Irem Collection Volume 2 announced for Switch
ININ Games, Irem, and Tozai Games have now announced Irem Collection Volume 2. This follows the previous package that was only just confirmed for Switch back in May – we have the rundown here.
Volume 2 includes arcade classics GunForce, GunForce II, and Air Duel. All of these are notable for different reasons. Gunforce will include both the SNES and arcade versions, GunForce II will have its first official worldwide launch on consoles, and Air Duel is seeing its first official worldwide release. Read more about each title below.
GunForce
Sometimes considered one of the first run ‘n’ gun games, GunForce: Battle Fire Engulfed Terror Island can be seen as the initial steps that paved the way for the highly acclaimed Metal Slug series and its sequel, GunForce II (GeoStorm). GunForce is where it all began, after all!
Originally released on the Super Nintendo in the West and arcades in Japan, GunForce challenges you to run and gun your way through hordes of aliens, aiming to stop a rogue CPU and restore freedom to the world. The game shows no mercy, throwing you into the enemy frontlines from the start as you parachute into action. And if that’s not enough ’90s action for you, how about performing a wheelie on a motorbike while shooting down helicopters? GunForce has got you covered. In keeping with tradition, GunForce introduced different vehicles players can control, including tanks, helicopters, and motorbikes. Make your choice!
GunForce II
GunForce II, known as GeoStorm in Japan, is the sequel to the SNES and Arcade game GunForce. It improves upon GunForce in every way and is considered one of the last arcade games from irem. GunForce II was never released outside of arcades, making its inclusion in the irem Collection Vol. 2 its first-ever worldwide console release.
Featuring enhanced animations, improved gameplay, and a killer soundtrack, GunForce II was created by the same staff that later developed the iconic Metal Slug series. It is considered the spiritual predecessor to the Metal Slug series, with many of its sound effects and designs being reused in the series. It is a must-play for all fans!
Set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic environment, the game allows you to take control of Max or Lei. Your goal is simple: dual blast your way through five different stages and rack up those high scores! Vehicles make a return, as is tradition, including motorbikes, mechs, and tanks, to name a few.
Air Duel
The year is 2004. Earth has been devastated by an unprecedented nuclear war, and a secret organization called D.A.S. is rising to ensure chaos in the world. It is now your job to thwart their mischievous plans and save what remains of the world!
Air Duel is a 2D vertically scrolling shoot ’em up that was exclusively available in Japanese arcades and never made it to the West. Its inclusion in the irem Collection Volume 2 marks its first-ever worldwide console release.
Developed by the same legendary team at irem that brought you GunForce and later the Metal Slug series, Air Duel offers 7 challenging stages that need to be mastered either alone or with a friend in co-op.
Choose your aircraft! Whether you prefer shooting forward only with the Jet Fighter FG-40 or firing crosswise with the Helicopter E-709, your playstyle is key to victory.
Irem Collection Volume 2 will launch for Switch via the eShop on February 20, 2024. Physical versions will be sold exclusively via Strictly Limited Games with pre-orders starting on July 16 here.
The regular limited edition will have 4,000 units produced on Switch. There’ll also be 999 copies of the collector’s edition. Each collector’s edition contains the game, collector’s edition box, game manual, original soundtrack on three CDs, DIY mini game box reproduction for GunForce, visual compendium, reversible posters, arcade flyer set, marquee sticker, and arcade coin.
