Summary
- Release Year: 1994
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Sega CD
- Publishers: Sega of America
Midnight Raiders: A Rail-Shooting Adventure Through the Heart of Terror
Released in 1994, Midnight Raiders is a thrilling FMV rail shooter that puts you in the helmet of rookie chopper gunner “Joker.” Your mission: to fly to a Middle Eastern oil refinery, shoot down enemy tanks and helicopters, then rappel down to rescue a kidnapped biochemist.
Gameplay
Midnight Raiders is played from a first-person perspective, with the player controlling Joker’s helicopter or his movements on foot. The game is divided into two types of sections: helicopter sections and on-foot sections.
Helicopter Sections
In the helicopter sections, the player controls the helicopter’s turret, shooting down enemy tanks and helicopters. The player has a limited amount of time to acquire and lock onto targets before they fire on the helicopter. If the helicopter is hit too many times, it will crash and the game will be over.
On-Foot Sections
In the on-foot sections, the player controls Joker as he rappels down to the oil refinery and infiltrates the building to rescue the kidnapped biochemist. Joker can shoot enemies with his pistol or use stealth to avoid detection. If Joker is spotted by an enemy, he will have to fight his way through them to continue his mission.
Story
The story of Midnight Raiders is told through a series of cutscenes that play between the helicopter and on-foot sections. The player learns that a group of terrorists have kidnapped a German biochemist and are forcing him to work on a lethal toxin. Joker and his crew must stop the terrorists and rescue the biochemist before it’s too late.
Graphics
Midnight Raiders was one of the first games to use full-motion video (FMV) cutscenes. The cutscenes are well-acted and help to immerse the player in the game’s story. The in-game graphics are also impressive, with detailed environments and realistic character models.
Sound
The sound design in Midnight Raiders is top-notch. The sound effects are realistic and the music is suspenseful and atmospheric. The voice acting is also excellent, with the actors delivering believable performances.
Overall
Midnight Raiders is a thrilling and immersive FMV rail shooter that offers plenty of action and excitement. The game’s story is engaging, the graphics are impressive, and the sound design is top-notch. If you’re a fan of rail shooters, then you owe it to yourself to check out Midnight Raiders.
Review Score
8/10
Pros
- Thrilling and immersive gameplay
- Engaging story
- Impressive graphics
- Top-notch sound design
Cons
- Can be repetitive at times
- Some of the on-foot sections are frustrating
Tips for Playing
- In the helicopter sections, try to acquire and lock onto targets as quickly as possible.
- In the on-foot sections, use stealth to avoid detection whenever possible.
- If you’re spotted by an enemy, don’t be afraid to use your pistol to fight your way through them.
- Be sure to explore the environments thoroughly, as there are often hidden items and secrets to find.
