Developer: Tozai Games, Irem
Publisher: ININ Games
Genre:Shmup!
Where to Buy: Switch
Price: $24.99
IREM Collection Vol. 1 is a collection of three classic shoot-’em-up (shmup) arcade games from IREM: Image Fight, Image Fight II, and X-Multiply. The collection was released for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One in November 2023.
Image Fight is a vertical shoot-’em-up released in 1988. Players control a spaceship that must navigate through a series of increasingly difficult levels while fighting off waves of enemies. The game is known for its challenging gameplay and impressive graphics.
Image Fight II is a sequel to Image Fight that was released in 1992. The game features improved graphics, new enemies, and a new soundtrack. It was never released in the West until it was included in IREM Collection Vol. 1.
X-Multiply is a side-scrolling shoot-’em-up released in 1989. Players control a miniature spaceship that must fight off alien parasites inside a human body. The game is known for its unique setting and challenging gameplay.
IREM Collection Vol. 1 is a great way to experience these classic shmups. The collection includes a variety of features, such as adjustable difficulty levels, save states, and online leaderboards. It is also worth noting that the collection features both the original arcade versions of the games and their home console ports.
Overall, IREM Collection Vol. 1 is a must-have for fans of shmups. It is a great collection of classic games that are sure to bring back fond memories for old-timers and introduce a new generation of gamers to these timeless titles.
Here is a more detailed review of each game:
Image Fight
Image Fight (イメージファイト, Imēji Faito) is a 1988 vertically scrolling shooter arcade video game developed and published by Irem. It was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System, PC Engine (Japan-only), Sharp X68000 (Japan-only), and FM Towns (Japan-only) in 1990.
Gameplay
Image Fight is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up where the player controls a futuristic red ship called the OF-1 Daedalus. The player must navigate through eight increasingly difficult levels while fighting off waves of enemies. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and unique feature of pods.
Pods
Pods are small, colored spheres with two short gun barrels attached to them. Once collected, pods float alongside the player’s ship. There are two different kinds of pods:
- Red Pod: The Red Pod changes direction based on the movement of the ship, and can therefore be aimed at enemies.
- Blue Pod: The Blue Pod is similar to the Red Pod, except it always points forward and the direction cannot be changed. This makes it more powerful in direct confrontations, but less versatile.
Pods can be fired forward or backward, and they can also be used to deflect enemy fire. Pods are an essential part of the game, and they allow the player to defeat enemies that would otherwise be out of reach.
Power-Ups
In addition to pods, Image Fight also features a variety of power-ups that can be collected to enhance the player’s ship. These power-ups include:
- Speed power-ups: Increase the speed of the player’s ship.
- Weapon power-ups: Increase the firepower of the player’s ship.
- Shield power-ups: Increase the player’s ship’s shield strength.
Power-ups are scattered throughout the levels, and they are essential for surviving the game’s later stages.
Legacy
Image Fight is considered to be one of the greatest shoot-’em-ups of all time. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and enduring popularity. The game has been ported to a variety of home consoles, and it has been included in several compilations. Image Fight is a must-play for any fan of shoot-’em-ups.
Pros:
- Challenging gameplay
- Impressive graphics
- Classic shmup experience
Cons:
- Limited replayability
Image Fight II
Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker (イメージファイトII オペレーション・ディープストライカー, Imēji Faito Tsū Operēshon Dīpusutorīkā) is a 1992 vertically scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Irem. It is a sequel to the 1988 game Image Fight, and was released exclusively in Japan for the PC Engine Super CD-ROM².
Gameplay
Similar to its predecessor, Image Fight II is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up where the player controls a futuristic spaceship. The game features a new story, new levels, and new enemies. It also features improved graphics and sound effects, as well as a new soundtrack.
Story
Three years after the destruction of the mother computer in Image Fight, mankind turns their attention towards reconstruction. But their progress comes to a halt when a deep space probe detects an invading fleet heading toward Earth. Although they are light years away, they are coming fast, and it becomes clear that the first battle was the prelude to the coming war.
Levels
Image Fight II features ten levels, including five training simulation levels and five real mission levels. The training simulation levels are designed to help the player learn the basics of the game, while the real mission levels are more challenging and require more skill to complete.
Enemies
Image Fight II features a variety of new enemies, including:
- Drone Fighters: Small, fast-moving enemies that attack in swarms.
- Laser Turrets: Stationary turrets that fire laser beams.
- Carrier Ships: Large ships that carry smaller enemies.
Weapons
Image Fight II features a variety of new weapons, including:
- Beam Gun: A powerful beam weapon that can fire through multiple enemies.
- Homing Missiles: Missiles that lock onto enemies and track them down.
- Plasma Field: A shield that protects the player’s ship from enemy fire.
Legacy
Image Fight II is a sequel that builds upon the success of its predecessor. It is a challenging and rewarding game that is sure to please fans of shoot-’em-ups.
Pros:
- Improved graphics and sound effects
- New enemies and levels
- Great sequel to the original
Cons:
- Not as groundbreaking as the original
X-Multiply
X-Multiply (エックス・マルチプライ, Ekusu Marutipurai) is a 1989 side-scrolling shooter arcade video game developed and published by IREM. It was ported to the Sharp X68000 (Japan-only) in 1990, and the Nintendo Switch in 2023 as part of the IREM Collection Vol. 1.
Gameplay
X-Multiply is a side-scrolling shoot-’em-up where the player controls a miniature spaceship called the Microscopic Fighter X-002. The game is set inside the human body, and the player must fight off alien parasites that are attacking the body’s cells. The game is known for its unique setting, challenging gameplay, and great soundtrack.
Story
Scientists discovered that the mysterious deaths of the Stun Star system colonists were due to shock from an invasion of parasitic microscopic aliens. They shrink down and deploy Microscopic Fighter X-002 into the victims’ bodies. Skillfully use the 3 tentacles you’re armored with for offense and defense and destroy the microscopic aliens!
Levels
X-Multiply features five levels, each set in a different part of the human body. The levels are all challenging and require quick reflexes and precise shooting.
Enemies
X-Multiply features a variety of enemies, including:
- Amoebas: Slow-moving enemies that can fire projectiles.
- White Blood Cells: Fast-moving enemies that can attack the player’s ship.
- Antibodies: Large, powerful enemies that can fire homing missiles.
Weapons
The player’s ship is equipped with three tentacles that can be used for offense and defense. The tentacles can be fired forward or backward, and they can also be used to deflect enemy fire. The player can also collect power-ups that enhance the ship’s firepower and defense.
Legacy
X-Multiply is a cult classic that is considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups of the late 1980s. It is a challenging and rewarding game that is sure to please fans of the genre.
Pros:
- Unique setting
- Challenging gameplay
- Great soundtrack
Overall, IREM Collection Vol. 1 is a great collection of classic shmups that is sure to please fans of the genre. The games are all challenging and fun to play, and the collection includes a variety of features that make it a great value. If you are a fan of shmups, then I highly recommend checking out IREM Collection Vol. 1.
