If you love side-scrolling shoot ‘em ups and quirky retro experiences, the Irem Collection Volume 3 from ININ Games is like unearthing a treasure chest of pixelated adventures, dragons, and the unique enemy designs characteristic of the ’80s and ’90s. This curated collection features three of Irem’s most eccentric and exhilarating shooters: Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper, Mystic Riders, and Dragon Breed. Prepare yourself for a journey that’s both bizarre and brilliant!
Mr. Heli / Battle Chopper (Arcade & PC Engine)
Control this quirky helicopter with a face and embark on chaotic missions in Mr. Heli, where you’ll navigate through caves and factories, firing at foes while soaring through impossible jumps and tight corners.
The PC Engine version adds a wonderful touch as a faithful port, complete with slightly altered sprite designs and charming 16-bit flair. Whether you have fond memories of the arcade or are intrigued by the console version, both provide a delightful experience.
Mystic Riders (Arcade)
Imagine a blend of magic carpets, flying broomsticks, and enough shimmering spells to outshine Hogwarts—welcome to Mystic Riders. This whimsical co-op horizontal shooter allows two wizard youths to soar through fantastical realms, battling imaginative foes in a vibrant world reminiscent of anime and high-fantasy dreamscapes.
Its local 2-player co-op feature enhances the fun, adding a shared joy of casting fireballs and dodging quirky hazards like giant haunted pumpkins.
Dragon Breed (Arcade)
Now this game is the real gem. Instead of flying a regular ship, you’re riding a colossal golden dragon through a dystopian sci-fi world. The twist? Your dragon acts as an invincible shield while you unleash laser attacks on waves of enemies. It’s a clever, strategic experience that leaves a lasting impression.
With its thrilling boss encounters, atmospheric soundtrack, and diverse attack options, Dragon Breed stands out as one of the highlights of this collection.
Quality of Life Improvements
ININ Games has added thoughtful enhancements rather than just offering basic ROMs:
- Quick Save/Load and a rewind feature enable you to recover from mistakes or practice dodging.
- Adjustable controls, including rapid-fire options, enhance comfort and gameplay performance.
- Display filters recreate vintage arcade monitor effects or maintain crisp visuals—your choice.
- World leaderboards introduce a modern twist for score hunters.
Final Thoughts
Irem Collection Volume 3 offers a delightful nostalgia trip. Whether you’re chasing scores, revisiting classics, or discovering them for the first time, these games hold up remarkably well. The blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and whimsical enemy designs highlights Irem’s legacy in the genre.
Let’s face it—soaring on a fire-breathing dragon while obliterating alien monstrosities never gets boring!
Score: 7.5/10 – A nostalgic arcade experience, meticulously preserved and enhanced for modern gamers.
Original article by ausretrogamer.com
