Irem Collection Volume 1 is a compilation of classic arcade games from the legendary Japanese developer Irem, released for the XBOX Series X in 2023. The collection features six games from the 1980s and 1990s, namely R-Type, R-Type II, Ninja Spirit, Image Fight, Legend of Hero Tonma, and Undercover Cops. These games are faithfully emulated and enhanced with modern features such as online leaderboards, save states, rewind, and achievements. The collection also includes a digital art book with concept art, interviews, and trivia about the games.
As a fan of retro gaming, I was excited to play this collection and relive some of the best moments from Irem’s history. The games are all classics in their own right, and they showcase the diversity and creativity of Irem’s output. R-Type and R-Type II are iconic shoot ’em ups that pioneered the use of charge shots, power-ups, and detachable pods. Ninja Spirit is a fast-paced action game that lets you switch between four weapons and summon shadow clones. Image Fight is another shoot ’em up that features a unique aiming system and a variety of stages. Legend of Hero Tonma is a whimsical platformer that mixes magic and humor. Undercover Cops is a beat ’em up that features a gritty urban setting and a diverse cast of characters.
The games are all challenging and rewarding, requiring skill and strategy to master. The graphics and sound are colorful and vibrant, capturing the charm and atmosphere of the arcade era. The emulation is smooth and accurate, and the games run at 60 frames per second on the XBOX Series X. The modern features are well-implemented and add convenience and replay value to the games. The online leaderboards are a great way to compete with other players and see how you rank among the best. The save states and rewind are useful for practicing and overcoming difficult sections. The achievements are fun and varied, ranging from simple tasks to hardcore challenges.
The digital art book is a nice bonus that adds some context and insight to the games. The concept art is beautiful and shows the evolution of the games’ design. The interviews are informative and reveal some of the stories and secrets behind the games’ development. The trivia is interesting and covers some of the obscure and quirky aspects of the games. The art book is easy to navigate and zoom in, and it can be accessed at any time from the main menu.
Irem Collection Volume 1 is a must-have for fans of retro gaming and Irem’s legacy. It offers a great selection of games that are fun and challenging to play, and it enhances them with modern features that make them more accessible and enjoyable. It also provides a wealth of information and content that celebrates and honors the games’ history and culture. It is a fitting tribute to one of the most influential and innovative developers in the industry, and a great way to experience some of their finest works on the XBOX Series X.
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