When discussing iconic detectives in JRPGs, names like Goro Akechi (Persona 5) and Naoto Shirogane (Persona 4, soon to be remade) often come to mind. Their popularity is undeniable, thanks to Persona’s mainstream success. However, within the broader Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) universe, one detective predates them all: Raidou Kuzunoha.

Raidou first appeared in the Devil Summoner series, making his debut in Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, the third mainline entry in the spin-off franchise. He returned in Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, solidifying his status as a central figure. 

Over the years, Raidou has made notable appearances across the SMT series, including Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne as a playable character and Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers as an EX Dungeon Boss.

With his distinctive ensemble of a cape, holsters, school uniform, and a deadly mix of firearms and katana, Raidou Kuzunoha left a lasting impression, becoming a fan favorite among Shin Megami Tensei enthusiasts. Now, he returns for a new generation in Raidou Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army.

Demons in the Capital

Originally released in 2006 in Japan for the PlayStation 2, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army was a groundbreaking title within the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. It introduced real-time combat to the series and featured a named protagonist, which was uncommon at the time.

Set in the fictional Taisho 20 era, a period of rapid modernization in Japan, the game embraced a unique historical backdrop where foreign influences shaped society.

Publicly, Raidou Kuzunoha XIV appears to be a student detective working at the Narumi Detective Agency. However, this role is merely a cover for his actual mission, as a Devil Summoner tasked with maintaining peace in the Capital by confronting the demons that lurk in the shadows.

More than just fighting these supernatural threats, he harnesses their power, enlisting demons as allies in battle. As the latest heir to the Raidou Kuzunoha lineage, he upholds a legacy of summoners who wield this unique ability to protect the city.

In his debut adventure, Raidou investigates the disappearance of Kaya Daidoji, the heiress of the Daidoji family. His pursuit leads him into conflict with a mysterious force controlling an army of red-clad soldiers, threatening the city’s fragile peace. 

Fortunately, he isn’t alone. In addition to his repertoire of skills, he’s supported by trusted allies like the determined reporter Tae Asakura and the enigmatic talking cat Gouto-Douji.

The Return of Raidou

Raidou Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army puts players in the role of Raidou Kuzunoha as he searches for the missing Kaya Daidoji. Along the way, he faces numerous obstacles, requiring the aid of demons, both in and out of battle.

While investigating, certain demon types assist Raidou by reading minds to uncover clues or influencing emotions to sway conversations. In combat, alongside his trusted gun and katana, Raidou can summon demons to fight at his side.

Raidou Remastered Features

Raidou Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army enhances the original experience, offering a host of improvements for both longtime fans and newcomers. Learning from past titles, the development team has ensured that this latest offering will have notable additions that JRPG fans will surely enjoy.

Enhanced Visuals

Leveraging modern gaming technology, character models and environments have been refined for a cleaner, sharper look while remaining faithful to the original aesthetic.

The visuals are more detailed, character models and demons have been touched up, and the game’s performance is smoother than before. There is a definite improvement in the visual category, making Raidou Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army a worthwhile release in this modern era of gaming.

Overhauled Battle System

The MAG Drain Battle System adds strategic depth to combat, allowing players to plan encounters properly. Light attacks restore MAG for special abilities, while heavy attacks deal greater damage without replenishing MAG, forcing players to manage their resources wisely.

Additionally, Raidou can now summon two demons instead of just one, giving Raidou a tactical advantage in battle against his foes. New abilities, such as Devil’s Bane, further encourage exploiting enemy weaknesses, making it a key strategy as Raidou faces off against tougher opponents.

Express Streetcars

Protecting the Capital means Raidou needs to cover a lot of ground. Fortunately, travel has been made easier with Express Streetcars. With this new feature, travel to previously visited areas with a simple push of a button, making getting from one point to another effortless, bringing players back into the action faster than you can say Raidou Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army.

Symbol Encounter System

In true RPG fashion, getting the jump on your enemies is essential to increasing your chances of winning. The new Symbol Encounter System lets you do this by Stealth Strike, allowing Raidou to land a preemptive blow for an advantage at the start of battle. While many other games have introduced such a system, Raidou will need every advantage he can get when battling against tough demons.

Increased Number of Usable Demons

The original game featured around 70 recruitable demons, but this remaster increases that number to over 120, almost doubling the number of the original! Additionally, the Premium Devil Chart lets players register multiple versions of the same demon, offering greater customization and expanding the possibilities of how Raidou will build his roster of demons that fight for him.

Quicksave/Autosave and the Sleuth Difficulty

Progress is a precious commodity, so you must save your data often. Now in Raidou Remastered, Quicksave and Autosave make saving progress easier than ever. 

And for those that prefer to experience just the story, a new Sleuth Difficulty has been added where Raidou doesn’t die and there’s no game overs. This is an excellent option for players who want to experience the whole narrative of the game without worrying too much about the intricacies reserved for players who prefer a more immersive approach!

Lock-on and Shooting Mode Added

Adapting a real-time combat system means keeping track of your opponents on the field. In this case, a Lock-on feature has been added so that you can easily focus on your foes in combat, allowing players to focus on other, more important matters.

In addition, should you prefer to use Raidou’s trusty firearms, a Shooting Mode is also added to give you a more 3rd person shooter feel. Your bullets replenish, so there’s no need to go stingy on the ammo. Keep firing away and dispatch foes that hinder your advance!

Mini-map and Objective Display

The addition of a mini-map and Objective Display makes navigating the capital smoother, ensuring Raidou stays on track.

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is the definitive way to experience this cult classic, blending the original elements with modern enhancements that make it more playable than before. The remaster breathes new life into Raidou Kuzunoha’s adventure with refined visuals and new gameplay systems like MAG Drain and dual demon summoning. With expanded demon rosters, quality-of-life additions, and full voice acting for the main story, the remaster ensures newcomers and longtime fans can enjoy this beloved entry without worries.

Raidou Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army is now available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC via Steam.