Irem Collection Volume 3 Review

A review code was provided, and many thanks to PR Hound.

Irem Collection Volume 3 – Quality Over Quantity

Retro game compilations have become a welcome trend in recent years, especially for fans who want to revisit (or discover) classic arcade titles on modern platforms. Irem Collection Volume 3 brings together three lesser-known horizontal shooters, Mystic Riders, Dragon Breed, and Mr. Heli, each with its own distinct personality and gameplay. While the collection is on the smaller side, the quality of the titles more than makes up for the limited quantity. If you’re a fan of arcade shoot ’em ups, this is an easy recommendation.

Mystic Riders – A Magical Ride with Firepower

The first game in the collection, Mystic Riders, is a fantasy-themed horizontal shooter that puts you on a broomstick rather than a spaceship. You can play solo or in two-player co-op, casting spells and battling all manner of mythical enemies. While it may initially remind players of Cotton, this is a much more action-forward experience, with fewer frills and more intensity.

The broom mechanic is cleverly implemented. You can throw it like a boomerang to block projectiles, giving the game an extra layer of strategy. While I found Mystic Riders enjoyable, I would rank it the weakest of the trio, not because it’s bad but simply because the other two are stronger and more inventive. Still, its solid controls, bright visuals, and accessible gameplay make it an easy pick-up for players of all skill levels.

Irem Collection Volume 3. Published on LadiesGamers — Don’t lose your head

Dragon Breed – Heavy Metal Fantasy at Its Best

Next up is Dragon Breed, a standout title that redefines what a horizontal shooter can be. Instead of piloting a ship, you ride a massive, biomechanical dragon named Bahamoot. This isn’t just for show; the dragon is fully integrated into gameplay. You can manipulate its long body to act as a shield, wrapping it around yourself for protection, or use it offensively to crush enemies and block incoming fire.

Dragon Breed is visually intense, thematically dark, and brimming with creative design. It blends the fantasy aesthetic with mechanical horror, giving it a unique and memorable vibe. It’s also surprisingly tactical, requiring players to position the dragon smartly while managing their own firepower and weapon upgrades. For me, this is the highlight of the collection and a must-play for shooter fans.

Irem Collection Volume 3 dragon breed. Published on LadiesGamers — Dragon Vs robots I wonder who wins?

Mr. Heli – Cute Chaos with Exploration

Rounding out the collection is Mr. Heli, also known as Battle Chopper. This game leans more into the “cute-’em-up” genre, with a charming, cartoonish aesthetic and inventive gameplay. You pilot a little-legged helicopter that can move in all directions and shoot in either direction. What sets this game apart is its emphasis on exploration. You collect gems to purchase upgrades and navigate non-linear paths through its detailed levels.

Mr. Heli feels a bit like Fantasy Zone mixed with the strategic pacing of a puzzle-platformer. You get both the arcade version and the PC Engine port, and it’s fun to compare the differences. This game is deceptively deep and has aged surprisingly well.

Irem Collection Volume 3 Mr Heli. Published on LadiesGamers — I seem to be a bit lost, do you have directions?

Features – Classic Convenience

Irem Collection Volume 3 includes all the modern conveniences expected in a retro collection. Each game features both Western and Japanese versions, customizable control schemes, save states, a rewind button, and a casual mode where you can activate cheats for a more laid-back experience. Display filters are also available to emulate CRT visuals or adjust screen size preferences.

One notable omission is a museum or historical archive. There’s no concept art, developer commentary, or deep background info, which is unfortunate given these games’ unique charm. However, a nice touch is the inclusion of the PC Engine port of Mr. Heli, which even features a cheat code screen that recreates that classic retro era nostalgia.

Conclusion: Insert Multiple Coins

Irem Collection Volume 3 doesn’t overwhelm with volume, but what it offers is top-tier arcade action. Each game is a strong representative of its genre, showcasing different creative approaches to horizontal shooting. Whether it’s the magic-and-monsters of Mystic Riders, the dragon-riding spectacle of Dragon Breed, or the charming exploration of Mr. Heli, there’s something here for every retro fan.

While some may be disappointed by the lack of extras or a small game count, the quality and polish of the included titles make Irem Collection Volume 3 a worthy addition to any Switch library. Arcade fans, in particular, will find plenty to love.

Final Verdict: I Like It a Lot