Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
Current gen consoles are getting arcade classic Dragon Breed, along with two other titles in the Irem Collection Vol 3.
Irem has a great library, but I’m left a bit cold with the contents of the Irem Collection Volume 3. Aside from Dragon Breed, there is nothing that really grabs me.
While Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper is entertaining enough, and Mystic Riders look better than it plays, I’d be buying this collection purely for Dragon Breed, which is a bit disappointing. It just doesn’t strike me as strong a trio as the Irem Collection Volume 2.
Irem Collection Volume 3 contents in detail
The collection includes just the three games, although you get dual versions of Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper, with the PC Engine version included.
- Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper: Arcade (EN/JP), PC Engine (JP), originally released in 1987, you play as s cute helicopter with legs. Yes, legs.
- Mystic Riders: Arcade (EN/JP), from 1992, this is like a proto Harry Potter, and you take to the skies to fight mythical creatures with your broomstick.
- Dragon Breed: Arcade (EN/JP), originating in 1989, this arcade classic places you in control of a biomechanical dragon, and it absolutely rocks!
Gameplay features for this are as follows:
- Optional controller enhancements, including rapid-fire button assignment and customizable control layouts.
- Quick save/load and built-in rewind to keep the action flowing.
- Display filters to recreate that original arcade look and feel.
- Worldwide leaderboards to show off your high-score dominance.
- Local 2-player co-op in Mystic Riders for magical tag-team action.
- Packed with bizarre enemies, massive bosses, and legendary gameplay.
It’s all as you would expect… just a bit “meh.”
Irem Collection Volume 3 trailer, featuring Dragon Breed
Here’s the trailer, which partially demonstrates my point.
This collection (and I think that a collection should be 5 or more titles) isn’t bad as such. It’s just a missed opportunity.
The Irem Collection Volume 3 is only available as a digitally-only release, and is set to arrive on July 1st on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5/4, and Xbox priced at €24,99! Learn more at the ININ Games website.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
