Taito vertical shmup with a dark cyberpunk atmosphere and distinctive aesthetic. Satisfying lock-on system, memorable bosses. Among Saturn's best shmups, often unjustly neglected. A reference title to absolutely own.
Your verdict
Category
Shooter1 player12+
Description
Vertical shoot-'em-up by Raizing set in a dystopian future where cyborg soldiers battle machines. Published by EA, released in Japan in 1997. Two soldiers with distinct abilities, multi-enemy lock-on followed by a laser burst, massive bosses with complex phases, intense techno soundtrack and fast-paced action. Saturn title from Raizing released as Terra Diver in the West.
Soukyuu Gurentai review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
A snappy shoot'em up of detailed urban settings, dazzling explosions and fluid scrolling: Raizing unfurls an action of delightful density. The readability of the chaos and the energy of the effects overflow with character. This visual direction, dynamic and polished, illustrates the golden age of the arcade shooter.
Energetic and stylish, the music of this shooter strings together nervy electro-rock themes and heroic flights that match the frenzy of the assaults. Each level pulses with an infectious punch perfectly in tune with the frantic action. This sonic generosity, lively and polished, gives the game an irresistible arcade sheen.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Punishing"
Built around a multi-lock system, this Raizing shoot-'em-up has you target several enemies before unleashing a devastating volley, under constant pressure. Juggling direct fire and lock-on, reading the assaults and managing positioning make all the difference. Spectacular and tough, it appeals to fans of tactical shooting after a challenge that is both fast and thoughtful.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Is Soukyuu Gurentai still worth playing in 2026?
A vertical shoot-em-up from Raizing, Soukyuu Gurentai pits cyborg soldiers against machines in a dystopian future, with a target-lock system that lets you sweep swarms of enemies, in snappy shooting with cinematic staging. The fluidity of the action, the thrilling lock-on and the driving soundtrack make it an excellent shmup, faithful to Raizing's craft, the Otokuyou edition adding modes. The difficulty stays tough. A gem for fans of retro vertical shooting and the Raizing shmup golden age.
