Saturday, September 20, 2025

Rayxanber III for PCE CD


Image: MobyGames

Rayxanber III

The one where it's tough to fire forward


Genre: shooter - horizontal

Publisher: Data West

Year: 1992

System: PCE CD


Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

Well, enemies can be killed, thankfully. And weapon powerups are much more useful than in the first game. I figured out the the powerup icon can be picked up in one of four directions which dictates where the weapon will be faced. This was probably what was going on in the first game. That makes more sense than the randomness I thought I was experiencing, but it's also a stupid, useless mechanic. Why would anyone want something other than forward? Another annoying mechanic is a charge shot which fires a round of heat seeking missiles. Powering up this shot takes a few seconds and there's no audio to indicate that it's ready, like the one in R-Type, so you either have to look at the tiny meter or hope for the best. It feels random. On the plus side it's auto-fire and movement feels a little faster this time.


Level Design Score: 2

Level Design Notes:

Some interesting ideas here, like the first stage which is an homage to the flying fortress third stage of R-Type, but in this case it's your mothership that's being attacked by enemies that you fight off.


Theme Score: 3

Theme Notes:

Still a generic shooter. This time in space. It's a Gradius clone


Art Style Score: 3

Art Style Notes:

I'd like to rate this higher because it's got some nice backgrounds, but the pixel art is ho hum. Again, as generic as it gets.


Audio Score: 1

Audio Notes:

An improved soundtrack, but awful, shrill, high-pitched sound effects. They're absolutely maddening. If I never play this again it will be due to the sound effects.


Overall Score: 51

Review ID: 11095



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