Image Fight: A Hardcore STG Classic That Still Packs a Punch!

When Image Fight first hit arcades in November 1988, it had big shoes to fill. Coming from Irem, the very same powerhouse behind R-Type, it brought its own brand of punishingly precise shoot ‘em up gameplay. But instead of immediately throwing you into space battles, Image Fight had an interesting twist—before heading into the real warzone, players had to prove their skills in a simulation mode. Pass the test, and you’d get your shot at taking down an alien invasion that had seized control of the moon’s mainframe computer. No pressure, right?

A Hidden Gem That Took Time to Shine

Back in the day, Image Fight achieved legendary status in Japan, but Western players didn’t quite latch onto it the same way. Fast forward to today, and it’s a darling of the hardcore STG community, praised for its relentless challenge and intricate enemy patterns. It’s brutal but rewarding—a true test of patience and precision. And while memorization and strategy are key, the game isn’t completely unforgiving. Checkpoints exist! Not many, but they’re there to keep hope alive.

Gameplay & Mechanics: A Tactical Challenge

Running on Irem’s M-72 arcade hardware, Image Fight features 8-way joystick controls, a two-player option, and a speed adjustment setting—a game-changer in maneuverability. Power-ups are divided into two weapon systems, each with unique offensive properties, allowing for a customized playstyle. You’re going to need them, too—because enemy formations are ruthless, and only precise dodging and strategic firepower will get you through.

The Story: Humanity’s Last Stand in 20XX

The game is set in a chaotic future where aliens have shattered the moon into four massive fragments and are systematically destroying Earth’s military strongholds. The only hope? A team of scientists from across the world band together to create the Daedalus OF-1, a next-gen spacecraft built for one purpose: taking the fight directly into the heart of the enemy forces.

Home Console Ports: NES vs. PC Engine

While the arcade version remains the definitive experience, Image Fight was ported to home consoles, most notably the NES and the PC Engine (TurboGrafx-16 in the West). Each version has its own quirks:

• NES Port (1989):

  • Stripped-down mechanics compared to the arcade original
  • Fewer power-ups, simpler graphics, and a lower difficulty curve
  • A nostalgic trip for anyone who played it back in the day

• PC Engine Port (1989):

  • Closer to the arcade experience with larger sprites and rapid-fire controls
  • Slightly cropped playfield, but smoother gameplay than the NES version
  • Generally considered the best home console port

A Must-Play for Hardcore STG Fans

At its core, Image Fight is a prime example of Irem’s mastery of the shoot ‘em up genre, standing proudly alongside R-Type as one of the best classic STGs. Whether you’re a veteran looking for a fresh challenge or a retro gaming connoisseur discovering it for the first time, this is one interstellar battle of reflexes and precision you don’t want to miss.