While Darius is Taito's number one shoot 'em up series, the "Ray'z" series is a close second. Made up of three vertically-scrolling arcade shmups released from 1994-1998, the Ray'z games still command a loyal following. Now PlayStation and Switch gamers can own the entire series (or just the two newest games) via two freshly-released collections: RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection and Ray'z Arcade Chronology. Both collections are similar, so we'll outline what each one contains.
RayStorm X RayCrisis HD CollectionRayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection contains the following two games:
RayStorm (1996)
RayStorm is the sequel to RayForce, and the first 2.5D game in the series. Both original and HD (mildly enhanced) versions are available on the collection.
RayCrisis (1998)
RayCrisis is the final game in the series. Both original and HD (mildly enhanced) versions are available on the collection.
RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection sells for $39.99 on PlayStation and Switch. Physical PlayStation and Switch versions are available on Amazon.
Ray'z Arcade Chronology features the same games as RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection, plus one additional game:
RayForce (1994)
The first game in the Ray'z series and the only one with fully 2D, sprite-based visuals. This one does not have an HD version.
Ray'z Arcade Chronology sells for $49.99 on PlayStation and Switch. Physical versions are available to preorder in limited supply at Strictly Limited Games.