Irem Collection Volume 3

“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.”

“Irem Collection Vol 3 was a pretty fun set of shooting games, even if none of them succeed in having the addicting hook that some of Irem’s better known shooters could have on you.”

“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 just another partial collection of games that I feel should be released as a bigger package; more games for a slightly higher price or let players pick and choose what they want to buy.”

“Irem Collection Volume 3 features three excellent games that didn't receive much attention upon their release, nor were they ported to the most popular consoles of the time. It would be nice to have more information about them, but having them together in a collection is already a compelling feature. Shooter fans who enjoy new interpretations of the genre will definitely enjoy this edition.”

“Although this new entry in IREM's classic collection series only features horizontal shumps, the curation work here was extremely successful in bringing together games that have a unique synergy between them and that cater to a diverse target audience. It's very nostalgic to enjoy games that don't need anything more than addictive gameplay and attractive visuals to keep you in front of the TV or Nintendo Switch screen with a smile from ear to ear.”

“In short, Irem Collection Volume 3 is another solid installment of what is shaping up to be one of the best collections currently available.”

“Irem Collection Volume 3 is definitely the most difficult compilation in the series so far which will delight hardcore retro gaming enthusiasts. 🚁”

“Once again, ININ have released another great collection of classic IREM games at a decent price.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Irem Collection Volume 3 is the second of five classic volumes from the Japanese company Irem. This new compilation includes three more classics from the Japanese developer: Mr. Heli, Mystic Riders, and Dragon Breed. The presentation and options included in the compilation are quite good, although some extras such as galleries or game documentation might be missing to give it more substance. However, we've already seen that the compilation's structure is similar in each volume, and we shouldn't expect any surprises. Fans of Irem and its timeless classics have a must-see with this new volume, and there are still two more to come.”

“I’m not sure these games are quite up to carrying this package. Dragon Breed is still a fun game and worth playing, while Mr. Heli is an interesting time capsule that I’m glad I checked out, but neither of these is a lost classic that modern players desperately need to play. They range from fine to pretty good, but that’s only enough to recommend Irem Collection Volume 3 to big fans of the genre.”

“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.”

“If you’re into retro arcade shooters with an emphasis on variety, each of the 3 included in this collection absolutely satisfy that criteria well”

“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.”