Irem Collection: Volume 1

While its presentation is in some cases downright lacking, the Irem Collection Volume 1's essentials are at least in order, delivering three great games, several port variations, and enough adjustable options to satisfy. That said, both Image Fights are utter taskmasters that require a hardened disposition, and that limits their broader appeal. X Multiply makes up for this by being a lot more accessible, with a visually superb aesthetic, but also feels like the odd one out because of it. We can't help but feel an Irem Collection combining eight to ten titles would have been something worth shouting about, but with further volumes in the pipeline, this does feel like yet another exercise in squeezing a niche consumer base over several releases. Despite our appreciation of the games on board, it's hard to get too excited.

While the number of games in this collection pales next to many other Switch compilations, shmup fans up for a challenge probably won't want to sleep on this one. Irem Collection Volume 1 offers some entertaining fun that will put your skills to the test. How about some love for Irem's In The Hunt next?

Irem Collection Vol. 1 includes three classic shoot'em ups for hardcore gamers, now with online leaderboards and global rankings. No other major efforts detected.

A series of re-releases of older IREM titles for modern consoles thanks to the efforts of Ratalaika Games, ININ Games, and Strictly Limited Games.

Irem Collection Volume 1 is the first volume of five classics from the Japanese company Irem. This first compilation includes three shoot 'em ups of unquestionable quality such as Image Fight and its sequel, Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker, and X Multiply. The presentation and options included in the compilation are quite good, although a few more extras such as galleries or documentation of the games may be missing to give it more packaging, but in general we are faced with a solid product. It is a shame that this volume only includes three titles and no more, even so, those interested in Irem - and lovers of shoot 'em ups - have a must-see date with this compilation.

It's a crime to divide the IREM classics in five tiny compilations, and IREM Collection Volume 1 unfortunately gets a blow that its next parts will also get. Besides the structural issues, the way these games are rereleased ends up eclipsing how fun they could be as a single package.

Irem Collection Volume 1 is a compilation of shoot 'em ups that any genre fan will happily add to their library. If you want to experience some history of the genre then check it out but just don't expect any supplementary content as that's where this package falls flat. 🚀

"That's very unR-type of you!"

A pair of more traditional shooters and one banger that has a classic feel but plays quite well flesh out this mini collection

IREM is off to a great start with this five volume collection. If they continue in this fashion, we might be in for some really great classic games for the modern consoles. While the games included aren't ground breaking or super flashy, they will bring the fun factor as well as that classic shooter frustration that makes you want to keep trying no matter how many times you die. Definitely a good collection.