Irem Collection Vol. 3 Delivers 3 Enhanced Retro Shoot ’em Ups to Xbox

Sure thing, let’s dive into this wild ride of shoot ’em ups with a bit of chaotic flair!

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So, guess what? Irem Collection Volume 3 is out there in the digital wilderness, packed with three zany arcade shooters! (Who knew? I’ve been clearly living under a rock?) Anyway, it’s the brainchild of ININ, Tozai Games, and Irem, resurrecting these mad classics from late 80s and early 90s.

First up, Mr. Heli from 1987, a game so adorably bonkers it defined the “cute ’em up” genre. You’re piloting this legged chopper, and I mean, why do choppers need legs? Beats me. Then there’s 1992’s Mystic Riders. Imagine riding a broomstick like you’re some wizard, flinging boomerangs at giant turtles. And Dragon Breed? Well, who doesn’t love a game where you ride a fire-breathing dragon? It’s like R-Type but with scales and, you know, dragons.

Each of these games has its own weird charm. Back in the arcade days, these things gobbled quarters like candy. Felt like they had a personal vendetta against my wallet. Now, thank goodness, they’ve added some sanity boosts—cause let’s be real, not all of us came out of the 80s arcades with superhuman reflexes.

And oh boy, the tweaks! Get this—you can remap controls, so your fingers actually feel like they belong on your hands. And there’s an autofire option, because who wants to win a thumb wrestling match against their controller? Not me, that’s for sure. Plus, adjusting difficulty levels means you can decide whether today’s the day to be a hero or just coast through on easy street.

Random side note—those display filters? They’re like a retro TV makeover. Dial back to that CRT vibe or smack some fresh palettes on there if your eyes need a break from nostalgia overload. Competing on worldwide leaderboards is a thing too now. You’re up against the globe, hoping your high score doesn’t pale like, well, my love life every winter.

Anyway—wait, where was I? Oh right! If the thrill of uncovering hidden paths, cosmic battles with bosses, and the nostalgia trip of arcade sounds (kind of like cassette tapes chewing through runny peanut butter?) are your thing, then don’t miss this delightfully messy arcade revival. Irem Collection Volume 3 is calling your name—loudly, with a megaphone.

P.S. Volumes 1 and 2 are also chilling on Xbox if you’re like, a super collector or something. Go on, make it a trilogy night!

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Man, I hope this has you pumped or at least slightly more curious about these pixelated adventures.