In each installment, there is a threat to humanity posed by the invasion of Earth by an alien race known as the Cranassians. In the wake of the Cranassian invasion, the World Alliance Military must launch a daring counter-attack with their powerful weapon, a Rayden supersonic attack fighter, for the future of humanity. In most of the Riaden games, the Cranassians have a red crystal that holds many powers and is the final boss. The first two Rayden installments had eight stages, and if all stages are completed, a mission clear bonus is given and the players will start another mission. The third installment had seven stages and no new mission. Its distinguishing feature was the simultaneous double player mode where one player can play two players at the same time. Players can get high scores by quickly destroying the enemy which appears, with the new flash shot system. But this feature is not new to the Rayden 雷電 series release-wise, as a slightly different version of this scoring mechanic was introduced in the 雷電 Fighters spinoff.