Limited boxed versions available for pre-order
ININ and Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with irem and Tozai Games, are thrilled to announce the pre-order start for exclusive and highly limited boxed editions of irem Collection Vol. 2.
Pre-Order Details
This exciting release, which includes arcade classics GunForce, GunForce II, and Air Duel, is scheduled to launch in Q1 2024. Eager collectors can already pre-order their exclusive Limited Edition, starting on Sunday, the 16th of July! The physical edition of Volume 2 will be exclusively available through Strictly Limited Games and will be the sole physical version worldwide.
ININ and Tozai will handle the digital editions for the Western and Japanese markets on Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation, and Microsoft Xbox, scheduled for release on February 20th, 2024.
Games Included in irem Collection Volume 2
GunForce (SNES, M-92 Arcade)
This volume includes both the SNES and Arcade versions of the Run and Gun classic GunForce. Whether you played the original on your childhood SNES or prefer the much-improved Arcade version, this collection has you covered!
GunForce II (M-92 Arcade)
GunForce II, the official sequel to GunForce, makes its first official worldwide launch on consoles with this release. Despite never making it out of the arcades, GunForce II is now available to a wider audience.
Air Duel (M-72 Arcade)
Rounding out Volume 2 is Air Duel, an arcade-exclusive game that was previously only released in Japanese arcades. This marks its first official worldwide release on consoles. Air Duel is a classic shoot ’em up where players have the ability to switch their aircraft before each new stage, a groundbreaking feature at the time.
GunForce
Considered one of the first run ‘n’ gun games, GunForce: Battle Fire Engulfed Terror Island can be seen as the precursor to the highly acclaimed Metal Slug series and its sequel, GunForce II (GeoStorm). Originally released on the Super Nintendo in the West and arcades in Japan, GunForce challenges players to run and gun their way through hordes of aliens in order to stop a rogue CPU and restore freedom to the world.
The game offers an intense experience right from the start as players parachute into action on the enemy frontlines. Additionally, GunForce introduced different vehicles for players to control, including tanks, helicopters, and motorbikes, adding variety to the gameplay.
GunForce II
GunForce II, also known as GeoStorm in Japan, is the sequel to GunForce and represents one of the last arcade games developed by irem. This release marks its first-ever worldwide console launch. With enhanced animations, improved gameplay, and a captivating soundtrack, GunForce II was created by the same team that later developed the iconic Metal Slug series. It is considered the spiritual predecessor to the Metal Slug franchise, with many of its sound effects and designs being reused in subsequent games.
Set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic environment, GunForce II allows players to take control of either Max or Lei as they dual blast their way through five different stages, aiming to achieve high scores. As with the first game, GunForce II includes a range of vehicles such as motorbikes, mechs, and tanks, adding depth and excitement to the gameplay.
Air Duel
In a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a nuclear war, a secret organization called D.A.S. seeks to create chaos. It is now the player’s responsibility to foil 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 released in 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 players GunForce and the Metal Slug series, Air Duel offers seven challenging stages that can be mastered either alone or with a friend in co-op mode. Players can choose from different aircraft, each with its own unique characteristics and firing patterns, allowing for a customized playstyle.
Limited Editions
Strictly Limited Games is providing the irem Collection Volume 2 with the boxed legacy it deserves, offering two unique limited editions for pre-order exclusively through the Strictly Limited Games online shop.
The Limited Edition is restricted to a maximum of 4000 copies for Nintendo Switch, 1500 copies for PlayStation 4, and 1500 copies for PlayStation 5, priced at 34.99 €. It includes a colorful game manual.
The Collector’s Edition is limited to a maximum of 2000 copies for Nintendo Switch, 999 copies for PlayStation 4, and 999 copies for PlayStation 5, priced at 89.99 €. It includes several additional collectibles, such as the game, a Collector’s Edition Box, a colorful game manual, the original soundtrack on 3 CDs, a DIY Mini Game Box Reproduction for GunForce, a Visual Compendium, reversible posters, an Arcade Flyer Set, a Marquee Sticker, and an irem Collection Volume 2 Arcade Coin.
Furthermore, all the games in the collection feature Online Leaderboards & Global Rankings, providing players with a real challenge.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
