Introduction

The PS2 will always be legendary to me thanks to its incredible ATLUS library. Sure, Persona 3 and 4 top many lists, but one of my favorite hidden gems was the Devil Summoner sub-series from Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army and its sequel. Both were amazing but remained locked on the PS2 for nearly 20 years—until now. Finally, Raidou’s first adventure is back with Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army on PS5. But is it a worthy revival or should I dust off one of my many PS2s? Let’s find out in my review!

Gameplay

Unlike the traditional turn-based style Shin Megami Tensei is known for, Raidou Remastered is an action JRPG set during Japan’s Taisho period. You play as the 14th Devil Summoner of the Kuzunoha family, freshly minted after passing a lethal exam. Now you’re a supernatural detective solving cases too strange for regular authorities—with your talking feline companion, Gotou, at your side (because every SMT title needs a mascot, of course).

The gameplay mixes two main loops: investigation and combat. You’ll explore various environments, speak with locals, take on quests, and gather clues. Between all that detective work, you’ll battle demons in fast-paced, real-time combat. Raidou wields both a sword and a gun, allowing you to chain light and heavy attacks while exploiting enemy weaknesses with physical or magical moves.

As a Devil Summoner, you can deploy up to two demons in battle. They operate with basic AI but can follow your general orders like attack, defend, or stay safe. The AI isn’t perfect, but it’s reliable enough to make fights manageable.

You can also recruit demons via negotiations—tailoring your approach based on each demon’s personality—and fuse them to create stronger allies. This classic SMT mechanic remains as entertaining and strategic as ever.

When not in combat, you’ll investigate various cases around the city. While the detective work isn’t particularly deep, it provides a fun break from the action. I actually enjoyed tracking down clues and talking to townspeople—even if the sleuthing is pretty straightforward.

Graphics

I expected a solid visual overhaul from ATLUS, and Raidou Remastered doesn’t disappoint. While it may not rival the likes of Persona 3 Reload, the character models, demons, and menus have all received noticeable enhancements. The remaster doesn’t scream PS5, but it does look significantly better than the PS2 version—and that’s a win. I’m hopeful we’ll get a similar treatment for the sequel soon.

Sound

I’ve never played an ATLUS game with a bad soundtrack, and Raidou Remastered keeps that tradition alive. The music is excellent, though the main battle theme can wear thin after a while due to repetition. What’s even better is the addition of voice acting! The performances are solid and bring the characters to life in a way that text alone never could.

Story

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army tells a compelling tale. Raidou’s first major case as a Devil Summoner quickly evolves into a full-blown crisis, as a mysterious force begins unleashing demons across the city. I won’t spoil anything, but the plot escalates fast and remains engaging throughout. ATLUS did a great job preserving the narrative while updating it for a new generation of players.

Overall Impression

Remasters don’t always need a full rebuild to shine. Raidou Remastered isn’t as flashy as Final Fantasy VII Remake or Persona 3 Reload, but it adds just enough to feel fresh while preserving the original experience. Having played the PS2 version multiple times, this remaster still felt new to me—and that says a lot. It’s not flawless, but it’s a strong revival worth checking out for ATLUS fans and newcomers alike.

Conclusion

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a must-play—whether you’re a longtime fan of the PS2 original or simply looking for a fresh SMT title that isn’t Persona. There’s enough new content and polish to justify the $50 price tag, and I think most players will agree—it’s a fun, engaging experience from start to finish.

ーAaron