This rare PC port of RayStorm is very faithful to the original arcade version, which came out only in Japanese arcades in 1996. The presentation is excellent: 16-bit 3D graphics in an isometric/overhead view. Every ship in the game is painstakingly modelled from 3D polygons, and fans of the 'mecha' style (e.g. Macross series) will be delighted by the sleek ship designs in the game.

There are two types fighters you can choose at the beginning of the game: R-Gray 1 and R-Gray 9. The ships carry different weapons; the R-Gray 9 is more suitable for veteran players as it allows a maximum of sixteen target lock-ons. There are eight levels of frantic action, all of which are well-designed and a beauty to behold. Huge bosses, nonstop attacks, spectacular explosions (especially when bosses die), and awesome special weapons set RayStorm apart from average shooters. The way you power up the special weapon is quite unique: the more enemies you destroy, the faster the 'special' bar goes up.

If you are a shooter fan, RayStorm is an excellent addition to your collection. Be warned, though, that the high difficulty level may be very frustrating if you are a novice gamer. The sheer number of enemy ships and nonstop barrage of enemy fire in the later levels means that only expert gamers may be able to finish the game. But if you consider yourself a veteran for this kind of games, you will find RayStorm a worthwhile challenge. Highly recommended.