Irem Collection Volume 3
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Irem Collection Volume 3
Overall, this is yet another great Irem Collection, and much like the first and second releases, this third instalment is excellent. However, its star attraction is the adorable Mr. Heli, which is still just as fun to play as when I played it in the arcades as a kid.
While this collection doesn’t have a marquee title to boast, the games included here are definitely fun. I enjoyed revisiting these as well as playing something I had missed when it came out. I love these old collections and hope we continue to see more of them. Bring on Volume 4 and let’s get even weirder with it.
Dragon Breed easily stands as the crown jewel in this collection. Its innovative dragon-riding mechanics and striking post-apocalyptic visuals craft a near-masterpiece that rivals R-Type’s ingenuity. Mystic Riders follows with its vibrant fantasy aesthetic and local co-op, a rare treat that injects accessibility and fun, though its simpler patterns and repetitive enemies pale next to Dragon Breed’s depth. Mr. Heli, the weakest link, offers lite exploration and chunky-yet-cute visuals but stumbles with its punishing design, feeling like a relic even with modern tweaks.
Irem Collection Volume 3 is definitely the most difficult compilation in the series so far which will delight hardcore retro gaming enthusiasts. 🚁
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.
While few, the games that are included in Irem Collection Volume 3 are some of the most fun and obscure shoot ‘em ups you’ll play.
Overall, Irem Collection Volume 3 is charming and fun, but it really doesn’t bring anything groundbreaking to the table. These aren’t the classics you would recognize, nor would I call them undiscovered gems that never got localized. It’s a good preservation, but, after your curiosity is slaked, you may never find yourself opening them up to play again. But at least you have the option, and that, more than anything, is the purpose of keeping these titles alive.
