How.... do you even play this game?

[C-Kip]

So this game isn't half bad, but I have absolutely no idea what's going on. There's all this talk in forums about Sol Towers and Miklas and secret endings and nowhere is any of this mentioned in the game. I can't figure out how weapons keep switching or what Flash is or Cheer. I just... want to know what the heck is going on!

[X1-52a]

You'd be better off getting Satazius or Jamestown+

https://store.steampowered.com/app/203990/SATAZIUS/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/377950/Jamestown/

[C-Kip]

I mean I got it for free so I figured I'd learn how to play it. It was alright. Also I already played Jamestown and it's actually good xD

[Dingo]

I purchased Jamestown + and I will say I find RDV infinitely more compelling and a better title gameplay wise easily (regarding actual ship movement and enemy / weapon interaction definitely) but I am intrigued to try out Satazius as I am a fan of much of Astroport's work.

[Dingo]

Also there is a good amount of information out there but...

Miklus and Sol's are strictly important for scoring purposes so If you aren't interested in that aspect then it won't really impact your experience. Either way they are both hidden score boosting items ultimately.

I'd say just understanding the shield system versus the traditional life usage and how the new weapon system works are most important to progressing in the game. Well and memorization of really fast bullet patterns for the tougher boss encounters, but that is every Raiden game ever.

[Ricky the "No Guard"]

The Flash system is for scoring. Flash is all those multipliers you see when you shoot something. Take down enemies faster to get more points, basically. This system is also in Raiden III and Raiden IV, though it works a little differently from those games.

There's a hidden boss fight if you can get all three weapon colors to lv10 by the time you defeat the normal final boss (stage 8's boss). It's supposed to be a secret mechanic.

Sol Towers and Micluses (the little blue critters) are just bonus items that give a few extra points. They aren't worth much in this game. I don't know if there's some secret if you find all of them or anything like that.