Gaming News
IREM Collection Volume 3
By Chris Picone, 12 October 2023
I can't even tell you what a huge fan of 80s/90s arcade games I am. But, growing up in a small regional town in northern Australia, our range was limited to the really big titles in the west like Raiden, X-Men, Double Dragon - awesome games but we really didn't get much variety. We had a little more range on the Sega but were still very limited by region. As a result, tons of awesome arcade gems like Mr. Heli, Dragon Breed, and Mystic Riders totally passed us by. Thankfully, IREM have been bringing their collection onto modern consoles! And by all appearances, they've aged perfectly. Volume 3 is still "coming soon" and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
Key notes: IREM Collection 3 launches on PS4/5, Xbox and Switch in Q2, 2024, but you can pre-order the collectors bundles now.
Check out the trailer here!
Here's the deets:
About Mr. Heli
Mr. Heli, also known outside Japan as Battle Chopper, took the Japanese arcades by storm in 1987, when IREM’s creative mojo was in full bloom. This quirky adventure invites you to steer a little-legged orange Chopper named Mr. Heli through a multitude of innovative stages. What goes up, must come down... and walk! The heroic helicopter can soar through the stages, walks across lands, and wields three different weapons, each with two upgrade levels. Along the way, you’ll mine crystals and buy upgrades to help you take on the massive bosses that stand in your way. And don’t forget to keep your eye open for hidden paths, sneaky secrets, and clever puzzles built into the level design – they might just be your ticket to success in this high-flying adventure! The comeback of Mr. Heli offers a fascinating time travel for shoot 'em-up fans. The IREM Collection Volume 3 contains both Battle Chopper in its 1987 Arcade M-92 version and the 1989 PC Engine / Turbo Grafx version. The fascinating gameplay of these games is preserved over time and stands out as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece deserving your love.
About Mystic Riders
You’re a wizard, Harry! The 1992 Arcade Shoot ‘em up Mystic Riders takes you on a magical journey that’s a bit different from IREM’s usual dark and challenging shoot ‘em up style. Developed by the same team that gave us the comical Daiku no Gen-san (Hammerin’ Harry), this shmup ventures into a world of fantasy and magic, far from its counterparts' biomechanical ‘’nightmares’’. Take on the roles of two comical and lighthearted characters, the wizard Mark and the witch Zeal, and start your (possibly co-op) adventure! While riding a broomstick, defeat giant sky turtles, ghosts, grim reapers, dragons, and other mystical creatures. Fling your broom in a boomerang fashion to block projectiles or get a taste of an early version of the dodge roll, a move that’s now common in gaming. Mystic Riders is a true gem in the shoot ‘em genre and a highly entertaining co-op experience, so don’t miss it!
About Dragon Breed
Dragon Breed is a thrilling dragon-themed shooter where you hop on a massive dragon named Bahamoot and ride into action! Don't be fooled by his size, though – only your rider can take damage, while the dragon is a total beast absorbing the damage projectiles of countless opponents. Enemies bounce off its tail harmlessly, making it super satisfying for a player. There's a bit of run-and-gun action, but the key is sticking close to your dragon buddy, thanks to its tail that blocks bullets and a killer charge shot. Similar to R-Type or X-Multiply, you are diving into a heavy biomechanical theme set in a post-apocalyptic world. So are you ready for an adventure through big levels jam-packed with enemies, surprises, and heart-pounding action? Relive the thrill of Dragon Breed on modern consoles and flaunt your dragon-riding skills to friends and gamers worldwide! Get in on the dragon-fueled fun!
Limited Editions
Strictly Limited Games is giving IREM Collection Volume 3 the boxed legacy it deserves, with two unique limited editions available for pre-order exclusively via the Strictly Limited Games online shop.
The Limited Edition is limited to a maximum of 4,000 copies for Nintendo Switch, 1,500 for PlayStation 4, and 1,500 for PlayStation 5 at a price of 34,99 €, including a colorful game manual.
The Collector’s Edition is limited to a maximum of 2000 copies for Nintendo Switch, 999 for PlayStation 4, and 999 for PlayStation 5 for 89,99 €, including lots of additional collectibles:
Game for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5
Collector’s Edition Box
Colorful Game Manual
Original Soundtrack
Visual Compendium
Reversible Posters
Marquee Stickers
Arcade Coin
Desk Pad
Retro Print Set
Links:
Pre-order collectors editions & bundles for PS4/5 and Switch here:
https://www.strictlylimitedgames.com/collections/irem-collection-volume-3
Everything else here - coming soon:
https://www.iningames.com/games/irem-collection-vol-3