Strictly Limited Games and ININhave announcedIrem Collection Volume 3. It’s set for Q2 2024 on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, which gives time for the first two collections to actually be released.
Irem Collection Volume 3will includeMr. Heli,Mystic Riders, andDragon Breed, which are all scrolling shoot-’em-ups. To be fair, that’s sort of what Irem was known for.Mr. Helireleased in arcades in 1987. It was known in North America asBattle Chopper.Mystic Ridersis similar to theCottonseries in that it involves piloting a broomstick. Finally,Dragon Breedis perhaps the most unique of the bunch because it has you riding on a big Asian-style serpent dragon.
As a reminder,Irem Collection Volume 1includesImage Fight,Image Fight 2, andX Multiply(which was a spin-off of theImage Fightseries).Irem Collection Volume 2includesAir Duel, but breaks from the pack by also bundlingGun ForceandGun Force 2, which are run-and-guns considered precursors to theMetal Slugseries.
Each collection includes an assortment of filters, leaderboards, rewind, and save states. All of the collections will be available digitally, but you’re able to get them physically from Strictly Limited Games in limited and collector’s edition flavors.
Irem Collection Volume 3currently has a broad release date of Q2 2024. However,Irem Collection Volume 1is right around the corner and will release on May 31, 2025, on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.
