irem Collection Volume 1 Releases November 21st 2023

Publisher ININ Games has announced the release date for irem Collection Volume 1.

The collection is the first in a series of bundles bringing together classic shoot ’em up games developed by irem, some of which have never been released in the West. Volume 1 will release on November 21st 2023, including the following games:

Image Fight

Known for its challenging and fast-paced gameplay, this vertical scrolling arcade title was first released in 1988. It became the most successful table arcade game according to several magazines, with a rating of 7.60 in December of 1988. Despite it’s success Image Fight never found its way out of Japan as an arcade game.

Set sometime in the future, Aliens have destroyed bases on the moon and began an offensive against other military space areas. Humankind built the “OF-1 Daedalus,” a spaceship that is meant to destroy Alien invasion. Each pilot goes through a training process before officially boarding OF-1 Daedalus to defeat the invaders and earn eternal glory.

• Speed adjustment of spaceship
• Powerful pods
• Nine different types of equipment

This collection also includes two versions of Image Fight (the NES and PCE Engine versions) that have never before been released outside of Japan!

Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker

Released in December 1992 after the immediate success of Image Fight on arcade, Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker made its way to PCE engine super CD-ROM. Only ever being officially released in Japan, ININ Games is proud to bring Image Fight II to western audiences!

In Image Fight II, play as pilot Sho in the new OF-3 Garuda spaceship to fend off the new attacks of the alien invaders and save the world. This sequel promises improved animations, detailed lore (learn more about pilot Sho and his family), new visual scenes, and a timeless soundtrack by Takashi Hiyamata and Hiroshi Kimura.

Get lost in the world of alien invasions and keep an eye out for IREM easter eggs! References to R-Type and Carpenter’s Gen-San can be found in this iconic title.

Experience the same thrilling gameplay as in Image Fight with seven new weapons!

X-Multiply

Originally released in 1989 for M27-Arcade and ported to PlayStation and SEGA Saturn later in 1998, X-Multiply is a timeless side scrolling shooter.

In 2249 AD, settlers on the planet Stan caught a mysterious disease. Scientists discovered that alien parasites were taking over human bodies, and so the micro fighter “X-002” was injected into an infected body to fight biological warfare and save humankind. Taking place in a humanoid body, players control a miniature ship that slowly gets ‘infected’ and uses tentacles to fight alien parasites that try to destroy humankind. The underrated title uses a unique combination of science fiction and biological elements to become a standout title in the shooter genre.

Get immersed in the world of the human body and science-fiction elements seemingly inspired by H.P Lovecraft. From the dark color scheme to the unparalleled art design and captivating soundtrack, players will find themselves diving deeper and deeper into this title.

At the time of this writing, it is not known whether this date will also apply to the physical releases being produced by Strictly Limited. Stay tuned for more updates as they come.

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