Released digitally on July 1, 2025 for PS5 at around £21 / €25 / $25, Volume 3 continues ININ’s retro anthology series with a trio of horizontal shoot‑’em‑ups: Mr. Heli (Battle Chopper), Mystic Riders, and Dragon Breed. ach title includes both English‑ and Japanese‑language ROMs (with Mr. Heli offering a PC Engine Japanese version), plus modern emulation features: customizable controls, rapid‑fire toggles, quick‑save/load, rewind, display filters, and global leaderboards.
Developer: Tozai Games
Publisher: ININ Games
Release Date: 01 July 2025
Code was provided for review from Publisher.
Mr. Heli (Battle Chopper)
A whimsical “cute‑’em‑up” from 1987, you pilot a helicopter with legs through maze‑like levels, uncovering secret routes and boss battles. It walks the line between adorable and challenging — there’s strategy here, as Forbes notes, with plenty of hidden paths and weapon upgrades that still feel fresh.
ts charm’s the highlight: vibrant visuals, clever stage design, and a perfect blend of ease and edge, making it the collection’s star attraction.
Mystic Riders
This 1992 fantasy shooter introduces broom‑riding wizards, co‑op, and a boomerang mechanic to deflect enemy fire. It’s a sweeping, colorful affair that stands out for its originality and local multiplayer, offering a cooperative two‑player experience often missing in retro collections. Subtle control quirks and pacing issues exist, but its inventive gameplay more than compensates.
Dragon Breed
A darker, 1989 cult favorite—described as “R‑Type with wings.” You ride a dragon, Bahamoot, protecting the rider as you comb through biomechanical environments. Despite being overlooked at release, it shines today thanks to intense boss fights and satisfying combat feedback.
Emulation Quality & Extras
ININ’s emulation is largely solid: stable performance with no major input lag or slowdown reported on PS5 and Xbox Series platforms. The added conveniences—quick‑save/load, rewind, rapid‑fire mapping, and screen filters—are well‑implemented and enhance accessibility. That said, some critics lament the lack of historical extras (e.g. art galleries, developer interviews) that could have enriched the package’s context.
Final Thoughts
Irem Collection Volume 3 is a strong send‑off for the series, blending novelty, nostalgia, and quality. Its charm lies in the unique mix of games: Mr. Heli’s quirky puzzles, Mystic Riders’ magical coop, and Dragon Breed’s intensity.
Quality‑of‑life features boost playability, especially with rewind and save options. For purists, the lack of dev interviews or bonus media is a slight miss—but not a deal‑breaker.
