irem Collection Volume 1

Image Fight, released in 1988, was the first game in the series and set the standard for the rest of the franchise. The game was known for its challenging gameplay and impressive graphics, which were considered cutting-edge for their time. Players take on the role of a pilot fighting against a group of alien invaders and have to navigate through a series of increasingly difficult levels. 

Image Fight 2, released in 1992, expanded on the gameplay of the original game and added new features. The game also boasted improved graphics and sound effects, making it an even more immersive and engaging experience. With the animations before and during the stages, this game creates a thrilling experience of playing the hero of an anime series. 

X Multiply, released in 1989, was a spin-off of the Image Fight series and took the gameplay in a slightly different direction. The game is set in a biological world, and players must navigate through a parasite-infected human body filled with organic enemies and obstacles. X Multiply was known for its unique setting, challenging gameplay, and powerful graphics, which were among the best on the arcade platform at the time. 

Overall, the Image Fight series and X Multiply are classic examples of the Shoot 'Em Up genre, and are beloved by gamers who appreciate challenging gameplay, imposing graphics, and timeless classics. Whether you're a fan of retro gaming or just looking for a new challenge, these games are sure to provide hours of entertainment and excitement.  

Features  

• The first part of SLG’s irem Collection, containing three timeless classics: 

• You can adjust the speed of your machine in four stages. 
• Use the backfire of your engine to deal damage, making it one of the most important weapons for strategy  
• Collect pods to raise your firepower, but beware! Pods do not block enemy bullets! 
• Nine different types of parts to equip and upgrade your machine, like Barrier, Vulcan 7 and Ring laser    

Image Fight 2 

• Builds on the gameplay foundation of Image Fight 
• Seven new types of equipment parts compared to the predecessor, like Plasma flame, Gravity Bomb and Wipe laser   
• Voiced anime sequences between stages  

X multiply  

• Collect power-ups to grow your tentacles to shoot and protect your machine. 
• Defeat the alien parasite in a horrific environment. 
• Several weapon systems to defeat enemy hordes 

Why irem Collection Volume 1 is joining the SLG catalog  

These games were known for their challenging and fast-paced gameplay, which kept players engaged and coming back for more. At the time, and even now, these three vertical scrolling shooters were among the best examples of the genre. 

Beginning with their high-quality graphics and sound; the attention to detail and the use of bright colors and bold designs helped to create an immersive and engaging gaming experience. The sound effects and music were also memorable, adding to the overall atmosphere of the games. 

They were also known for their unique features and gameplay mechanics. 

Image Fight allowed players to switch between several weapons and add-ons. Thanks to its gameplay, Image Fight became one of the most played games in Japan and an absolute classic of arcade history. The flexibility of the game, and the possibility to change strategies with every type of equipment, made this game a classic and a must-have SHMUP of its time. 

Image Fight II changed the world of gaming with its groundbreaking ‘interactive’ gameplay. From the first moment, the game creates the atmosphere of being in an anime of the 1980s. The animations between the stages, with their attention to detail, and the voice acting in this game show that this game broke thresholds in the gaming industry. 

Meanwhile, X Multiply had a unique gameplay mechanic featuring tentacles that could be used as weapons or shields. The quirky setting inside a parasite-infected human body broke the setting standards of classic SHMUPs. The horrific environments, organic enemies, and “relatable” atmosphere make this game an absolute banger in arcade history. 
  
Overall, all three games broke the rules of conservative SHMUPs and evolved the gaming industry to another level. These gameplay settings, intros, and storytelling are now standard due to these pioneers. 

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