Introduction
Released in 1998 by Raizing (also known as 8ing/Raizing), Armed Police Batrider is a vertically scrolling manic shoot-’em-up that blends over-the-top firepower, character crossovers, and deep scoring mechanics. Built as a spiritual successor to Battle Garegga, it takes place in a dystopian future where a team of police pilots must stop the criminal group “Judgement Ray” from seizing control of a hyper-automated city. Known for its stylish pixel art, huge roster, and technical gameplay, Batrider stands as one of the crown jewels of Raizing’s arcade output.
Development and History
- Developer: Raizing
- Publisher: Eighting / Raizing
- Release Date: 1998 (Japan)
Developed for the Toaplan-based arcade hardware used in prior Raizing games, Batrider was designed to expand the concepts introduced in Battle Garegga while making the game more accessible to new players. It combines intense bullet-hell action with a cast of 18 selectable characters (in special versions), each with their own ship, shot type, and bomb attack. The game is also packed with references to previous Raizing titles, creating a shared-universe feel.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Core Gameplay
- Vertical Scrolling Shooter: Players dodge dense bullet patterns and defeat mechanized enemies through stages.
- Selectable Game Modes: Choose from Normal, Advanced, and Special versions, each with different difficulty, boss rotations, and available characters.
- Ship Variety: Characters pilot a wide range of crafts, including returning ships from Battle Garegga and Mahou Daisakusen.
- Power-Ups & Bombs: Collect medals and icons to power up, with strategic bomb usage key to survival.
- Score Mechanics: Features medal chaining, enemy milking, and rank-based difficulty scaling.
Playable Characters (Examples):
- Maria: Balanced police pilot with a rapid-fire main shot.
- Shorty: Fast, nimble, and returns from Battle Garegga.
- Birthday: A quirky character with a wide shot pattern.
- Car-Pet: Literally a flying car with heavy frontal fire.
- Gain & Chitta: Guest characters from Battle Garegga.
Challenges
- Enemy Waves & Bullet Density: Requires memorization and sharp reflexes.
- Stage Customization: Each version alters enemy paths and mid-bosses.
- Scoring Optimization: High scores demand chaining and rank management.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- Raizing’s Cult Classic: Became a revered title in the shmup community for its depth and polish.
- Crossover Cast: Built a shared universe using characters from earlier Raizing shooters.
- Arcade Rarity: Limited international distribution made it a hidden gem outside Japan.
- Preservation Through Emulation: Gained widespread exposure through MAME and fan translations.
Fun Facts
- Multiple Versions: The Special version of the game unlocks nearly all characters from the start.
- Boss Rush Feel: Some bosses feature multi-stage forms and screen-filling attacks.
- Playable Car: “Car-Pet” is one of the few playable vehicles in a shmup that’s actually a car.
- Hidden Score Mechanics: Reward players who avoid unnecessary power-ups or manipulate rank.
Conclusion
Armed Police Batrider is a masterclass in arcade shooter design—blending chaos, charm, and challenge into one relentless experience. With its rich character roster, clever scoring systems, and blistering speed, it remains a favorite among hardcore shmup fans and a showcase of Raizing’s design brilliance. For those who appreciate precision under pressure, Batrider is essential arcade history.