We’ve been keeping tabs on Irem Collection Volume 1, this batch of arcade shooter classics is released today and we’re reviewing the Switch port. The game contains three shmups from arcade legends Irem. Image Fight II and X Multiply come as original ports, PC Engine SuperCD and Arcade respectively, while Image Fight has the original arcade as well as the PC Engine and NES ports to blast through.
This is the first in a run of five announced collections that will be released one by one over the coming months. But for now, we look at Volume 1 which is published by ININ Games and available digitally on Switch, Xbox and PlayStation. For you collectors out there, Strictly Limited Games has released a physical edition for Switch and PlayStation.
Image Fight was released to arcades in 1988 and has all the hallmarks of those 8-bit vertical scrolling shooters. The moon has exploded and an alien invasion from the Boondoggle Galaxy has taken control of the Earth’s defences. The game consists of five training missions followed by three ‘real life’ stages. If you don’t achieve a decent score after your training there is an extra training mission to contend with before the main missions.
The action is tough in Image Fight, this is a no-nonsense shooter that throws everything at you. Luckily you have some great power-ups, including extra turrets and different weapon types, to help you take on the alien invaders. The enemies are relentless and have some genuinely strong attacks. The bosses are difficult and it will take a lot of practice to clear this one. Image Fight is old-school hard and is all the better for it. Having the different versions to try adds some variety for those interested in the series.
Image Fight II continues where the first left off. Peace has been restored but now a new threat has arrived. It’s an enemy armada and its bigger than the original skirmish from the original game. The most notable differences from the first game are the new cutscenes and more developed story. Each level starts with a discussion between the characters and it certainly adds something extra to the normal shmup formula. Sadly these cutscenes are still in the original Japanese but the artwork is excellent nonetheless.
The actual gameplay is still just as fierce though, it will take a lot of practice to crack Image Fight II. The effort is rewarding though, as you are given a better ship midway through the game and there are lots of references to R-Type which is loosely connected to the Image Fight series. Considering this one has only ever been released in Japan, this is a great opportunity to try a shooter that goes beyond the usual tropes. The action and cutscenes build up to a top-tier arcade blaster that shouldn’t be missed.
X Multiply has an interesting story, well, for a shmup anyway. If you’ve seen the classic 80s film Innerspace you’ll feel right at home as X Multiply also takes place in a human body. Microscopic aliens have started to invade and you take control of a miniature craft tasked with eradicating this virus. If this experiment is successful, then all mankind can be saved. Its setting certainly creates some interesting levels to blast through and this is also the most forgiving of the three games being a little easier to finish.
The bosses are mostly made of mutated human organs that need cleansing and are fantastic to fight. There is also a broad array of weaponry at your disposal and you’ve robust defences that help keep you out of trouble. While not canon to the original series, X Multiply feels like a game in the R-Type series and shares many gameplay features including the bonus shield at the front of the ship. This is an excellent shmup that will also appeal to those who aren’t veterans or hardcore shooter fans.
Each game has a few options to suit any player’s ability. Hardcore shmup fans will want to keep everything original while those who may be new to the genre, or want an easier learning curve, can select the standard mode that also has cheat options. Other options allow you to change controls, number of starting lives and video settings. It also includes a simple rewind mechanic and save-state options.
Overall, Irem Collection Volume 1 is another quality retro collection release from ININ Games that brings some old classics back to life with modern features. The games can be played as they were back in the day or enjoyed with extra options for an easier ride. They all play wonderfully, there isn’t any noticeable lag and the added challenges give some longevity.
This great collection will keep arcade fans happy for some time and is a fine way to experience titles that had a limited release originally. Most fans of the genre will be familiar with Image Fight but its sequel and X Multiply deserve some time in the spotlight. Shmup fans will enjoy adding this one to their library while those who may not be familiar with classic shooters can get a great taste of the glory days.
