[Review] Irem Collection Volume 2 for Nintendo Switch

The Irem Collection Volume 2, crafted by ININ Games, Tozai Games, and Ratalaika Games, introduces a fresh batch of classic titles now available on the Nintendo Switch. Dive into our in-depth review of this collection!

Last year, I had the pleasure of exploring Irem Collection Volume 1 on Nintendo’s console, which featured the exciting Shoot ’em Ups: Image Fight, Image Fight II, and X-Multiply. Now, it’s time to explore Irem Collection Volume 2, which brings us the classic run ‘n’ gun action of GunForce, its sequel GunForce II, and the shoot ’em up Air Duel.

In this collection, players can choose between Casual Mode and Classic Mode. Opt for Casual Mode, and you’ll enjoy additional features like the ability to rewind gameplay, use cheat codes (such as invincibility and infinite lives), save state functionality to preserve your progress, and an autofire option to more easily fend off foes. Meanwhile, Classic Mode offers a more traditional experience, letting you relive the original game with the added benefit of autofire and the opportunity to upload your scores to an online leaderboard.

Originally making its mark in arcades in 1991, GunForce challenges you to blast away anything in motion to draw closer to vanquishing the big bad threatening Earth. This arcade classic was adapted for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System by Bits Studios in 1992, delivering a condensed version with familiar quirks like slowdown and sprite flicker. In the collection, both the arcade and SNES versions are available for your enjoyment.

To navigate, use either the left analog stick or D-Pad to move your character. Aim and shoot by pressing the A button, and you can activate autoshoot with the Y button. Jumping is mapped to the B button, and if you ever stumble, you have the option to rewind the action by pressing the L button. The “+” button gives you access to the menu, where you can save or load your progress whenever necessary. Power-ups enhance your arsenal, offering items like power ammo, a machine gun, a laser, or a flamethrower, along with extra bullets.

GunForce II, released in 1994, ramps up the intensity as the sequel. The essence of run ‘n’ gun gameplay is kept intact but with a significant boost in both action and challenge. Here, you wield two guns simultaneously; each arm can independently take on power-ups, which allows for strategic play. The sequel retains the same control scheme and power-ups as its predecessor.

With the looming threat of D.A.S., protagonists Max and Lei leap into the fray. Immediately captivating is the resemblance between its action and the Metal Slug series, a franchise this game seemingly influenced and is colloquially dubbed as Metal Slug Zero. Interestingly, GunForce II marks Irem’s final arcade release.

The collection’s finale, Air Duel, is an aerial shoot ’em up released in arcades in 1990, believed to be set within the same universe as GunForce II. Navigation is seamless, using either the left analog stick or D-Pad, while your firepower is unleashed with the A button. Employing the mighty bomb is handled with the B button, and autofire can be accessed via the Y button.

Choose between piloting a jet fighter or a chopper, with the flexibility to switch before starting a new level. The power-ups you acquire with one vehicle carry over to the next, with the jet favoring a wider attack spread to tackle multiple enemies, while the chopper provides more focused, powerful attacks—ideal for taking down bosses.

Air Duel, being a vertical shoot ’em up, offers a nostalgic arcade feel through its special settings menu that rotates the screen for an authentic vertical display. If you own a Flip Grip accessory, you can turn your Nintendo Switch to replicate that classic shoot ’em up experience.

Irem Collection Volume 2 brings a thrilling trio of classics to the Nintendo Switch: the run ‘n’ gun adventures of GunForce in its arcade and SNES forms, GunForce II, and the strategic prowess of vertical shoot ’em up Air Duel. At $24.99, this collection promises layers of engaging gameplay for retro gaming fans.

Disclaimer: This review of Irem Collection Volume 2 is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by ININ Games.