ININ Games, Tozai Games, and Ratalaika Games have teamed up again to bring the Irem Collection Volume 2 to the Nintendo Switch, presenting a fresh batch of classic arcade games that many old-school fans will remember fondly. Following the success of the first volume, which featured shoot ’em ups like Image Fight and X-Multiply, it’s time to explore what this new collection has to offer.
This volume includes the run ‘n’ gun action of GunForce, its sequel GunForce II, and the electrifying shoot ’em up, Air Duel. You have two ways to enjoy these classics: Casual Mode or Classic Mode. The former introduces convenient features like rewinding gameplay, cheats for invincibility and infinite lives, save states, and autofire. Classic Mode, on the other hand, challenges you with the original game’s format but still allows the use of autofire, and lets you showcase your skills on an online leaderboard.
GunForce takes us back to 1991 when it first hit arcades. Simple and straightforward, you’re tasked with blasting anything that moves to save Mother Earth from its adversaries. The game later made it to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992, although not without some expected compromises. This collection gives you access to both the arcade and SNES versions, complete with their quirky limitations like occasional slowdown and sprite flicker.
As you dive into GunForce, you’ll become intimately familiar with the controls—move with the left analog stick or D-Pad, fire with A, and jump with B. If you make an error, L-button rewinding is at your service. The game also teems with power-ups, arming you with everything from machine guns to flamethrowers.
GunForce II, released for arcades in 1994, takes the action up a notch. Now, you’re dual-wielding, enabling a dynamic attack style with different weapons in each hand, enhancing both shooting power and strategy. It’s hard not to draw parallels to the Metal Slug series here; GunForce II, loaded with similar energy and mechanics, might have inspired the beloved SNK franchise.
Last but certainly not least is Air Duel. This 1990 shoot ’em up thrives on its intuitive controls, letting you effortlessly steer a jet fighter or a chopper while unleashing relentless firepower on your foes. Each vehicle offers unique attack styles; for instance, the jet’s widespread attacks are perfect for crowd control, while the chopper excels in focused strikes, ideal for boss battles. For an authentic arcade feel, you can even rotate the screen settings and make full use of the Flip Grip accessory for a vertical gaming experience.
With Irem Collection Volume 2, you’re getting a robust trio of games that blend nostalgia with modern convenience on the Switch. It’s an appealing package, priced at $24.99, offering both arcade purists and newcomers a thrilling journey back to the golden age of gaming.
This review was based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by ININ Games.
