RayCrisis is the prequel to Taito's legendary RayForce. Vertical shmup with striking visuals and a layered lock-on system. Demanding and satisfying gameplay with a unique melancholic atmosphere. An unjustly overlooked niche vertical shmup masterpiece on PS1.
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Category
Shooter1 player7+
Description
Japanese Taito sequel to RayStorm, third installment of the Ray trilogy, vertically-scrolling dodge-and-combo shoot them up. Created by Taito, released in 1998 in Japan, 2000 in Europe under the RayCrisis title. Five vertically-scrolling 3D levels, ship armed with cannons and lock-on lasers, nonlinear scenario with multiple endings and Tamayo Kawamoto electronica soundtrack. Japanese and European edition under the RayCrisis title.
The concluding entry of Taito's Ray trilogy, a shoot 'em up with a multi-lock system and a polished electronic aesthetic, set against the series' chronology. Still common in the West, its interest lies in this strong visual and sonic identity rather than scarcity. A piece valued by fans of lock-on shmups, accessible on the market.
Is RayCrisis still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2000 on PS1, Taito's sequel crowns the RayForce and RayStorm lineage with a magnificently cybernetic vertical shooter. The multi lock system and the handling of two depth planes keep a rare intelligence. The staging of an invasion through a computer system installs a cyberpunk narration of real elegance, and Tamayo Kawamoto's electronic music remains exceptional. The nervous difficulty demands training. Recommended today for fans of vertical shoot 'em ups, for Taito devotees and for PS1 collectors hunting a defining classic of the label on Sony's first home console hardware.
