Last year, the developers at Irem and ININ Games started a fun little retro collection. It’s called Irem Collection, and the first volume featured Image Fight, Image Fight 2 and X-Multiply. While those don’t sound like bangers like R-Type clearly was, they do show the distinct history of the company. Plus they’re arcade perfect, which suits fans and newcomers alike. Now, about a year and a half later, we have Irem Collection Volume 2. And, yep, that means even more obscure favorites.
This time around, the collection focuses on the GunForce games. These are side-scrolling shooters akin to Metal Slug and Contra. However, they have their own little touches to make them stand out. On top of that, the rare shooter Air Duel is also in the package.
There are options aplenty for each game, including the ability to compete in leaderboards with “classic” mode. You can also practice in “casual,” taking advantage of rewind and other settings to perfect your play. Alas, there’s very little history here, such as developer interviews in regards to what motivated them. It would’ve been great to see what got GunForce on the board to begin with.
Still, it’s appreciative history in your hands. And for a mere $25, you get some hard-to-find titles in perfect form. Not to mention the SNES GunForce is also included, if you feel like console comparison. It’s not as in-depth as any of Digital Eclipse’s current releases. But Irem Collection Volume 2 remains a fun curiosity package. And it’s a must for retro lovers.
Let’s Discuss the Games of Irem Collection Volume 2
As I noted, there are three key releases with the second volume.
The first is GunForce, the side-scrolling shooter that introduces the short-lived series. It’s a pretty good shooter with power-ups galore, and plenty to shoot at. Movement could have been a little better (your guy is slow), but the shooting is top notch. Not to mention bosses blow up nicely. Plus you get access to vehicles, including a rather large helicopter. You’d think that would be an easy target, but at least it has firepower.
The console and arcade ports are here. I prefer the arcade version myself, if only because it offers more than the home version. But it is nice to switch between the two, just to see how much progress is made. Plus they’re perfectly emulated, right down to the flying bullets.
GunForce II follows, and it’s about more of the same. Some of the bosses are more chaotic this time around, and the power-ups are a little better. But it’s more fun, especially when you team up with a friend. Plus there are certain similarities to Metal Slug. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if it featured some of the same developers.
Last but not least is Air Duel, a top-scrolling shooter that packs a heaping challenge. In fact, this is right up there with the Image Fight titles in terms of challenge and design. I really like the power-ups as well, and you can switch vehicles (helicopter or jet). It’s not the greatest the genre has to offer, but it’s a solid addition.
What Else Is Included?
Irem Collection Volume 2 also features “casual” and “classic” modes. With “casual,” as I mentioned above, you can take advantage of cheats and rewinds. This helps you learn more about the game. Then, when you’re ready, you can hop into “classic” and challenge the best leaderboard scores.
I do wish there was more history covered here, namely with talking more with the developers. And I would’ve liked more of the story behind GunForce’s original title, Battle Fire Engulfed Terror Island. (That sounds like a hell of a TV movie.) But you still get some good games here, and for a reasonable price.
Plus you can go after the physical version of the game and get some cool stuff, including flyers and a collectible coin. If you’re into that sort of stuff.
How Well Is Irem Collection Volume 2 Emulated?
I will say, it’s great to see Irem’s material treated with love by the team at ININ Games.
The visuals on each of the games are absolutely loyal to the original. The SNES version of GunForce is about perfect, and each of the arcade titles are absolute bangers in terms of coding. The menus aren’t bad either, and it’s simple to pick out options for each particular game. Some more flair would’ve been nice, or maybe even some advertisements for the games. But not bad overall.
Love the sound, too. Each soundtrack has something to offer here, and the classic effects will keep you intrigued. It’s vintage Irem, through and through.
So the collection doesn’t go above and beyond with flair. It’s just simply about the games. But, for some – particularly die-hard Irem fans – that will be enough.
Get Your GunForce On
There are more detailed compilations out there for sure. But Irem Collection Volume Two will more than please fans of the publisher, as well as those looking for arcade action titles. The GunForce games offer more than enough run-and-gun action. And Air Duel is a nice bonus, to say the least.
So if you’ve got an itchy trigger finger and don’t mind the lack of extras, this Irem Collection is for you. And fingers crossed that the next collection gives In the Hunt the love it needs. Let’s uncover more diamonds in the rough!
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to ININ Games for the review code! Irem Collection Volume 2 is available now for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation! It’s also available in physical form at Strictly Limited Games!
Need more classic gaming goodness? Check out our reviews of Tetris Forever and Castlevania Dominus Collection!
