Raiden fighter
The advanced combat aircraft controlled by the player, equipped with multiple weapon types and bombs.
Documented for this version
Joystick | Move the aircraft |
|---|---|
Button 1 | Fire the main weapon |
Button 2 | Launch a bomb |
Arcade control-panel button labels can vary by cabinet.
How it plays
The action is viewed from above as the screen scrolls vertically. The objective is to destroy enemies, ground installations, and each area's boss while avoiding bullets and collisions.
Players can fire the main weapon, launch bombs, and collect colored power-ups that change or strengthen the shot. The game is structured as a fixed series of stages, with score bonuses awarded for destruction, survival, and collectible items. A two-player mode is available on the arcade version.
Plan your run
Learn enemy entrances and keep the aircraft moving in small, controlled adjustments rather than making wide panic movements. Destroy dangerous targets early, especially enemies that can overlap their fire with other formations.
Save bombs for dense bullet patterns or emergency escapes. Collect weapon power-ups carefully: upgrading too aggressively can make the aircraft harder to control after a death, so prioritize survival and rebuild power gradually.
Meet the cast
The advanced combat aircraft controlled by the player, equipped with multiple weapon types and bombs.
Before you begin
Watch the edges of the screen for enemies entering from unexpected angles.
Use bombs before the aircraft is trapped; waiting for a perfect moment is often risky.
In two-player play, coordinate movement so neither aircraft blocks the other's escape route.
Raiden is a 1990 vertical-scrolling shoot-'em-up developed and published by Seibu Kaihatsu for arcade systems. Players pilot the Fighting Thunder aircraft against the invading Crystals, advancing through a sequence of combat zones filled with ground targets, aerial enemies, and large bosses. The game uses a straightforward arcade format: move, fire, collect power-ups, and survive increasingly dense attacks. Its deliberate pacing, memorable weapon system, and demanding difficulty helped it earn a strong reputation among arcade shooter players and established a durable series that received numerous sequels and conversions.
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