Summary:
Fans of Japanese-exclusive shoot ’em up games have something to look forward to with the upcoming release of Irem Collection Volume 1 for Switch and other platforms. This collection comprises three legendary games from the Arcade Gears series, namely Image Fight, Image Fight II, and X Multiply. In this article, we’ll delve into each game’s plot and gameplay mechanics, as well as what players can expect from the limited and collector’s editions of the collection.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, read on to learn why Irem Collection Volume 1 is a must-have for your gaming collection.
About Irem Collection Volume 1
Irem Collection Volume 1 is an upcoming release that comprises five legendary shoot ’em up games from Japan. This updated homage to the Arcade Gears series includes three of the best games in the genre: Image Fight, Image Fight II, and X Multiply. We’ll delve into each game’s plot and gameplay mechanics, as well as what players can expect from the limited and collector’s editions of the collection.
Image Fight
Image Fight is a vertical-scrolling shoot ’em up game that first appeared in 1988. It became one of the most successful table arcade games at that time in Japan and is still regarded by many fans as one of the best shmups ever made. The game’s plot is set in the year 20XX, where the moon collapses after an explosion caused by aliens. The player must go through an eponymous training process called “Image Fight” before they are allowed to join the combat and fend off the invaders.
The upcoming volume of the Irem Collection will include the arcade version, the PC Engine/TurboGrafx version, and the NES version from 1990. Each version has its unique features and gameplay mechanics that players will enjoy.
Image Fight II
Image Fight II was released in Japan in 1992, following the success of the first part. Unfortunately, the game never made it to the west, except for a Wii Virtual Console release. The game is set in the year 2051, where the alien forces once again try to exterminate humanity. The player must take over the role of pilot Sho, the main character in the story, switching to a new generation of ships. The storyline is outstanding, with visual scenes reminiscent of animes especially intended for the PC-Engine SUPER CD-ROM version, which strengthen the story and add depth and a second dimension to this game, shaping Sho as a real hero in this unequaled approach to building a SHMUP storyline.
X Multiply
X Multiply is a side-scrolling shooter originally released in 1989 for arcade (M72). The combination of science fiction and biological elements makes X Multiply extraordinary even though it flew under the radar of many players.
The player is controlling a miniaturized ship that gets “injected” into an evidently humanoid body and is using tentacles attached to his ship to fight alien parasites killing humans in detailed and sinister-designed stages located inside that corpse. X Multiply stands out from other shoot ’em up games for its unique features and design elements, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Limited and Collector’s Editions
The limited and collector’s editions of Irem Collection Volume 1 are something to behold for collectors and fans of the series. The limited edition will feature an exclusive titlesheet design and an English manual, with only 4,000 copies available. The collector’s edition will come in a premium collector box, complete with original soundtracks on three CDs, a visual compendium, a collector coin, and a package of retro print material, with only 2,000 copies available.
For those who want to have the complete collection, Strictly Limited Games offers bundles of both the limited and collector’s editions, including the upcoming volumes 1 to 5 of the Irem Collection in an exclusively designed slipcase. The limited edition bundle will be limited to 3,000 individually numbered copies for Switch, while the collector’s edition bundle will have 1,000 individually numbered copies for Switch.
Conclusion
The upcoming release of Irem Collection Volume 1 for Switch and other platforms is a must-have for fans of the shoot ’em up genre. With three legendary games included in the collection, players will enjoy hours of fast-paced action and immersive gameplay. Additionally, the limited and collector’s editions of the collection offer something special for collectors and fans of the series. Get ready to join the combat and fend off the alien invaders in Irem Collection Volume 1.
FAQs
- What is Irem Collection Volume 1?
- Irem Collection Volume 1 is an upcoming release that comprises three legendary shoot ’em up games from Japan, namely Image Fight, Image Fight II, and X Multiply.
- What platforms will Irem Collection Volume 1 be available on?
- Irem Collection Volume 1 will be available on Switch and other platforms, though specific details have not been released yet.
- When will Irem Collection Volume 1 be released?
- A release is planned for 2023, though specific details have not been released yet.
- What versions of Image Fight will be included in the collection?
- The upcoming volume of the Irem Collection will include the arcade version, the PC Engine/TurboGrafx version, and the NES version from 1990.
- What are the limited and collector’s editions of Irem Collection Volume 1?
- The limited edition will feature an exclusive titlesheet design and an English manual, while the collector’s edition will come in a premium collector box, complete with original soundtracks on three CDs, a visual compendium, a collector coin, and a package of retro print material.
