Ray'z Arcade Chronology - Collector's Edition

Ray'z Arcade Chronology - Collector's Edition

One of the most revered arcade shooting game series Taito produced in the 1990s, the Ray Trilogy is coming back with new features and in HD quality.

Ray'z Arcade Chronology includes three titles: RayForce, RayStorm and RayCrisis. The latter two 3D titles include enhanced HD versions.

Rediscover the trilogy with 5 Versions of 3 titles in a box full of collectibles and limited-edition items and relive the excitement of epic battles from outer space to cyber space.

One of Taito's classic SHMUPS, the Ray Series' outstanding feature has always been its lock-on mechanics and attack layer system. The former allows the player to target multiple enemies at once and destroy them with one deadly homing attack, while the latter features enemies on the same plane as the player as well as the one below them, necessitating a keen eye and quick reflexes to not be caught out. All three were pushing the boundaries of graphic fidelity at the time of their respective releases and still are a feast for the eyes today.

Story wise, in RayForce, humanity has entrusted itself to the supercomputer Con-Human, which regulates everything from infrastructure to the military. However, gaining sentience, it starts running amok, wiping out almost every human on earth, with the last remaining few fleeing into space. The human race's last hope is the RVA-818 X-LAY fighter, penetrate the earth's defences and destroy Con-Human.

In RayStorm, a semi-sequel taking place in a parallel universe to RayForce, the R-Gray fighters are dispatched to fight back the Terran colony of Secilia's federation army which threatens to destroy the Earth.

Finally, in RayCrisis you get to experience the events leading up to RayForce, with an attempt to destroy Con-Human from the inside, via a cyber space-based attack on the supercomputer.


Collector's Edition Item List:

• The Game: Ray'z Arcade Chronology on disc in an exclusive and limited game case cover
• Collector's Edition Box: An exclusive Collector's Box for all collectibles of the Ray'z legacy - Details: Size (219mm x 157mm x 70mm/ 8.6 x 6.2 x 2.8 in)
• Colorful Game Manual: A Manual with game instructions and marvellous artwork and screenshots.
• Flyer: Reproduction of A4 European arcade flyer from the 90s, featuring its localized name "Gunlock".  A5 (176 × 250 mm/6.9 × 9.8 in)
• 2 Posters: Two posters featuring artwork of the collection. A2 (420 × 594 mm/16.5 × 23.4 in)
• 6 Arcade Stickers: Authentic marquee and arcade stickers based on the Japanese and Western versions. The Japanese stickers will be translated for the final product.
• Live Concert Album: Ray'z Music Live - STRAHL - Live audio recording of the one evening only 2022 Ray Series Special Live Stage concert featuring BETTA FLASH (consisting of TAMAYO and Cyua), ZUNTATA and COSIO. Includes also a newly composed track by TAMAYO as a bonus.
• Live Concert Blu-ray: Ray'z Music Live - STRAHL - Contains a video recording of the one evening only 2022 Ray Series Special Live Stage concert featuring BETTA FLASH (consisting of TAMAYO and Cyua), ZUNTATA and COSIO.
• Strategy Guide "Ray'z Mission Maneuver Manual": A comprehensive guide to the games by top players to get the most out of every playthrough and to beat the high-score! Details: B5 (176 × 250 mm/6.9 × 9.8 in), about 50 pages (subject to change)
• Material Collection "Ray'z Orbital Operation Overview": Contains artworks and concept drawings along with behind-the-scenes info by the developers of the Ray series. Details: B5 (176 × 250 mm/6.9 × 9.8 in), about 130 pages (subject to change)
• Pixel Frame: Pixel Frame showing the boss battle against Odin. Will be bundled separately because of its size.

List of Game Features:

• The Chronology includes arcade ports of the vertically scrolling shooters, RayForce, RayStorm, RayCrisis and for the first time ever as an official release, the prototype of R-Gear, the cancelled sequel of RayForce!
• RayForce (1994, Taito F3 Arcade Hardware) - Pilot the RVA-818 X-Lay into battle against the Con-Human neuro-network.
• RayStorm (1996, Taito FX-1B Arcade Hardware): - Choose between the R-Gray1 and 2 with their differing weapon systems, to fight against the rebellious Secilia Federation of colonies for the future of Planet Earth.
• RayCrisis (1998, Taito G-NET Arcade Hardware) - Pilot a Waverider and penetrate the Con-Human neuro-network in an attempt to avert the catastrophe which triggered Operation RayForce in this prequel. Stop the spread of Con-Human before it gets to 100%.
• Use the "two attack layer" system to destroy enemies below and on the same plane as you
• Use different attack systems, like lock-on laser and a variety of shot types
• Each game features:
  
  • Breath-taking graphics and vistas, be it in 2D or 3D, pixels or polygons, supported by a striking art style
  • The very best music shooting games have to offer, composed by Taito's legendary sound team ZUNTATA
  • Outstanding gameplay focussing in the above-mentioned lock-on laser and challenging bosses