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.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
