock potent abilities. With a vast array of demons to choose from and the ability to fuse them, Raidou Remastered promotes endless customization and strategic opportunities.
Set against the backdrop of the Taishō period, the game juxtaposes Eastern and Western influences, showcasing the aesthetic of Western Art Deco alongside late Edo period architecture while exploring societal adaptability to change.
The remastered edition includes numerous enhancements aimed at modernizing the player experience. It features improved save mechanisms, offering more slots and quick save options. Five difficulty settings include the challenging Detective Legend mode, available upon completing the game. Additionally, players can select between English and Japanese voiceovers, ensuring all preferences are catered to.
With its captivating narrative, engaging combat, and the diverse mechanics of demon fusion, Raidou Remastered is poised to deliver a rich and immersive RPG experience. As this new iteration upholds the legacy of quality associated with the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, it promises enjoyment for veterans of the original title and curious newcomers alike.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube, Nintendo Switch, Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Metacritic