Wait, so why isn't Raiden IV better than Raiden DX/2 ?

[antares]

Raiden IV seems to have better music, and more varied backgrounds and enemies.

Short answer: because it takes more than better graphics and music to make a better game.

[sharpfork2]

Short answer: because it takes more than better graphics and music to make a better game.

Raiden IV has good gameplay and better graphics but that music hurts my ears.

[Despatche]

raiden dx is a good game and gives you a lot to do, but so is and so does iv. the ii/dx music is kinda poor, and it's good that iv tries to "fix" that. 2d vs 3d is whatever because both games look great for their respective mediums.

there is no choice except to play both... there never is, really. and play raiden fighters too, while you're at it.