With its third volume, the Irem Collection continues to shine a spotlight on the studio’s (sometimes hidden) arcade gems, unearthing titles that might not have enjoyed the same legacy as R-Type but certainly deserve renewed attention. This time, ININ Games brings together Mr. Heli (also known as Battle Chopper), Mystic Riders, and Dragon Breed – three very different takes on the side-scrolling shoot ’em up formula, unified by their imagination and old-school challenge.
Arguably the star of the package is Mr. Heli, a 1987 multi-directional shooter that stands out thanks to its creative level design and hybrid gameplay. You control a cute, legged helicopter as it blasts through caverns filled with destructible terrain, winding paths, and upgradeable weapons. Despite its cutesy visuals, there’s a lot of tactical nuance here, from the way crystals are collected to how you manage your firepower. It’s also the game in this set that offers the most platform variety, with both arcade and PC Engine versions included. It may not be the most famous Irem title, but its clever pacing and satisfying upgrades make it a strong hook for the collection.
Mystic Riders, on the other hand, brings a bit of fantasy flair to the package. Featuring broomstick-riding protagonists and magical projectiles, this 1992 arcade release is surprisingly accessible despite its hectic action. The unique mechanics, like using your broom to deflect bullets and the ability to dodge-roll, add variety to the traditional shmup formula. Its colorful enemy design and vibrant backgrounds also help it stand out visually, and the inclusion of local co-op makes it one of the most inviting entries in the entire Irem anthology so far. If you’re looking to bring a second player into the chaos, this is the one to fire up first.
Dragon Breed, by contrast, is the most intense and visually impressive and overwhelming of the trio. Set in a dystopian biomechanical world, it has you riding on the back of a massive dragon while dodging bullets and using your mount’s segmented body for protection – if you’re familiar with Jaleco’s Saint Dragon this may sound familiar. The result is a game that looks striking even today, with some of Irem’s best sprite work on display. That said, it also demands precision, and with only the Japanese arcade version available (even though it was ported over to other platforms back in the day), it lacks some of the accessibility options players might expect in a modern re-release. Still, its high-concept premise and distinctive playstyle ensure it isn’t just filler.
As with previous volumes, Irem Collection Volume 3 benefits from modern conveniences that make revisiting these sometimes tough-as-nails classics a bit more manageable. You can remap controls, assign rapid-fire buttons, rewind time, or save and load your progress at any point. While genre purists might bristle at these assists, they allow more players to appreciate the artistry of these titles without being gatekept by arcade-era difficulty spikes designed to eat up your quarters. The visuals can also be adjusted with filters that replicate CRT displays, and leaderboards give score-chasers a reason to come back once the credits roll.
Still, this collection isn’t without its limitations. Some players may be disappointed by the lack of deeper museum content – there’s little in the way of historical context, developer interviews, or concept art to flesh out the legacy of these games. Also, while Mr. Heli gets extra attention with multiple versions, the other two games feel slightly under-served in comparison. Mystic Riders would have especially benefited from some development notes or regional variants to explore, given its strong design and relative obscurity.
Ultimately, Irem Collection Volume 3 is another strong entry in what’s shaping up to be one of the more thoughtful retro preservation efforts in recent years. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer curious about shoot ’em ups beyond the usual suspects, this volume offers three distinct, well-emulated titles worth exploring. Mr. Heli’s tactical design, Mystic Riders’ cooperative flair, and Dragon Breed’s mechanical spectacle all highlight Irem’s ability to innovate within a crowded genre – and this collection ensures those efforts won’t be forgotten.
Score: 7.6/10
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