Though Irem’s gaming legacy doesn’t have the kind of outreach that, say, Capcom and Konami’s does, it does have a number of instant classics that fans can enjoy. The R-Type series immediately comes to mind, along with sleeper hits like In the Hunt.
With Irem Collection, ININ Games, alongside the developers at Tozai Games, look to celebrate this legacy with a number of chapters that cover a majority of its development cycle. That doesn’t mean we’re getting R-Type Final, mind you, but we will see older favorites certainly pop up.
Irem Collection Vol. 1 has arrived, featuring both of the original Image Fight games, along with its variants; and the R-Type-ish style shooter X Multiply. It’s hardly filled with classics you may recognize at first, but anyone who’s a hardcore shooter fan will get their $25 worth here.
What’s In the Package?
Irem Collection Vol. 1 features three entries. The most notable is Image Fight, a game that came out in 1988 at just the right time. It’s a very challenging shooter, one requiring a great deal of memorization, along with the ability to pick up pods for additional firepower. You can also use “forces” to assist with taking hits, which you’re going to need because…yeah, you’re going to need them.
Along with the original version, you also get the PC Engine and Famicom/NES ports as well, all ported with utmost precision. These are really great to see, since most arcade compilations focus on, well, arcade titles. So you can actually do some comparisons and maybe even start with the NES version if you’re a rookie. This a great inclusion to the collection and definitely a highlight.
Also included is Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker, a 1992 sequel that follows the original with its own set of difficulty and better visuals (to an extent). Its variants are here as well, so you’ll keep busy after you get through the first release. This is a very good sequel, and considering its rarity up until this point, should make for a great discovery for “shmup” fans.
Finally, X Multiply, which initially arrived in 1989, has a nature in common with R-Type, mainly going in side scrolling fashion as you shoot down disgusting-looking monsters. But it’s good fun in its own right, as you use tentacles as secondary firing tools, as well as deflecting bullets depending on how they’re swung about. Just be prepared for a firefight, because, like other Irem shooters, it delivers that sort of thing. And with real creepies, too.
These games are a great deal of fun to play, but it’s lacking in having a historical perspective. This would’ve been a great time to delve into the history of the company itself, from its start in the late 70s (yes, that early) to its run well into the 2000s. There’s a lot of history here (Moon Patrol alone!), so it would’ve been excellent to see more of that.
Without that, however, the shooters alone – along with their variants and options — more than justify the price.
A Pretty Good Looking Collection
As it’s done with previous games (go look up its work on the awesome R-Type Dimensions), Tozai Games did really well with the options surrounding the three games here.
There are different wallpapers to choose from, most of them inspired by 80s types of games; and the emulation of each of these games are pretty spot on. In fact, the home versions of Image Fight are surprisingly impressive, showcasing a similar level of detail to the original. And, yes, it’s great to see the NES Image Fight again, especially on the Switch. X Multiply also looks great, with a number of improvements over the Arcade Archives version that came out a while ago.
On top of that, the configuration options are very good, complete with different screen types you can switch to. 4:3 may not be everyone’s speed with Image Fight II, but it’s still worth experimenting with. The sound is also good, straight out of the classic coding of the original games.
Even without an in-depth feature on the company itself, Irem Collection Vol. 1 does set a precedent for future volumes, which, hopefully, includes In the Hunt at some point. And maybe the long lost Kung Fu Master II?
A Promising Beginning
While there are only three titles here, Irem Collection Vol. 1 still has solid value. The trio included are core selections, and the different home releases are excellent, a real rarity you don’t see in collections like this. The configuration options are welcome, as is the rewind feature. You will need this.
That said, I do hope future volumes open up a bit, with more history and possibly some “oddball” titles that didn’t get much exposure the first time around. Looking at you, Undercover Cops.
For now, though, this isn’t a bad start, and “shmup” fans will feel right at home. Plus, hey, where else are you going to get PC Engine releases for an affordable price?
GAMERHUB RATING: THREE AND A HALF (out of FIVE) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to ININ Games for the review code! Want to get Irem Collection Vol. 1physically? You can buy it here!
