Arcade classics GunForce, GunForce II and Air Duel join the Irem Collection Volume 2!
Welcome to the IREM COLLECTION, an extraordinary compilation of timeless arcade gems. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or new to the scene, this collection guarantees excitement! Familiarize yourself with this fantastic Volume before it launches digitally* soon!
– GunForce (SNES, M-92 Arcade)
This Run and Gun gem will include both the SNES and Arcade versions. Whether you played the original on your childhood SNES or prefer the much-improved Arcade version, we’ve got you covered!
– GunForce II (M-92 Arcade)
The official sequel to GunForce never made it out of the arcades, making this release its first official worldwide launch on consoles!
– Air Duel (M-72 Arcade)
Rounding out Volume 2 is another arcade-exclusive game. Air Duel was only ever released in Japanese arcades, and this marks its first official worldwide release on consoles. In this classic shoot ’em up, you can switch your aircraft before every new stage, a feature that was groundbreaking back in the day!
Often considered to be one of the first run’ n’ gun games, GunForce: Battle Fire Engulfed Terror Island can be seen as the initial baby steps that paved the way for the later-released Metal Slug series and its sequel, GunForce II (GeoStorm), both of which were highly acclaimed. GunForce is where it all began, after all!
Originally released on the Super Nintendo in the West and the arcades in Japan, you must run and gun your way through hordes of aliens to stop a rogue CPU and restore freedom to the world. The game shows no mercy and throws you into the enemy frontlines right from the start as you parachute into action. And if that’s not enough ’90s action for you, how about doing a wheelie on a motorbike while shooting helicopters?! GunForce has got you covered. As it is now a tradition, GunForce introduced different vehicles f0r the player to control – tanks, helicopters, or motorbikes. Make your choice!
GunForce II, known as GeoStorm in Japan, is the sequel to the SNES and Arcade game GunForce. It improves upon GunForce in every way and is considered to be one of the last arcade games from Irem. GunForce II was never released outside of arcades, making its inclusion in the Irem Collection Vol. 2 its first-ever worldwide console release. Featuring enhanced animations, improved gameplay, and a killer soundtrack, GunForce II was created by the same staff that later developed the iconic Metal Slug series. It is considered the spiritual predecessor to the Metal Slug series, with many of its sound effects and designs being reused in the series. It is a must-play for all fans! Set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic environment, the game allows you to take control of Max or Lei. Your goal is simple: dual blast your way through five different stages and rack up those high scores! Vehicles make a return, as is tradition, including motorbikes, mechs, and tanks, to name a few.
The year is 2004. Earth has been devastated by an unprecedented nuclear war, and a secret organization called D.A.S. is rising to ensure chaos in the world. It is now your job to thwart their mischievous plans and save what remains of the world! Air Duel is a 2D vertical scrolling shoot ’em up that was exclusively available in Japanese arcades and never made it to the West. Its inclusion in the Irem Collection Volume 2 marks its first-ever worldwide console release. Developed by the same legendary team at Irem that brought you GunForce and later the Metal Slug series, Air Duel offers 7 challenging stages that need to be mastered either alone or with a friend in co-op. Choose your aircraft! Whether you prefer shooting forward only with the Jet Fighter FG-40 or firing crosswise with the Helicopter E-709, your playstyle is key to victory. Together with GunForce and GunForce II, Air Duel completes the Irem Collection Volume 2.
And that’s not all! For all the games, we have included Online Leaderboards & Global Rankings. If you seek a real challenge, this is your call!
IREM Collection Volume 2 – A Blast from the Retro Past (But is it Worth Your Quarters?)
Remember the golden age of arcades? The flashing lights, the deafening joysticks, and the sheer thrill of blasting your way through waves of enemies? Well, IREM Collection Volume 2 for the PS5 aims to bring that feeling home, packing three classic IREM titles: GunForce, GunForce II, and Air Duel. But is it a nostalgic victory or a pixelated letdown? Let’s grab a handful of tokens and dive in.
The Good:
Classic Chaos: Each game here is a genuine arcade experience. GunForce lets you unleash a hail of bullets alongside a buddy (local co-op only, mind you), while GunForce II ups the ante with new weapons and stages. Air Duel takes you to the skies for some frantic shoot ’em up action. It’s a solid selection that captures the variety of arcade experiences.
Authentic Presentation: The developers haven’t messed with the core gameplay. You get the original pixelated graphics (warts and all) and the classic sound design that might make you yearn for the days of slightly-sticky arcade sticks. It’s a pure retro trip.
The Not-So-Good:
Show Your Age, Graphics: Don’t expect cutting-edge visuals. These games are straight out of the late 80s/early 90s, and the limitations show. While some might find the pixelated charm endearing, others may find it hard to look past.
Limited Features: This is a bare-bones collection. You get the games, some basic options (like difficulty tweaks), and that’s about it. No fancy filters, online leaderboards, or even a rewind feature many modern retro collections offer. It feels a bit like a missed opportunity.
Limited Edition Price Tag: This one’s a collector’s item, limited to 1,500 copies worldwide. Expect a premium price tag to match. Think twice if you just want a casual blast from the past.
The Verdict:
IREM Collection Volume 2 is a double-edged sword. For hardcore retro enthusiasts craving that authentic arcade experience, it’s a nostalgic goldmine. You get three classic titles with all their pixelated glory. However, the lack of modern features, combined with the hefty price tag for a limited edition, might leave more casual players feeling a bit shortchanged.
Recommendation:
If you have fond memories of feeding quarters into these machines back in the day, or are a die-hard retro collector, then IREM Collection Volume 2 has your name written all over it. However, if you’re looking for a more feature-rich experience or have a tight budget, you might want to hold onto your digital tokens and wait for a more robust (and affordable) retro collection to come along.
