‘Irem Collection Volume 1’ Review (Nintendo Switch)
Irem Collection Volume 1, released in November 2023 by ININ, Tozai Games, Irem and Strictly Limited Games, offers a collection of three classic Irem shoot-’em-up titles: Image Fight, Image Fight II, and X-Multiply. While the collection brings some nostalgic value, it has both strengths and notable weaknesses.
The games themselves – Image Fight (1988), Image Fight II (1992), and X-Multiply (1989) – are representative of Irem’s arcade legacy. Image Fight and its sequel are vertically-scrolling shooters, with the latter featuring a PC Engine port that includes fully-voiced anime-style cutscenes, although without English subtitles. The third game, X-Multiply, shifts to horizontal scrolling with a unique “body invasion” theme, where you control a ship sent to destroy microscopic alien invaders within a human body.
Image Fight, released in 1988, was the first game in the series and set the standard for the rest of the franchise. The game was known for its challenging gameplay and impressive graphics, which were considered cutting-edge for their time. Players take on the role of a pilot fighting against a group of alien invaders and have to navigate through a series of increasingly difficult levels.
Image Fight 2, released in 1992, expanded on the gameplay of the original game and added new features. The game also boasted improved graphics and sound effects, making it an even more immersive and engaging experience. With the animations before and during the stages, this game creates a thrilling experience of playing the hero of an anime series.
X Multiply, released in 1989, was a spin-off of the Image Fight series and took the gameplay in a slightly different direction. The game is set in a biological world, and players must navigate through a parasite-infected human body filled with organic enemies and obstacles. X Multiply was known for its unique setting, challenging gameplay, and powerful graphics, which were among the best on the arcade platform at the time.
The Irem Collection Volume 1 is enhanced by modern features found on many similar collections, such as customizable display settings, save states, a rewind function, and controller adjustments. These features make the games more accessible to modern players. However, the lack of significant extras is as a missed opportunity for fans of retro game collections, plus the bizarre decision to release the Irem shmup catalogue in multiple volumes, with only three titles per volume. seems like something of a cash grab. Five or six games per volume, like the Psikyo releases, is a much better offering.
While Irem Collection Volume 1 captures the spirit of arcade classics, its bare-bones presentation and limited content may not justify the price for all players. However, for shoot-’em-up enthusiasts and collectors, the nostalgia factor and added conveniences might still be worth the investment.
