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Explore the Irem Collection Vol. 3, a stellar compilation of classic shoot-em-up games including Dragon Breed, Mr. Heli, and Mystic Riders.
A Trio of Timeless Irem Shoot-Em-Ups
Much like the previous volumes, Irem Collection Volume 3 bundles three iconic Irem arcade shoot-em-ups into one exciting package. This edition features Dragon Breed, Mr. Heli, and Mystic Riders, each bringing unique gameplay and nostalgic charm to the table.
Dragon Breed: Ride the Mighty Bahamoot
Dragon Breed is a standout within Irem’s shoot-em-up lineup, echoing the spirit of R-Type with a distinct twist. Instead of a traditional ship, you pilot Kayus, riding the enormous segmented dragon Bahamoot. This dragon not only attacks alongside you but also shields Kayus from harm, adding a strategic layer to gameplay.
The game doesn’t pull punches—expect to be sent back to checkpoints upon death. Still, mastering Bahamoot’s abilities, like lightning strikes and charge shots, brings a tactical edge that balances the challenge.
Visually, Dragon Breed is stunning. Set in a post-apocalyptic world reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, the environments teem with gigantic, menacing insects. Paired with a powerful FM synth soundtrack, it’s one of Irem’s most underappreciated gems.
Mr. Heli: A Charming, Yet Deadly Adventure
Also known as Mr. Heli no Daibouken or Battle Chopper, this game features a bulbous, anthropomorphic helicopter as the hero. Unlike most shoot-em-ups that autoscroll, Mr. Heli allows players to control screen movement in many sections. This grants freedom to hunt crystals and destroy obstacles with missiles and bombs.
Despite the cutesy protagonist and catchy opening tune, don’t mistake this for a lighthearted shoot-em-up. The mechanical enemies are ruthless, and the game demands precision as your life meter is fragile.
Included in this collection is the solid PC Engine port of Mr. Heli. While it sacrifices some visual detail and adopts a slightly smaller resolution, the port remains faithful to the arcade original and even adds a mode to reduce difficulty.
Mystic Riders: Magical Mayhem on Brooms
Inspired by Success’ Cotton, Mystic Riders puts you in control of two magicians flying on brooms. The game features two magic types that can be upgraded by collecting gems, and an innovative mechanic where you can throw your broom like a boomerang to block enemy bullets.
This title is notably easier than other Irem shooters, enhanced by two-player simultaneous play and an instant respawn feature. Its bright, colorful art style is classic Irem pixel perfection, making it an appealing entry point for newcomers and veterans alike.
Emulation and Features
The emulation quality in Volume 3 maintains the high standard set by earlier collections. Players can rewind or fast-forward gameplay and activate cheat codes, though cheats disable trophies. The handy built-in rapid fire feature provides an alternative to charging shots, perfect for different play styles.
A minor downside is occasional visual glitches in Mr. Heli’s vertical scrolling section where the status bar appears misplaced. Also, while arcade games allow shrinking high-resolution graphics to 4:3 aspect ratio, the PC Engine port doesn’t offer this option and runs in a slightly wider native resolution.
Like previous Irem Collections, this volume lacks additional supplementary materials or extras, focusing purely on the gameplay experience.
Why Irem Collection Vol. 3 is a Must-Have
The series got off to a rocky start. Volume 1 recycled games already available through other collections, and Volume 2 featured titles that didn’t quite hit the mark. However, Volume 3 shines with a lineup that ranges from great to excellent.
Notably, Dragon Breed never had a console port before, only early ’90s computer versions, and Mystic Riders has rarely been seen outside a forgotten PC collection. Their inclusion here fills a significant gap for shoot-em-up enthusiasts and arcade preservationists alike.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced, challenging shooters with memorable art and sound, this collection delivers outstanding value and entertainment.
“It’s one incredible looking game, which is a given for most Irem titles.”
- What makes Dragon Breed unique among Irem shooters?
Dragon Breed stands out by featuring Bahamoot, a segmented dragon that protects the pilot and offers special attacks, adding a unique protective mechanic not found in other shooters. - How does Mr. Heli differ from traditional shoot-em-ups?
Unlike typical auto-scrolling shooters, Mr. Heli allows players to control the screen’s movement in many parts, enabling strategic bombing and crystal hunting at the player’s pace. - Is Mystic Riders suitable for beginners?
Yes, Mystic Riders is easier than many Irem shooters, partly due to its two-player mode and instant respawn, making it accessible to newcomers. - Are there any gameplay aids in Irem Collection Vol. 3?
Yes, features like rewind, fast forward, rapid fire, and cheat codes (though disabling trophies) help players customize their experience. - Does the collection include any extras or bonus content?
No, this volume focuses on the games themselves without additional supplementary materials.
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