DESCRIPTION

In a surprise attack, a cloaked alien invasion force has crippled Terra's defense forces and is in the process of eradicating the planet's population. In response, Earth's leaders have mobilized Project Raiden, which puts you at the helm of the untested but undeniably powerful Raiden 1200 11:1 Thunderbolt. This mighty ship is equipped with three main weapon systems: cannon (plasma and auto), missiles (Ramrod HE and Firefly Homing) and smart bombs (mini-nukes of mass destruction).

Your job is to blast any and every alien vessel you see while avoiding their firepower. Enemies launch both air- and ground-based attacks. To aid you in your desperate battle to save mankind, you can pick up a variety of power-ups, which turn on your various weapons systems and increase or upgrade effectiveness and firepower. Other items you can pick up include fairies and medals, which give you bonus points, and 1-ups for extra lives.

Depending on how long you survive, Raiden offers eight levels of play including mid-west America, Koyoto, Japan, the Suez Canal, ruins near the Mediterranean, Cologne, Germany, orbit around Terra, the Alien Headquarters and a cloaked alien asteroid. ~ Brett Alan Weiss, All Game Guide