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{{Short description|1991 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
|title = Rayxanber II
|title = Rayxanber II
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}}
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{{nihongo foot|'''''Rayxanber II'''''|ライザンバーII|''Raizanbā II''||lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1991 [[Shoot 'em up#Types|horizontally scrolling shooter]] [[video game]] developed and published by Data West for the [[PC Engine CD-ROM²]]. It is the sequel to ''[[Rayxanber]]'', which was released earlier in 1990 for the [[FM Towns]].<ref name="P'nL9ClsR"/> In the game, the player assume the role of a fighter pilot controlling a space craft to protect Earth against an alien invasion led by the returning Zoul Empire. The title was created by Team 50, a group within Data West that previously worked on the first entry for FM Towns. The music was composed by Yasuhito Saito, who also worked on titles such as ''[[Layla (video game)|Layla]]'' and ''The 4th Unit'' series.
{{nihongo foot|'''''Rayxanber II'''''|ライザンバーII|''Raizanbā II''||lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1991 [[Shoot 'em up#Types|horizontally scrolling shooter]] [[video game]] developed and published by Data West for the [[PC Engine CD-ROM²]]. It is the sequel to ''[[Rayxanber]]'', which was released earlier in 1990 for the [[FM Towns]].<ref name="P'nL9ClsR"/> In the game, the player assumes the role of a fighter pilot controlling the Eliminate Scanner AD space craft to protect Earth against an alien invasion led by the returning Zoul Empire. The title was created by Team 50, a group within Data West that previously worked on the first entry for FM Towns. The music was scored by Yasuhito Saito, who composed for the original entry and also worked on titles such as ''[[Layla (video game)|Layla]]'' and ''The 4th Unit'' series.


''Rayxanber II'' became a success when it released in Japan but garnered mixed reception from critics, including French publications reviewing it as an [[Parallel importing in video games|import title]]; praise was given to the visuals, audio, controls, introduction of various innovations into its gameplay and longevity, but most noted its difficulty and criticized its presentation. Retrospective commentary have been equally mixed, some of which found it to be an improvement over its predecessor but concurred in regards to its high difficulty nature. A follow-up, ''Rayxanber III'', was released for the [[PC Engine Super CD-ROM²]] in 1992.
''Rayxanber II'' became a success when it released in Japan but garnered mixed reception from critics, including French publications reviewing it as an [[Parallel importing in video games|import title]]; praise was given to the visuals, audio, controls, introduction of various innovations into its gameplay and longevity, but most noted its difficulty and criticized its presentation. Retrospective commentary have been equally mixed, some of which found it to be an improvement over its predecessor but concurred in regards to its high difficulty nature. A follow-up, ''[[Rayxanber III]]'', was released for the [[PC Engine Super CD-ROM²]] in 1992.


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
[[File:PCE CD-ROM² Rayxanber II.png|frame|left|Gameplay screenshot.]]
[[File:PCE CD-ROM² Rayxanber II.png|frame|left|Screenshot of the game's first stage.]]
{{seealso|Rayxanber#Gameplay}}
''Rayxanber II'' is a science fiction-themed [[horizontal-scrolling shooter]] game reminiscent of ''[[R-Type]]'',<ref name="SHMUPS!rarII"/><ref name="RM4"/> in which the player takes control of a fighter pilot controlling a space craft to protect Earth against an alien invasion led by the returning Zoul Empire.<ref name="RARIImanual">''Rayxanber II'' manual (PC Engine CD-ROM², JP)</ref> The player controls the ship through six increasingly difficult stages over a constantly scrolling background, populated with an assortment of alien enemy forces and obstacles, and the scenery never stops moving until a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]] is reached, which must be fought in order to progress further.<ref name="RARIIhg101"/><ref name="PCEFv4i6">{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3APCEngineFan_JP_1991-06.pdf&page=32|title=ライザンバーII|magazine=[[PC Engine Fan]]|volume=4|issue=6|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|date=June 1, 1991|pages=32-33|lang=ja}}</ref>
''Rayxanber II'' is a science fiction-themed [[horizontal-scrolling shooter]] game reminiscent of ''[[R-Type]]'',<ref name="SHMUPS!rarII"/><ref name="RM4"/> in which the player takes control of a fighter pilot controlling the Eliminate Scanner AD space craft to protect Earth against an alien invasion led by the returning Zoul Empire.<ref name="RARIImanual">''Rayxanber II'' manual (PC Engine CD-ROM², JP)</ref> It retains the same gameplay as its [[Rayxanber|predecessor]], as the player controls the ship through six increasingly difficult stages over a constantly scrolling background, populated with an assortment of alien enemy forces and obstacles, and the scenery never stops moving until a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]] is reached, which must be fought in order to progress further.<ref name="RARIIhg101"/><ref name="PCEFv4i6">{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3APCEngineFan_JP_1991-06.pdf&page=32|title=ライザンバーII|magazine=[[PC Engine Fan]]|volume=4|issue=6|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|date=June 1, 1991|pages=32–33|lang=ja}}</ref>


There are three types of weapon units in the game the player can acquire by collecting their respective colors when dropped by certain enemies when defeated and alternate between each one by obtaining another weapon during gameplay, ranging from explosives (red), laser (green), and multi-directional (blue).<ref name="RARIImanual"/> Each weapon can be powered-up before they are maxed out and collecting any weapon unit also equips the ship with a set of two satellite-like options that fire at the specific direction the unit, which is constantly rotating, faces before being obtained.<ref name="RARIImanual"/> By holding down the attack button, the player can charge the ship's cannon to unleash a more powerful blast against enemies.<ref name="RARIImanual"/> The ship is also capable of performing a dash maneuver to evade incoming enemy fire or obstacles.<ref name="RARIImanual"/><ref name="RARIIhg101"/>
There are three types of weapon units in the game the player can acquire by collecting their respective colors when dropped by carriers when shot down and alternate between each one by obtaining another weapon during gameplay, ranging from fire (red), lightning (green), and multi-directional laser (blue).<ref name="RARIImanual"/> Each weapon can be powered-up before they are maxed out and collecting any weapon unit also equips the ship with a set of two satellite-like options that fire at the specific direction the unit, which is constantly rotating, faces before being obtained.<ref name="RARIImanual"/> By holding down the attack button, the player can charge the ship's cannon to unleash a more powerful blast against enemies.<ref name="RARIImanual"/> The ship is also capable of performing a dash maneuver to evade incoming enemy fire or obstacles.<ref name="RARIImanual"/><ref name="RARIIhg101"/>


The title employs [[Saved game#Checkpoints|checkpoint]] system in which a downed player will start off at the beginning of the checkpoint they managed to reach before dying.<ref name="RARIImanual"/><ref name="RARIIhg101"/> Getting hit by enemy fire or colliding against solid stage obstacles will result in losing a live, as well as a penalty of decreasing the ship's [[firepower]] and the weapon that was currently in use, and the game is over once all lives are lost, though the player has unlimited continues to keep playing.<ref name="CPrarII"/>
As with the original ''Rayxanber'', the title employs a [[Saved game#Checkpoints|checkpoint]] system in which a downed player will start off at the beginning of the checkpoint they managed to reach before dying.<ref name="RARIImanual"/><ref name="RARIIhg101"/> Getting hit by enemy fire or colliding against solid stage obstacles will result in losing a live, as well as a penalty of decreasing the ship's [[firepower]] and loss of the weapon that was currently in use, and the [[Game over|game is over]] once all lives are lost, though the player has unlimited continues to keep playing.<ref name="CPrarII"/>


== Development and release ==
== Development and release ==
''Rayxanber II'' was developed by Team 50, a group within Data West, which previously worked on the original ''[[Rayxanber]]'' (1990) for [[FM Towns]].<ref name="P'nL9ClsR"/><ref name="RARIIsr">{{cite video game|title=Rayxanber II|developer=Data West|publisher=Data West|date=June 7, 1991|platform=[[PC Engine CD-ROM²]]|level=[[Staff roll]]}}</ref><ref name="RARIhg101">{{cite web|last=Sczepaniak|first=John|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rayxanber/|title=Rayxanber|work=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|date=December 8, 2013|access-date=2022-02-02|archive-date=2021-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223022553/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rayxanber/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TUHoJGDVol1">{{cite book|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|title=Saito, Yasuhito|work=The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers|volume=1|publisher=S.M.G. Szczepaniak|date=August 11, 2014|isbn=978-0-9929260-0-7}}</ref> It was designed by Kazuhide Nakamura and produced by Naokazu Akita, with Fumio Minami and Yoshiyuki Washizu acting as co-programmers.<ref name="RARIIsr"/> Artist Takeharu Igarashi was responsible for the [[pixel art]].<ref name="RARIIsr"/> The music was composed by Yasuhito Saito, who also worked on titles such as ''[[Layla (video game)|Layla]]'' and ''The 4th Unit'' series.<ref name="TUHoJGDVol1"/> The game was published in Japan by Data West on June 7, 1991 for the [[PC Engine CD-ROM²]].<ref name="P'nL9ClsR"/><ref name="TP8">{{cite magazine|last=Nauert|first=Donn|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3ATurboPlay_US_08.pdf&page=28|title=Tokyo Toy Show — Summer 1991|magazine=[[TurboPlay]]|issue=8|publisher=[[Larry Flynt Publications]]|date=September 1991|pages=24-29}}</ref> After its release, the title was demonstrated at the 1991 Tokyo Toy Show during summer.<ref name="TP8"/>
''Rayxanber II'' was developed by Team 50, a group within Data West, which previously worked on the original ''[[Rayxanber]]'' (1990) for [[FM Towns]].<ref name="P'nL9ClsR"/><ref name="RARIIsr">{{cite video game|title=Rayxanber II|developer=Data West|publisher=Data West|date=June 7, 1991|platform=[[PC Engine CD-ROM²]]|level=[[Staff roll]]}}</ref><ref name="RARIhg101">{{cite web|last=Sczepaniak|first=John|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rayxanber/|title=Rayxanber|work=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|date=December 8, 2013|access-date=2022-02-02|archive-date=2021-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223022553/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rayxanber/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TUHoJGDVol1">{{cite book|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|title=Saito, Yasuhito|work=The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers|volume=1|publisher=S.M.G. Szczepaniak|date=August 11, 2014|isbn=978-0-9929260-0-7}}</ref> It was designed by Kazuhide Nakamura and produced by Naokazu Akita, with Fumio Minami and Yoshiyuki Washizu acting as co-programmers.<ref name="RARIIsr"/> Artist Takeharu Igarashi was responsible for the [[pixel art]].<ref name="RARIIsr"/> The music was scored by Yasuhito Saito, who composed for the original entry and also worked on titles such as ''[[Layla (video game)|Layla]]'' and ''The 4th Unit'' series.<ref name="TUHoJGDVol1"/> The game was published in Japan by Data West on June 7, 1991 for the [[PC Engine CD-ROM²]].<ref name="P'nL9ClsR"/><ref name="TP8">{{cite magazine|last=Nauert|first=Donn|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3ATurboPlay_US_08.pdf&page=28|title=Tokyo Toy Show — Summer 1991|magazine=[[TurboPlay]]|issue=8|publisher=[[Larry Flynt Publications]]|date=September 1991|pages=24–29}}</ref> After its release, the title was demonstrated at the 1991 Tokyo Toy Show during summer.<ref name="TP8"/> In a 2020 interview with Japanese gaming website ''DenFaminicoGamer'', a Data West representative commented that there were no current plans for a digital re-release of the ''Rayxanber'' series through their official online store, but would consider it if there is demand.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fukuyama|first1=Koji|author2=ishigen|url=https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/gamenewsplus/200303i|title=FM TOWNSで活躍したゲームソフトメーカー「データウエスト」が突然の復活、その真意を聞いてみた。将来的には『第4のユニット』続編やダウンロード販売も視野に|work=DenFaminicoGamer|publisher=Gamemaga|date=March 3, 2020|access-date=2022-02-06|language=ja|archive-date=2022-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205043245/https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/gamenewsplus/200303i|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
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|PO = 94%<ref name="POrarII">{{cite magazine|last=Scamps|first=Olivier|url=https://archive.org/stream/playerone-magazine-012c#page/n72/mode/1up|title=Tests De Jeux: Rayxanber II|magazine={{ill|Player One (magazine)|lt=Player One|fr|Player One (magazine)}}|issue=12|publisher={{ill|Média Système Édition|lt=Média Système Édition|fr|Média Système Édition}}|date=September 1991|page=73|lang=fr}}</ref>
|PO = 94%<ref name="POrarII">{{cite magazine|last=Scamps|first=Olivier|url=https://archive.org/stream/playerone-magazine-012c#page/n72/mode/1up|title=Tests De Jeux: Rayxanber II|magazine={{ill|Player One (magazine)|lt=Player One|fr|Player One (magazine)}}|issue=12|publisher={{ill|Média Système Édition|lt=Média Système Édition|fr|Média Système Édition}}|date=September 1991|page=73|lang=fr}}</ref>
|rev1 = ''Gekkan PC Engine''
|rev1 = ''Gekkan PC Engine''
|rev1Score = 84/100<ref name="GPCErarII">{{cite magazine|title=ライザンバーII|magazine={{ill|Gekkan PC Engine|lt=Gekkan PC Engine|ja|月刊PCエンジン}} |publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|date=1991|lang=ja}}</ref>
|rev1Score = 84/100<ref name="GPCErarII">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/gekkan-pc-engine-issue-34-july-1991/page/119/mode/1up|title=Review (5/31~6/29) - ライザンバーII|magazine={{ill|Gekkan PC Engine|lt=Gekkan PC Engine|ja|月刊PCエンジン}}|issue=34|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|date=July 1991|page=119|lang=ja}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''Marukatsu PC Engine''
|rev2 = ''Marukatsu PC Engine''
|rev2Score = 23/40<ref name="MPCErarII">{{cite magazine|title=ライザンバーII|magazine={{ill|Marukatsu PC Engine|lt=Marukatsu PC Engine|ja|マル勝PCエンジン}}|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|date=1991|lang=ja}}</ref>
|rev2Score = 23/40<ref name="MPCErarII">{{cite magazine|title=ライザンバーII|magazine={{ill|Marukatsu PC Engine|lt=Marukatsu PC Engine|ja|マル勝PCエンジン}}|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|date=1991|lang=ja}}</ref>
}}
}}


''Rayxanber II'' garnered mixed reception from critics, including French publications reviewing it as an [[Parallel importing in video games|import title]]. According to ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', the game became an "instant success" when it released in Japan.<ref name="EGM33">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_033#page/n51/mode/1up|title=International Outlook: Data West / PC Engine SuperCD-ROM - Rayxanber III|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=33|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=April 1992|page=52}}</ref> In contrast to the critical response, public reception was positive; readers of ''[[PC Engine Fan]]'' voted to give the title a 22.21 out of 30 score, ranking at the number 155 spot in a poll, indicating a popular following.<ref name="PCEFrarII">{{cite magazine|title=PC Engine All Catalog '93 10月号特別付録 - ライザンバーII|magazine=[[PC Engine Fan]]|volume=6|issue=10|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|date=October 1, 1993|page=94|lang=ja}}</ref>
''Rayxanber II'' became an "instant success" when it released in Japan according to ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'',<ref name="EGM33">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_033#page/n51/mode/1up|title=International Outlook: Data West / PC Engine SuperCD-ROM - Rayxanber III|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=33|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=April 1992|page=52}}</ref> but garnered mixed reception from critics, including French publications reviewing it as an [[Parallel importing in video games|import title]]. In contrast to the critical response, public reception was positive; readers of ''[[PC Engine Fan]]'' voted to give the title a 22.21 out of 30 score, ranking at the number 155 spot in a poll, indicating a popular following.<ref name="PCEFrarII">{{cite magazine|title=PC Engine All Catalog '93 10月号特別付録 - ライザンバーII|magazine=[[PC Engine Fan]]|volume=6|issue=10|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|date=October 1, 1993|page=94|lang=ja}}</ref>


Japanese gaming magazine ''Gekkan PC Engine'' gave ''Rayxanber II'' a positive review, with its five critics giving it a score of 84 points out of 100.<ref name="GPCErarII"/> Another Japanese gaming publication, ''Marukatsu PC Engine'', gave it game an average review and its four reviewers giving the game a score of 23 points out of 40 instead.<ref name="MPCErarII"/> Kaneda Kun of ''Consoles +'' praised the graphics and audio for taking advantage of the CD-ROM format, as well as the playability and longevity, but noted its difficulty after the third stage despite the unlimited continues feature and panned the game's presentation.<ref name="CPrarII"/> ''[[Joystick (magazine)|Joystick]]''{{'}}s Jean-Marc Demoly commended the animated visuals, controls and catchy soundtrack but remarked that he did not felt as grabbed by the title compared to ''[[Seirei Senshi Spriggan]]''.<ref name="JSrarII"/> Reviewing for ''Player One'', Olivier "Iggy" Scamps gave positive remarks to the introduction of various innovations into its gameplay, graphics, smooth scrolling, audio and longevity, regarding it as a fun shoot 'em up but noted its difficulty.<ref name="POrarII"/>
Japanese gaming magazine ''Gekkan PC Engine'' gave ''Rayxanber II'' a positive review, with its five critics giving it a score of 84 points out of 100.<ref name="GPCErarII"/> Another Japanese gaming publication, ''Marukatsu PC Engine'', gave it game an average review and its four reviewers giving the game a score of 23 points out of 40 instead.<ref name="MPCErarII"/> Kaneda Kun of ''Consoles +'' praised the graphics and audio for taking advantage of the CD-ROM format, as well as the playability and longevity, but noted its difficulty after the third stage despite the unlimited continues feature and panned the game's presentation.<ref name="CPrarII"/> ''[[Joystick (magazine)|Joystick]]''{{'}}s Jean-Marc Demoly commended the animated visuals, controls and catchy soundtrack but remarked that he did not felt as grabbed by the title compared to ''[[Seirei Senshi Spriggan]]''.<ref name="JSrarII"/> Reviewing for ''Player One'', Olivier "Iggy" Scamps gave positive remarks to the introduction of various innovations into its gameplay, graphics, smooth scrolling, audio and longevity, regarding it as a fun shoot 'em up but noted its difficulty.<ref name="POrarII"/>


=== Retrospective coverage ===
Retrospective commentaries for have been equally mixed.<ref name="P'nL9ClsR">{{cite magazine|last=Denis|first=Cyril|title=Consoles : la saga Rayxanber|magazine={{ill|Pix'n Love|lt=Pix'n Love|fr|Pix'n Love}}|issue=9|publisher={{ill|Éditions Pix'n Love|lt=Éditions Pix'n Love|fr|Éditions Pix'n Love}}|date=October 2009|pages=92-97|lang=fr}}</ref> Writing for his website ''Illusionware'', Marco D'Andrea commended the austere visual style and melancholic CD-quality music, but noted the game's difficulty and remarked that the weapons felt underpowered.<ref name="I.itRARII">{{cite web|last=D'Andrea|first=Marco|url=http://www.illusionware.it/pc-engine/rayxanber%20II.htm|title=Rayxanber II|website=illusionware.it|date=February 11, 2006|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2013-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127021032/http://www.illusionware.it/pc-engine/rayxanber%20II.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Joel Schander of ''SHMUPS!'' (a classic network of ''[[GameSpy]]'') stated that the title was heavily influeced by ''[[R-Type]]'', giving positive remark to the detailed graphics. However, Schander found the music forgettable and also noted its difficult nature, stating " If you can't (or don't want to) memorize a rigid -- and convoluted -- path through each level and follow it every time you play, the game will likely frustrate you to no end by the third or fourth level. If this isn't your thing, avoid the game at all costs."<ref name="SHMUPS!rarII">{{cite web|last=Schander|first=Joel|url=http://shmups.classicgaming.gamespy.com/reviews/rayxanber2/index.html|title=Xenocide Files: Rayxanber 2 - Datawest|work=SHMUPS!|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|date=2007|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2007-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106000141/http://shmups.classicgaming.gamespy.com/reviews/rayxanber2/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Nicolas Gilles of ''Obsolete Tears'' wrote that "''Rayxanber II'' is a masochistic shooter, to be reserved only for hardcore ''R-Type'' fans, as it is difficult and annoying."<ref name="OTearsRARII">{{cite web|last=Gilles|first=Nicolas|url=http://www.obsolete-tears.com/rayxanber-ii-nec-pc-engine-cd-test-344.html|title=Rayxanber II (Testé sur Nec PC Engine CD): Et voici venir l'un des shoots les plus difficiles de tous les temps, rien que ça !|work=Obsolete Tears|date=September 12, 2008|access-date=2022-01-31|lang=fr|archive-date=2009-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110025159/http://www.obsolete-tears.com/rayxanber-ii-nec-pc-engine-cd-test-344.html|url-status=live}}</ref> David Borrachero and Antxiko of Spanish magazine ''RetroManiac'' regarded both ''Rayxanber II'' and ''Rayxanber III'' as two of the best games on the [[PC Engine]] platform, noting the need of memorizing stage patterns in a similar fashion to ''R-Type''. They also commended both visuals and playability for being "exceptional", as well as the soundtrack for taking advantage of the CD-ROM format.<ref name="RM4">{{cite magazine|last1=Borrachero|first1=David|author2=Antxiko|url=https://archive.org/stream/RetroManiac-Magazine-4#page/n58/mode/1up|title=La Historia De PC-Engine: Los Mejores Juegos|magazine=RetroManiac Magazine|issue=4|publisher=RetroManiac|date=August 26, 2011|pages=54-63|lang=es}}</ref> ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]''{{'}}s John Sczepaniak found it to be an improvement over its predecessor but concurred with the other reviewers regarding its high difficulty nature, due to lack of balance and "broken" checkpoint system, recommending its follow-up instead.<ref name="RARIIhg101">{{cite web|last=Sczepaniak|first=John|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rayxanber-ii/|title=Rayxanber II|work=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|date=December 12, 2014|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2021-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223022515/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rayxanber-ii/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Retrospective commentaries for ''Rayxanber II'' have been equally mixed.<ref name="P'nL9ClsR">{{cite magazine|last=Denis|first=Cyril|title=Consoles : la saga Rayxanber|magazine={{ill|Pix'n Love|lt=Pix'n Love|fr|Pix'n Love}}|issue=9|publisher={{ill|Éditions Pix'n Love|lt=Éditions Pix'n Love|fr|Éditions Pix'n Love}}|date=October 2009|pages=92–97|lang=fr}}</ref> Joel Schander of ''SHMUPS!'' (a classic network of ''[[GameSpy]]'') stated that the title was heavily influenced by ''[[R-Type]]'', giving positive remark to the detailed graphics. However, Schander found the music forgettable and also noted its difficult nature, stating " If you can't (or don't want to) memorize a rigid -- and convoluted -- path through each level and follow it every time you play, the game will likely frustrate you to no end by the third or fourth level. If this isn't your thing, avoid the game at all costs."<ref name="SHMUPS!rarII">{{cite web|last=Schander|first=Joel|url=http://shmups.classicgaming.gamespy.com/reviews/rayxanber2/index.html|title=Xenocide Files: Rayxanber 2 - Datawest|work=SHMUPS!|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|date=2007|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2007-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106000141/http://shmups.classicgaming.gamespy.com/reviews/rayxanber2/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> David Borrachero and Antxiko of Spanish magazine ''RetroManiac'' regarded both ''Rayxanber II'' and ''[[Rayxanber III]]'' as two of the best games on the [[PC Engine]] platform, noting the need of memorizing stage patterns in a similar fashion to ''R-Type''. They also commended both visuals and playability for being "exceptional", as well as the soundtrack for taking advantage of the CD-ROM format.<ref name="RM4">{{cite magazine|last1=Borrachero|first1=David|author2=Antxiko|url=https://archive.org/stream/RetroManiac-Magazine-4#page/n58/mode/1up|title=La Historia De PC-Engine: Los Mejores Juegos|magazine=RetroManiac Magazine|issue=4|publisher=RetroManiac|date=August 26, 2011|pages=54–63|lang=es}}</ref> ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]''{{'}}s John Sczepaniak found it to be an improvement over its predecessor but concurred with the other reviewers regarding its high difficulty nature, due to lack of balance and "broken" checkpoint system, recommending its follow-up instead.<ref name="RARIIhg101">{{cite web|last=Sczepaniak|first=John|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rayxanber-ii/|title=Rayxanber II|work=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|date=December 12, 2014|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2021-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223022515/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/rayxanber-ii/|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
Line 68: Line 71:
[[Category:TurboGrafx-CD games]]
[[Category:TurboGrafx-CD games]]
[[Category:TurboGrafx-CD-only games]]
[[Category:TurboGrafx-CD-only games]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games about alien invasions]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games set in outer space]]

Latest revision as of 21:21, 16 September 2024

Rayxanber II
Developer(s)Data West
Publisher(s)Data West
Producer(s)Naokazu Akita
Designer(s)Kazuhide Nakamura
Programmer(s)Fumio Minami
Yoshiyuki Washizu
Artist(s)Takeharu Igarashi
Composer(s)Yasuhito Saito
SeriesRayxanber
Platform(s)PC Engine CD-ROM²
Release
  • JP: June 7, 1991
Genre(s)Horizontally scrolling shooter
Mode(s)Single-player

Rayxanber II[a] is a 1991 horizontally scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Data West for the PC Engine CD-ROM². It is the sequel to Rayxanber, which was released earlier in 1990 for the FM Towns.[1] In the game, the player assumes the role of a fighter pilot controlling the Eliminate Scanner AD space craft to protect Earth against an alien invasion led by the returning Zoul Empire. The title was created by Team 50, a group within Data West that previously worked on the first entry for FM Towns. The music was scored by Yasuhito Saito, who composed for the original entry and also worked on titles such as Layla and The 4th Unit series.

Rayxanber II became a success when it released in Japan but garnered mixed reception from critics, including French publications reviewing it as an import title; praise was given to the visuals, audio, controls, introduction of various innovations into its gameplay and longevity, but most noted its difficulty and criticized its presentation. Retrospective commentary have been equally mixed, some of which found it to be an improvement over its predecessor but concurred in regards to its high difficulty nature. A follow-up, Rayxanber III, was released for the PC Engine Super CD-ROM² in 1992.

Gameplay

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Screenshot of the game's first stage.
See also: Rayxanber § Gameplay

Rayxanber II is a science fiction-themed horizontal-scrolling shooter game reminiscent of R-Type,[2][3] in which the player takes control of a fighter pilot controlling the Eliminate Scanner AD space craft to protect Earth against an alien invasion led by the returning Zoul Empire.[4] It retains the same gameplay as its predecessor, as the player controls the ship through six increasingly difficult stages over a constantly scrolling background, populated with an assortment of alien enemy forces and obstacles, and the scenery never stops moving until a boss is reached, which must be fought in order to progress further.[5][6]

There are three types of weapon units in the game the player can acquire by collecting their respective colors when dropped by carriers when shot down and alternate between each one by obtaining another weapon during gameplay, ranging from fire (red), lightning (green), and multi-directional laser (blue).[4] Each weapon can be powered-up before they are maxed out and collecting any weapon unit also equips the ship with a set of two satellite-like options that fire at the specific direction the unit, which is constantly rotating, faces before being obtained.[4] By holding down the attack button, the player can charge the ship's cannon to unleash a more powerful blast against enemies.[4] The ship is also capable of performing a dash maneuver to evade incoming enemy fire or obstacles.[4][5]

As with the original Rayxanber, the title employs a checkpoint system in which a downed player will start off at the beginning of the checkpoint they managed to reach before dying.[4][5] Getting hit by enemy fire or colliding against solid stage obstacles will result in losing a live, as well as a penalty of decreasing the ship's firepower and loss of the weapon that was currently in use, and the game is over once all lives are lost, though the player has unlimited continues to keep playing.[7]

Development and release

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Rayxanber II was developed by Team 50, a group within Data West, which previously worked on the original Rayxanber (1990) for FM Towns.[1][8][9][10] It was designed by Kazuhide Nakamura and produced by Naokazu Akita, with Fumio Minami and Yoshiyuki Washizu acting as co-programmers.[8] Artist Takeharu Igarashi was responsible for the pixel art.[8] The music was scored by Yasuhito Saito, who composed for the original entry and also worked on titles such as Layla and The 4th Unit series.[10] The game was published in Japan by Data West on June 7, 1991 for the PC Engine CD-ROM².[1][11] After its release, the title was demonstrated at the 1991 Tokyo Toy Show during summer.[11] In a 2020 interview with Japanese gaming website DenFaminicoGamer, a Data West representative commented that there were no current plans for a digital re-release of the Rayxanber series through their official online store, but would consider it if there is demand.[12]

Reception

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Rayxanber II became an "instant success" when it released in Japan according to Electronic Gaming Monthly,[17] but garnered mixed reception from critics, including French publications reviewing it as an import title. In contrast to the critical response, public reception was positive; readers of PC Engine Fan voted to give the title a 22.21 out of 30 score, ranking at the number 155 spot in a poll, indicating a popular following.[18]

Japanese gaming magazine Gekkan PC Engine gave Rayxanber II a positive review, with its five critics giving it a score of 84 points out of 100.[15] Another Japanese gaming publication, Marukatsu PC Engine, gave it game an average review and its four reviewers giving the game a score of 23 points out of 40 instead.[16] Kaneda Kun of Consoles + praised the graphics and audio for taking advantage of the CD-ROM format, as well as the playability and longevity, but noted its difficulty after the third stage despite the unlimited continues feature and panned the game's presentation.[7] Joystick's Jean-Marc Demoly commended the animated visuals, controls and catchy soundtrack but remarked that he did not felt as grabbed by the title compared to Seirei Senshi Spriggan.[13] Reviewing for Player One, Olivier "Iggy" Scamps gave positive remarks to the introduction of various innovations into its gameplay, graphics, smooth scrolling, audio and longevity, regarding it as a fun shoot 'em up but noted its difficulty.[14]

Retrospective coverage

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Retrospective commentaries for Rayxanber II have been equally mixed.[1] Joel Schander of SHMUPS! (a classic network of GameSpy) stated that the title was heavily influenced by R-Type, giving positive remark to the detailed graphics. However, Schander found the music forgettable and also noted its difficult nature, stating " If you can't (or don't want to) memorize a rigid -- and convoluted -- path through each level and follow it every time you play, the game will likely frustrate you to no end by the third or fourth level. If this isn't your thing, avoid the game at all costs."[2] David Borrachero and Antxiko of Spanish magazine RetroManiac regarded both Rayxanber II and Rayxanber III as two of the best games on the PC Engine platform, noting the need of memorizing stage patterns in a similar fashion to R-Type. They also commended both visuals and playability for being "exceptional", as well as the soundtrack for taking advantage of the CD-ROM format.[3] Hardcore Gaming 101's John Sczepaniak found it to be an improvement over its predecessor but concurred with the other reviewers regarding its high difficulty nature, due to lack of balance and "broken" checkpoint system, recommending its follow-up instead.[5]

Notes

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  1. ^ Japanese: ライザンバーII, Hepburn: Raizanbā II

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Denis, Cyril (October 2009). "Consoles : la saga Rayxanber". Pix'n Love [fr] (in French). No. 9. Éditions Pix'n Love [fr]. pp. 92–97.
  2. ^ a b Schander, Joel (2007). "Xenocide Files: Rayxanber 2 - Datawest". SHMUPS!. GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2007-11-06. Retrieved 2022-01-31.
  3. ^ a b Borrachero, David; Antxiko (August 26, 2011). "La Historia De PC-Engine: Los Mejores Juegos". RetroManiac Magazine (in Spanish). No. 4. RetroManiac. pp. 54–63.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Rayxanber II manual (PC Engine CD-ROM², JP)
  5. ^ a b c d Sczepaniak, John (December 12, 2014). "Rayxanber II". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2022-01-31.
  6. ^ "ライザンバーII". PC Engine Fan (in Japanese). Vol. 4, no. 6. Tokuma Shoten. June 1, 1991. pp. 32–33.
  7. ^ a b c Kun, Kaneda (September 1991). "PC Engine CD Rom Review: Rayxanber II". Consoles + [fr] (in French). No. 1. M.E.R.7 [fr]. p. 92.
  8. ^ a b c Data West (June 7, 1991). Rayxanber II (PC Engine CD-ROM²). Data West. Level/area: Staff roll.
  9. ^ Sczepaniak, John (December 8, 2013). "Rayxanber". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2022-02-02.
  10. ^ a b Szczepaniak, John (August 11, 2014). Saito, Yasuhito. Vol. 1. S.M.G. Szczepaniak. ISBN 978-0-9929260-0-7. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  11. ^ a b Nauert, Donn (September 1991). "Tokyo Toy Show — Summer 1991". TurboPlay. No. 8. Larry Flynt Publications. pp. 24–29.
  12. ^ Fukuyama, Koji; ishigen (March 3, 2020). "FM TOWNSで活躍したゲームソフトメーカー「データウエスト」が突然の復活、その真意を聞いてみた。将来的には『第4のユニット』続編やダウンロード販売も視野に". DenFaminicoGamer (in Japanese). Gamemaga. Archived from the original on 2022-02-05. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
  13. ^ a b Demoly, Jean-Marc (September 1991). "Console News: Rayxanber II". Joystick (in French). No. 19. Sipress. p. 181.
  14. ^ a b Scamps, Olivier (September 1991). "Tests De Jeux: Rayxanber II". Player One [fr] (in French). No. 12. Média Système Édition [fr]. p. 73.
  15. ^ a b "Review (5/31~6/29) - ライザンバーII". Gekkan PC Engine [ja] (in Japanese). No. 34. Shogakukan. July 1991. p. 119.
  16. ^ a b "ライザンバーII". Marukatsu PC Engine [ja] (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. 1991.
  17. ^ "International Outlook: Data West / PC Engine SuperCD-ROM - Rayxanber III". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 33. Sendai Publishing. April 1992. p. 52.
  18. ^ "PC Engine All Catalog '93 10月号特別付録 - ライザンバーII". PC Engine Fan (in Japanese). Vol. 6, no. 10. Tokuma Shoten. October 1, 1993. p. 94.
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