IREM Collection Volume 2 Review

The IREM Collection has gotten a second release with volume 2, and will be a trip down arcade lane for some. The collection packs a punch with its classic titles and modern features that make diving into these old-school games a breeze, even if you’re not a seasoned arcade veteran.

One of the standout conveniences is the inclusion of rewind and infinite credits. Let’s be real, who has the time these days to master arcade games like players did back in the day? These features let you enjoy the games without the steep learning curve, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, which is ideal here as the games in this collection can be punishing.

Starting off with GunForce, it’s fascinating to see how this game laid the groundwork for what would become the beloved Metal Slug series. While it borrows the run-and-gun mechanics from Contra, it sets itself apart by allowing you to drive vehicles and not punishing you with instant death upon enemy contact. This small tweak makes a big difference in gameplay flow and enjoyment. Some of the bosses will feel very…very familiar to Contra too. The collection doesn’t skimp on content, offering both the original arcade versions and the SNES port of GunForce.

Then there’s GunForce II, known as GeoStorm in Japan, which takes everything up a notch. The ability to dual-wield weapons adds a satisfying layer of chaos to the gameplay. It’s more intense, more explosive, and feels like a direct ancestor to Metal Slug with its over-the-top action and stylized graphics. The arcade versions included in the collection look sharp and play smoothly, capturing the adrenaline rush of the original releases.

But the real gem for me is Air Duel. At first glance, it might seem like your typical vertical scrolling shooter, but it quickly proves itself to be more than that. You have the choice between piloting a plane with straightforward shooting or a helicopter that allows for angled shots. This choice adds strategic depth and replayability, as each vehicle offers a different approach to tackling the game’s challenges.

Despite its seemingly simple mechanics, Air Duel is surprisingly engaging and can be seen as a precursor to the “bullet hell” genre that gained popularity later on. It even gives off vibes similar to SWIV, though interestingly, Air Duel came first. It’s fun to see how these early games influenced each other and paved the way for future titles.

The collection itself is user-friendly, with features like the handy rewind function and various visual settings to tweak the experience to your liking. There are cool save state features so you can pick up where you left off and overall it feels quite clean and simple to work with.

All in all, the IREM Collection Vol. 2 is a fantastic addition to any retro gaming library. It brings together three classic games that not only provide hours of entertainment but also hold significant historical value in the evolution of arcade shooters. If you’re a fan of Metal Slug or just love classic run-and-gun and shooter games, this collection is definitely worth checking out. GunForce II alone is a wild ride that’s wonderfully unhinged, and combined with the other titles, it makes for a compelling package that’s both fun and historically enriching.

THE VERDICT