Raiden II isn't a dramatic departure from the original – not only the premise, but the shooting mechanics, the enemy types and behaviors, most of the weapons and the overall feel are very similar. It does feature new level designs and upgraded graphics, with upgrades like more detailed shadows, enemies that disintegrate into flying debris upon destruction and an overall more sophisticated look, plus the ability to continue the action immediately upon dying. But its primary difference is the addition of a new weapon, a purple energy ribbon (referred to by some as the "toothpaste laser") that locks onto a primary enemy while snaking around the screen to damage others. It's a novel weapon that's very satisfying to use, and along with the game's other improvements, it was enough to make the slightly old seem new again, and breathe new life into a genre that had started to lose its luster in the early 90s.