RedRaptor is a 2D vertically scrolling shooter.  It features an upgrade system, but otherwise pretty standard stuff.  It’s available on all current consoles and PC, but reviewed on PS4 here.

Gameplay is simple, move around your spaceship with the control stick and hold down the button to fire.  You can get hit multiple times, but when your energy is fully depleted, it’s Game Over with no continues!  When you shoot enough enemies, a meter will fill and when it’s full you can press the triangle button to fire a powerful laser that lasts for a few seconds.  You can pick up power-ups like shields and different types of shots.  There are two modes, a campaign and arcade modes, but the latter is locked.

The problem I had with this game is the upgrade system.  After you lose, you can go to a menu to permanently upgrade your stats.  Everything from your bullets, shot strength, health, wingmen, laser, and more.  But what this means is that you start the game incredibly weak and must play the early stages over and over again to get strong enough.  I wish they would’ve just let you pick up the power-ups as you went along.  Plus the dull graphics make it hard to see power-ups and bullets.  The game totes that it’s like a shooter from the 90’s, but honestly I’d rather just play a shooter from the 90’s.

Kid Factor:

RedRaptor is rated E for Everyone with an ESRB descriptor of Mild Fantasy Violence.  You just shoot spaceships that explode, and that’s it.  Reading skill is helpful for some of the menus and text, but not necessary just to play.  Younger gamers may find this one too difficult, though.

Tags: Game Reviews