Irem

10-Yard Fight

10-Yard Fight

Arcade - Released - December 1, 1983

10-Yard Fight is an American football sports video game that was developed and published in Japan by Irem for arcades in 1983. It was published overseas by Taito in the Americas, by Electrocoin in Europe, and by ADP Automaten GmbH in West Germany. Gameplay 10-Yard Fight is viewed in a top-down perspective and is vertical scrolling. The player does not select plays for either offense or defense. On offense, the player simply receives the ball upon the snap and either attempts to run with the quarterback, toss the ball to a running back, or throw the ball to the one long distance receiver – basically the option offense. On defense, the player chooses one of two players to control, and the computer manipulates the others. The ball can also be punted or a field goal can be attempted. The game has five levels of increasing difficulty: high school, college, professional, playoff, and Super Bowl. If the player wins both halves of an "accelerated real time" 30-minute half at an easier level, the player advances to the next level of difficulty, like a career mode. A player scores 20,000 points for any kickoff that is returned for a touchdown. Ports The arcade game was later ported to the Famicom by Irem first in Japan, and later published in North America and Europe by Nintendo in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The arcade game was also ported to the MSX home computer also by Irem, but exclusively in Japan. While graphically similar, there are some fundamental differences between the arcade and NES versions of the game. The arcade version only seeks to simulate the offense, with the team attempting to score a touchdown, which ultimately leads the player to the next level. The NES version was developed to allow both defense and offense, as well as a simultaneous 2-player mode. 10-Yard Fight was, along with Kung Fu, one of only two NES launch titles not originally developed by Nintendo. Both games were developed initially for arcades by Irem. Although Nintendo developed the NES port of Kung Fu, Irem handled the system's port of 10-Yard Fight. A port for the Nintendo Switch was released by HAMSTER in May 2018 as part of their Arcade Archives series. Reception In Japan, Game Machine listed 10-Yard Fight on their January 1, 1984 issue as the top-grossing new table arcade cabinet of the month. It later topped Japan's table arcade game chart in March 1984. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called it the "patriarch of football games". Adam Duerson of Sports Illustrated stated that while no one remembered it or could say what makes it great, it is worth recognition for the fact that it brought football games out of the Atari era, setting a simple precedent for future football games. Adam Swiderski of UGO Networks called it "downright advanced" compared to earlier football titles. He added that while it looked neat and had a quality soundtrack, it didn't play like "real football". N-Sider called it more like a racing game than a football game, due to the objective being racing for a first down to increase players' time. Author Bj Klein, however, called it less realistic than Tecmo Bowl. The Journal News called it an "immortal classic". Legacy A remake of the game has been announced for release exclusively for the Intellivision Amico. Trivia The game was also completed for the Commodore 64 for Elite, but not released

10-Yard Fight

10-Yard Fight

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - August 30, 1985

The main idea of this game is that players take control of a football team and have the task of trying to score a touchdown before the clock runs out. Players start out as a high school team. Games consists of two halves. One touchdown must be scored before time runs out in each half or the game is lost. After a touchdown is scored, the half ends and the 2nd half of the game starts. If the player scores in both halves, they win the game, and then move on to the next level of difficulty. Difficulty levels after high school go from college, pro, then to super. The higher the difficulty, the less amount of time is given for a player to score a touchdown. Since the game is concerned with scoring touchdowns, in the 1 player game the player is always on offense. Players can score points for completing passes and for gaining yards by either rushing or passing. Scoring a touchdown also adds to the players score, as does any remaining time on the clock after the touchdown is scored. Also after a touchdown, the player can add on to their score by kicking an extra point. Other rules on the field include getting a 1st down to add time to the clock. If the player throws an interception or go four downs without getting a 1st down, they are penalized yards. In a 2 player game, the second player plays defense until it's their turn to play offense.

10-Yard Fight

10-Yard Fight

Microsoft MSX - Released - December 1, 1983

The main idea of this game is that players take control of a football team and have the task of trying to score a touchdown before the clock runs out. Players start out as a high school team. Games consists of two halves. One touchdown must be scored before time runs out in each half or the game is lost. After a touchdown is scored, the half ends and the 2nd half of the game starts. If the player scores in both halves, they win the game, and then move on to the next level of difficulty. Difficulty levels after high school go from college, pro, then to super. The higher the difficulty, the less amount of time is given for a player to score a touchdown. Since the game is concerned with scoring touchdowns, in the 1 player game the player is always on offense. Players can score points for completing passes and for gaining yards by either rushing or passing. Scoring a touchdown also adds to the players score, as does any remaining time on the clock after the touchdown is scored. Also after a touchdown, the player can add on to their score by kicking an extra point. Other rules on the field include getting a 1st down to add time to the clock. If the player throws an interception or go four downs without getting a 1st down, they are penalized yards. In a 2 player game, the second player plays defense until it's their turn to play offense.

Ai Sensei No Oshiete: Watashi No Hoshi

Ai Sensei No Oshiete: Watashi No Hoshi

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - March 26, 1993

Ai Sensei no Oshiete: Watashi no Hoshi is a Japanese-exclusive Famicom non-game that is focused on astrology. The player must choose his zodiac sign, along with his or her birthdate, and the Japanese prefecture that he happens to be born and/or reside in. This software is not recommended for those who live outside of Japan for that reason. Gender must also be chosen (either male or female). There are eight different types of fortune-telling in the game. The text in the game (for both the menus and the fortunes themselves) are entirely in Japanese. Due to graphical limitations, all the human characters seem to have blue hair in addition to blue eyes.

Air Assault

Air Assault

Arcade - Released - 1993

Air Assault is a 2D up-scrolling shoot 'em up game where you take control of fighter. The game is similar to Air Duel. You have to tward the evil plans of an organization called the Fourth empire over the span of eight stages. As you make progress and fight of various tanks, flying crafts, ships, static guns and bosses power-ups come available. Power-ups can be collected from capsules. Four types of guns are available: Balkan gun (broad strait shooting gun), Wing gun (broad arc shooting gun), graviton laser (strait narrow beam) and grenade (all direction gun). Missiles include the strait megaton missile and a homing missile. There is also a bomb that clears the entire screen. The game can be played solo or with a friend.

Air Duel

Air Duel

Arcade - Released - July 4, 1990

The player selects from a jet fighter or helicopter, shoot enemies in the air and ground, collect power-ups, and defeat bosses to advance levels. The game differs from most others in the genre in that you can change the aircraft you use at the start of each level. The jet fighter always shoots straight forward; power-ups increase the width and strength of its shots. The helicopter fires thinner and weaker shots, but turns in the direction it moves (similar to the later Zero Gunner), giving it great range; powerups increase the strength of shots, as well as the number of bullets per shot (adding a small "spread" effect to the shot while moving around). Both the fighter and the helicopter also start with three bombs which wipe out everything in their path, including enemy shots. These bombs are also unique compared to similar games, in that they produce a line of small horizontal blasts that can be "directed" at the line travels across the ground, by pressing left and right (similar to the helicopter's shots). Additional bombs can be picked up during the course of the game. Losing a life resets your power and bomb count to the amount you start with. "Air Duel" is a challenging game, and later levels can become nearly unplayable if a single life is lost.

Andromeda

Andromeda

Arcade - Released - 1979

A colorful vertical space battle game where the player uses a laser cannon to destroy enemy ships.

Atomic Boy

Atomic Boy

Arcade - Released - 1985

Climb around lattice of pipes to deactivate power switches for main computer while avoiding robots. Jump on generators to send out disrupters and kill robots. Five level vertically scrolling platformer. Climb around a lattice of conduits while avoiding robots. Kill robots by jumping on generators and sending out disrupters. Each generator has a limited number of disrupter shots. Normal robots can become super robots by passing through generators. Super robots can only be destroyed with two disrupter shots and then touching them.

Atomic Punk 2

Atomic Punk 2

Arcade - Released - 1992

New Atomic Punk: Global Quest (Bomber Man World in Japan) is part of the Bomberman series and the direct sequel to Irem's earlier arcade version. The game is very similar to other games in the series - the player controls Bomberman and must destroy all enemies on a level, using bombs. There are power-ups to collect that increase firepower or allow more bombs to be set. Unlike in other games of the series, the player doesn't have to find the exit - when all enemies are destroyed he automatically goes to the next stage. There are 36 stages in Normal Mode (six worlds with six levels each).

Battle Chopper

Battle Chopper

Arcade - Released - November 6, 1987

Battle Chopper (Mr. Heli in Japan) takes place in the year 2999 and Mr. Muddy is threatening the planet. Fortunately, the player has a fully armed, large helicopter with which to attack his sadistic minions. The helicopter will fly through four side-view levels, primarily scrolling left to right but with some variant, each of which ends with a boss. As well as enemies, there are many blocks on the levels. The weapon upgrade system is build into these, which function in two different ways. Most will drop crystals, which if collected are added to a cash total. The others reveal a picture of a weapon with a price - make contact with it while carrying enough credits and the weapon will be bought. When the energy bar runs out, the player loses a life. When this happens, the player loses all money.

Blade Master

Blade Master

Arcade - Released - February 1, 1991

Blade Master is a scrolling hack and slash arcade game released by Irem in 1991. Two selectable heroes, Roy and Arnold, try to save their land from hordes of monsters. There are items to break and power-ups to collect, typical of this genre in the 1990s.

Blokus Club with Bumpy Trot

Blokus Club with Bumpy Trot

Sony Playstation 2 - Released - November 17, 2005

Blokus Portable: Steambot Championship, known in Japan as Blokus Club with Bumpy Trot is a 2005 puzzle video game developed and published by Irem Software Engineering for the PlayStation 2 and later ported to the PlayStation Portable in Japan. The PlayStation Portable version was later published outside Japan by Majesco Entertainment. It is based on the board game Blokus and features characters from Steambot Chronicles (known in Japan as Bumpy Trot).

Bomber Man

Bomber Man

Arcade - Released - 1991

In the future, fight competitions among robots are the most popular event. Bomber Man & King Bomber are the supreme champions, however King Bomber turns evil and attacks mankind with his loyal minions. Bomber Man & his brother Bomber Man 2 must defeat these henchmen and show King Bomber that crime just doesn't pay! Features cute graphics & music and insanely addictive gameplay. Have a blast, but don't get blasted yourself!

Cosmic Cop

Cosmic Cop

Arcade - Released - 1991

Armed Police Unit Gallop, also known as Cosmic Cop is a side scrolling shoot-em-up arcade game produced by Item in 1991. It is part of the popular R-Type video game series.

Daiku No Gen-San: Robot Teikoku No Yabou

Daiku No Gen-San: Robot Teikoku No Yabou

Nintendo Game Boy - Released - March 25, 1994

From the series of "Hammerin' Harry". The second Game Boy game takes out heroes to the final frontier - outer space. The basic gameplay is much the same as its predecessor, although it's a bit more difficult. At a few points, you'll be accompanied by some robot helpers, who show up at specific points in each stage to spring you over walls or supply extra firepower. It also has a particularly cool final battle where the roles are reversed - instead of being a lone character against a huge machine, you control a huge machine against one single character, a wily ninja who blinks in and out of existence. This one was only released in Japan.

Dice: The Dice Game!

Arcade - Unlicensed - 1991

German bootleg of Dice Dice Dice (Irem Corp, 1991), sold by Tuning and with JP language.

DinoCity

DinoCity

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - July 17, 1992

TEAM UP WITH THE DINOSAURS FOR A SUPER-HUGE ADVENTURE! Uh oh, you've just been launched into the prehistoric age by a whacko TV monitor, and the biggest thing going is dinosaurs! Luckily, the dinosaurs have a huge liking for time travelers like you and your friend. Now you just have to solve the problem of the Neanderthals. These cave heads are out to destroy "DinoCity" - and all the dinosaurs in it. So hop on the back of your favorite dinosaur, and get ready for some fast-action fun on a very LARGE scale.

Disaster Report

Disaster Report

Sony Playstation 2 - Released - October 18, 2002

Keith Miyamoto is a reporter who works for an important newspaper in Los Angeles. In 2005, he travels to an island called Capital City, where he has to get a new job. However, on his way from the airport to the city, a terrible earthquake occurs. The train collapses and Keith finds himself abandoned by the rescue team. Now he has to escape the island, try to save the people stranded on it, and discover the true reasons behind the chaos in the city. But that will be anything but easy. The earthquake continues, and any time Keith steps on a half-collapsed bridge, crawls over a pile of rumble, or climbs a narrow path between ruined houses, the Earth can start trembling... Disaster Report is a combination of pure adventure and survival horror genres. Controls, inventory management, fixed camera angles and relative vulnerability of the protagonist are reminiscent of Alone in the Dark and similar games, while the complete lack of enemies to fight reminds of a classic adventure. There are many ways to preserve Keith from constant dying. You can find items and combine them into new ones (for example, finding a helmet and a lamp will allow you to build a helmet with a flashlight attached to it). Keith will also need to quench his thirst, so you'll have to find water for him. The water taps found in the game also serve as save points.

Dragon Breed

Dragon Breed

Arcade - Released - 1989

Kayas became the King of the Agamen Empire when he was just fifteen years old. Together with the Dragon of Light, Kayas' task is to prevent the King of Darkness from achieving his evil ambition of filling the kingdom with black power. Join Kayas in the battle against the dangerous darkness. Play a human hero astride a mighty dragon and seek to destroy all in your path.

Dream Soccer '94

Dream Soccer '94

Arcade - Released - 1994

Dream Soccer '94 was produced by Irem in 1994. A soccer game from Irem. Released in September 1994. Dream Soccer' 94 is Irem's last video game. Irem was dissolved by their parent company, mainly because their game sales were not very good. Soon after, some employees re-established Irem independently on the hope to continue the adventure and the development of sequels for great licenses like R*Type. The game's billboards advertises numerous Irem games. Among them are "R*Type", "Air Duel", "Gallop - Armed Police Unit", "Major Title", "Undercover Cops", "Gun Force" and "Thunder Blaster".

Eiyuu San Goku Shi

Eiyuu San Goku Shi

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - March 26, 1993

Ganbare! Daiku no Gen-san

Ganbare! Daiku no Gen-san

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - December 22, 1993

Hammerin' Harry and his friends have brought themselves a new house. They stand outside its front gate, watching it shine. They also watch a bomb fly past the house and destroy it. His friends are left devastated, and Harry seeks revenge on those responsible for the bombing. In Ganbare Daiku no Gensan, you must go through five stages (with two areas each), destroying workers that get in your way using your mallet. You can use it to perform two special attacks. One that sends fireballs going in all directions, and a more powerful one that sends shockwaves, destroying everything on screen. At the end of each area, a boss needs to be defeated in order to proceed to the next one.

Ganso!! Yancha Maru

Ganso!! Yancha Maru

Nintendo Game Boy - Released - July 11, 1991

Ganso!! Yancha-Maru is an Action game, published by Irem, which was released in Japan in 1991. Also known as Kid Niki.

Gunforce

Gunforce

Arcade - Released - 1991

Gun Force is a 2D side-scrolling run and gun game. The player takes control of a soldier who is dropped off onto an island and must fight his way through hordes of enemy soldiers until he gets to the final showdown in order to protect Mother Earth from the invaders. Gameplay consists of moving forward and blasting all the enemies who get in the way. The player starts out with a normal gun, but can find other weapons throughout a level, such as a flamethrower or a laser gun. While the normal gun has an infinite amount of bullets, the other types of weapons will eventually run out of ammo. With these weapons, the player can shoot either straight, up, or on a diagonal. The player will also have the opportunity to commandeer a vehicle, which they can also fire bullets from. The player starts with 5 lives and 3 continues. Each of the stages must be defeated in a certain amount of time or the player loses one of those lives. Outside of Japan, it later received a sequel titled GunForce II, originally known in Japan as Geo Storm.

GunForce II

GunForce II

Arcade - Released - September 1, 1994

GunForce II is a run and gun arcade video game developed and originally published by Irem on September 1994. It is the sequel to the original GunForce and one of the last arcade games released by the company.

Gussun Oyoyo

Gussun Oyoyo

Sony Playstation - Released - April 28, 1995

Gussun Oyoyo is a game that can be described as a cross between Tetris, Solomon's Key and Lemmings. The game is a conversion of the Irem's arcade machine from 1993. The other games in the Gussun Oyoyo series which are featured on the Saturn and Super Famicom are all based on the same idea. Except for Gussun Paradise on PSone, which is much closer to single screen platformers like Bubble Bobble and Don Doko Don. The difference with other games that appear to be in the same category is that you can't control the character that walks around the screen (Gussun), instead you control falling blocks and occasionally falling bombs. This way you can shape the landscape and indirectly make Gussun go the way you want too. The object of the game is to get Gussun to the goal of each level and in the process saving as many other baby Gussuns as possible, while grabbing as much items as he can for points. There are a variety of enemies, that can be dealt with in various ways. Gussun automatically runs from left to right and turns back whenever he bumps into an object which is at least twice his size. He can climb over blocks that are the same size as him. By dropping bombs you can destroy blocks that are in the way, but you have to watch out not to bomb Gussun.

Hammerin' Harry

Hammerin' Harry

Arcade - Released - 1990

In the peaceful town of Carpentersville, some workers known as The Rusty Nailers decide to bulldoze a house that belongs to Harry. Harry is certainly not happy with this, and goes on a rampage, destroying workers that get in his way. As Harry, you can destroy workers in one of two ways: you can smash them when one of them gets near them, or you can pound the ground, and by doing this, you will send shockwaves in both directions. There are four environments in which Harry needs to get through: construction sites, sewer, ship, and the mansion where Harry meets the leader who ordered the demolition of his house. At the end of each environment, a boss needs to be defeated in order to proceed to the next environment. In between these, there are bonus stages in which you have to destroy a number of enemies before time runs out.

Hammerin' Harry

Hammerin' Harry

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - November 15, 1991

In the peaceful town of Carpentersville, some workers known as The Rusty Nailers decide to bulldoze a house that belongs to Harry. Harry is certainly not happy with this, and goes on a rampage, destroying workers that get in his way. As Harry, you can destroy workers in one of two ways: you can smash them when one of them gets near them, or you can pound the ground, and by doing this, you will send shockwaves in both directions. There are four environments in which Harry needs to get through: construction sites, sewer, ship, and the mansion where Harry meets the leader who ordered the demolition of his house. At the end of each environment, a boss needs to be defeated in order to proceed to the next environment. In between these, there are bonus stages in which you have to destroy a number of enemies before time runs out.

Head On

Head On

Arcade - Released - 1979

Irem's Head On is a 2-D maze racing game. You control your car through the maze to pick up the dots while at the same time avoiding the car, or cars, that are constantly trying to ram you. Successfully get through one maze and many more await you. This is good practice for freeway driving in the big city.

Holy Diver

Holy Diver

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - April 28, 1989

Randy, the hero, is setting out to retrieve the five emblem seals belonging to the King Crimson Family in an attempt to expell the greatest evil, the Black Slayer. He will have to battle through the horde of evil and dark creatures at Black Slayer's command however, making his mission near impossible! However, he can counter their Black Magics as he gains the use of new, Holy Magics as well as some much needed equipment! So, set out with courage, hope, and a little luck, or the darkness will surely dominate!

Hook

Hook

Arcade - Released - 1992

Hook is a side-scrolling, weapon based beat'em up, based on the movie with the same title. Up to four players control Peter Pan or one from the Lost Boys: Ace, Pockets, Thudbutt or Rufio, fighting against Captain Hook and his pirates. Gameplay is similar to other games, like Golden Axe - the heroes go to the right, and kill enemies with their weapons and magic.

Horizon: Moon Patrol II

Horizon: Moon Patrol II

Arcade - Unreleased - 1985

A horizontally scrolling shooter, Horizon is the sequel to Moon Patrol. Both were developed by Irem; Moon Patrol was licensed to Williams. Players take control of hover vehicle armed with a turret and a cannon, rolling over the terrain and alternating their position and perspective on three different lanes to destroy enemies and dodge attacks while avoiding obstacles and picking up fuel and other items.

Image Fight

Image Fight

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - July 27, 1990

Image Fight is an intense vertical shooter by Irem and is the conversion of their own arcade game released back in 1988. The player takes control of the OF-1, a powerful Orbit Fighter ship codenamed Daidalos on a mission to annihilate the Moon defense system which suddenly went out of control. The rather unique feature of Image Fight is the "simulation mode" (called 'Image Fight') that precedes the "real battle" (called 'Real Fight'). The game counts a grand total of eight zones - the first five are Combat Training Stages and happen in a virtual space where the player must at least achieve a whooping 90% destruction ratio. If successful, the Real Combat reveals itself and the player gets launched in outer space and fly through three more stages. Just like with any traditional shooter, the ship can be upgraded by collecting flying capsules. They come in two flavors - the first are colored pods (blue and red) which hang around the ship and either fire straight ahead or in the opposite direction the fighter is facing. Those pods can also be thrown at the enemies to inflict more damage. The other kind are various devices that attach at the front of the ship and greatly improve its fire power - they include Bubble lasers, Homing Lasers, V Lasers or the powerful Drill Laser. Sadly, only one can be collected at the same time and the only way to dispose of them is to get hit. Finally, the speed of the ship can be adjusted anytime during the game and the resulting blast of energy can even be used to damage enemy ships.

Image Fight

Image Fight

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - March 16, 1990

Mankind struggles to survive! Without warning they came... And laid waste to the moon and man's bases on it. Ill-prepared and outgunned, Earth scientists worked feverishly to build a weapon to turn the tide. The "OF-1" is the ultimate fighter. Even as the crews prepare to fight, industrial and military space complexes disappear, one by one. Viewing screens, hooked to spy satellites, flash images of unidentified fighter attacks and a strange vegetation coiling itself around the moon's computer like an insidious serpent. Victory will come only to the worthy. Are you?

Image Fight

Image Fight

Fujitsu FM Towns Marty - Released - 1990

A mysterious alien life form is spreading across the galaxy, trying to conquer the world. It took control of the moon base and is threatening to descend on the Earth. The humans have sent the most advanced fighter jet to oppose the aliens: the OF-1. The OF-1 has the ability to change speed at any time and equip different weapons and pods. OF-1 is humanity's last hope! ImageFight is a top-down vertically scrolling space shooter. On every level there will be enemy ships, turrets, robots, and other machines shooting projectiles or trying to ram you. But there are also power-ups scattered around in small green containers. You must destroy these containers before you can obtain the power-up. Those power-ups include pods that add extra attack power or speed, new kinds of weapons, the ability to fire in different directions, etc.

Image Fight

Image Fight

Sharp X68000 - Released - December 14, 1990

A mysterious alien life form is spreading across the galaxy, trying to conquer the world. It took control of the moon base and is threatening to descend on the Earth. The humans have sent the most advanced fighter jet to oppose the aliens: the OF-1. The OF-1 has the ability to change speed at any time and equip different weapons and pods. OF-1 is humanity's last hope! ImageFight is a top-down vertically scrolling space shooter. On every level there will be enemy ships, turrets, robots, and other machines shooting projectiles or trying to ram you. But there are also power-ups scattered around in small green containers. You must destroy these containers before you can obtain the power-up. Those power-ups include pods that add extra attack power or speed, new kinds of weapons, the ability to fire in different directions, etc.

Image Fight

Image Fight

Arcade - Released - 1988

Image Fight is a 1988 vertically scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Irem. It was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System, PC Engine (Japan-only), Sharp X68000 (Japan-only), and FM Towns (Japan-only) in 1990. On a fateful day in 20XX, the Earth's moon exploded into four large fragments and a multitude of meteors. Aliens from afar had succeeded in destroying the West's moon base. One after another, mankind's other military industrial space complexes were being lost. What mankind dreaded had come to pass. Scores of unidentified fighters were in the area. In addition, the moon's main computer, still intact after the explosion, had a strange vegetation coiled around it. Their trademark evil exploits being a dead giveaway, invaders from the Boondoggle Galaxy had arrived to take over the Earth. To counter these evil forces, leading scientists from all over the globe created the "OF-1" Fightership. Combat pilots depart the Earth to fend off the invaders and earn everlasting glory. Image Fight was released one year after Irem's successful horizontal scroller, R-Type, and, although not directly related, the two games have some similarities.

Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker

Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - December 18, 1992

Image Fight II Operation Deepstriker is a vertical shooter by Irem and sequel of the arcade game Image Fight originally released in 1988 (and ported to the PC Engine in 1990). Humanity tries to rebuild itself from the aftermath of the first Image Fight - the computer on the moon was destroyed and peace had finally returned. But three years after the attack, a space probe detects unknown objects hurtling towards planet Earth. The signs are clear - a massive alien invasion is underway. After a first encounter around Saturn, Image Fight requires the player to progress through four "simulation stages" - the last six "real stages" can only be accessed if the "simulation" achievement rating is greater enough. Failing this requirements leads to a short but intense Penalty Area. All the primary weapons from the original game are also here for the taking. Up to three colored orbs can be attached to the ship and either fire forwards (blue) or in the opposite way the ship is moving (Red). Secondary devices are also available and can be equipped at the front of the ship - they include all kind of lasers and missiles. However the only way to switch to a different device is to receive a direct hit.

In the Hunt

In the Hunt

Arcade - Released - 1993

An organization known as the D.A.S. (The Dark Anarchy Society) uses magnetic doomsday machines to melt the polar ice caps and thus desolate the world. Although the entire world is flooded, a few societies survive to build over the highest structures they can find and continue living. In this post apocalyptic scenario, the D.A.S., who were prepared for this catastrophe, reign supreme over the survivors with martial law and military weapons of extraordinary power. Upon learning of a new D.A.S. superweapon being developed, "Yugusukyuure", the remaining survivors who are terrorized by D.A.S. secretly organize a rebellion force using a newly developed submarine known as the Granvia. The Granvia’s mission is to dive into D.A.S. enforced waters, territories and eventually the D.A.S. headquarters itself to destroy every single D.A.S. weapon in sight.

Irem Arcade Classics

Irem Arcade Classics

Sega Saturn - Released - April 26, 1996

Irem Arcade Classics is a compilation featuring direct conversions of three early Irem arcade games: • 10-Yard Fight • Zippy Race (AKA MotoRace USA) • Spartan X (AKA Kung-Fu Master) Each game includes a variety of configuration options, and a choice between original and arranged music. A superplay video of Spartan X is also included as a bonus.

Irem Arcade Classics

Irem Arcade Classics

Sony Playstation - Released - April 26, 1996

A very hard-to-find collection of retro arcade titles, Irem Arcade Classics brings three cult coin-op favorites to the PlayStation (also released in Sega Saturn): - 10-YARD FIGHT: 10-Yard Fight is a 1983 American football arcade game that was developed and published in Japan by Irem and published in the United States by Taito and in Europe by Electrocoin. It is the first slightly realistic American football video game ever developed and released. Gameplay: The game is viewed in a top-down perspective and is vertical scrolling. The player does not select plays for either offense or defense. On offense, the player simply receives the ball upon the snap and either attempt to run with the quarterback, toss the ball to one of two running backs, or throw the ball to the one long distance receiver - basically the option offense. On defense, the player chooses one of two players to control, and the computer manipulates the others. The ball can also be punted or a field goal can be attempted. 10-Yard Fight has four levels of difficulty; from easiest to most difficult: high school, college, professional, playoff and Super Bowl. If the player wins both halves of an "accelerated real time" 30-minute half at an easier level, the player advanced to the next level of difficulty. - ZIPPY RACE (better known to U.S. gamers as the motorbike racing game Motorace USA)MotoRace USA (also known as Traverse USA, in Japan as Zippy Race and in Spain as Mototour) is an arcade game released by Irem in 1983. Gameplay: The game's main character is a racer who must travel on his motorbike from Los Angeles to New York while avoiding many cars who try to crash into the rider. Interestingly, every level has two parts: * The first part is an overhead game with the aforementioned gameplay. Cars overtaken during this part of the level cause the player's rank to increment by 1 per car. The current rank is shown in the bottom right hand corner of the game screen during each stage. * The second part has the player watching the biker from behind his back. The player must try not to crash into the opposite cars while a background relative to the city he's travelling to is shown (i.e.: if the player is reaching Las Vegas, then a few casinos can be seen in the background). Oncoming cars passed do not increase the player's rank. - KUNG-FU MASTER (also known as Spartan X): a martial-arts fighting game. Kung-Fu Master is a 1984 arcade game developed by the Japanese company Irem Corporation. It was manufactured under license in the United States by Data East. It was released in Japan as Spartan X and credited "Paragon Films Ltd., Towa Promotion", who made the movie starring Jackie Chan called Spartan X (Wheels on Meals) upon which it was based. The game contains elements of Bruce Lee's Game of Death. Story: The player takes the role of Keiji Thomas, a man in a Keikogi and slippers. Thomas's girlfriend, Sylvia, has been kidnapped by "Mr. X", and Thomas must fight through five side-scrolling floors full of enemies to rescue her. Brutally summarized as "rescue girlfriend – hit people", the US and UK version opened with the clumsy phrase "Thomas and Sylvia were attacked by several unknown guys...." In addition to a simple menu for picking which game to play, Irem Arcade Classics also features customization options for each game, ranging from background music (original or "arrangement"), scoring and difficulty levels, and whether or not a "continue" option is switched on for each game. (The only hitch is that Irem Arcade Classics has no memory card functionality, so there's no way for players to save their custom settings; worse yet, once one of the three games has been "booted," the PlayStation must be reset to get back to the main game menu.) It's an exceedingly rare import collection, even more scarce than Nichibutsu Arcade Classics or Namco Museum Encore, so video game collectors seeking Irem Arcade Classics better be ready to pony up serious cash to fuel their classic arcade jones.

Irem Arcade Hits

Irem Arcade Hits

Windows - Released - December 9, 2010

IREM Arcades Hits, the legendaries arcade games are back! Introduced in the 90s, this common goal of all IREM games’ heroes to save the world and to do everyhting possible, no matter the cost, to reach their objective makes these Arcade games so famous. 18 games are included in this collection - Kung-Fu Master, Vigilante, Ninja Spirit, R-Type Leo, Air Duel, Battle Chopper, Cosmic Cop, Dragon Breed, Gunforce, Gunforce 2, Hammerin’ Harry, Image Fight, Legend of Hero Tonma, Mystic Riders, Undercover Cops, In the Hunt, Superior Soldiers, Blade Master - providing you with an explosive mix of adventures, fights, bosses to destroy and mysteries to resolve, armed with submachine guns, bombs, hammers or a simple chopper. The magic of Arcade games will keep taking effect for hours and hours!

Kaiketsu Yancha Maru 2: Karakuri Land

Kaiketsu Yancha Maru 2: Karakuri Land

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - August 30, 1991

Kaiketsu Yanchamaru 2: Karakuri Land ("The Wonderful Yanchamaru 2: Karakuri Land", where karakuri is a traditional Japanese wind-up doll) is a Japanese action side-scrolling game set as a sequel to Kaiketsu Yanchamaru (Kid Niki: Radical Ninja in the US). Taking place in a fantasy theme park named Karakuri Land, lead character Yanchamaru battles his way through various themed levels to rescue the princess who has since been missing after visiting the theme park upon its arrival. Combat consists of striking enemies with Yanchamaru's sword and collecting bonus items that increase the player's score and Yanchamaru's abilities.

Kickle Cubicle

Kickle Cubicle

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - June 29, 1990

The Kingdom's covered with ice! And it's likely to stay that way unless Kickle saves the day! The Wicked Wizard King came to the Fantasy Kingdom and covered the Four Lands with ice. Now, armed with his freezing breath, Kickle sets out to save his friends. Join Kickle as he attempts to rescue the kingdom from this puzzling predicament of perpetual winter.

Kid Niki: Radical Ninja

Kid Niki: Radical Ninja

Arcade - Released - October 2, 1986

One day in Feudal Japan, Kid Niki, the most radical of ninjas, is training at his Ninja School. Suddenly, a passing bird is struck down by an arrow and lands at Niki's feet. Attached is a note explaining that Niki's girlfriend, Princess Margo, has been kidnapped by the evil Stone Wizard. With the cry of "Will help you!" Niki bursts through the wall of his school and sets off on his quest to save Margo.

Kid Niki: Radical Ninja

Kid Niki: Radical Ninja

Apple II - Released - 1988

In this side scrolling action game, Kid Niki must rescue his beloved Princess Margo who has been kidnapped by the Stone Wizard. You are equipped with a Spinning Sword to clear any minions that stand in your way. You can also find a Golden Bell, whose chime slays from a distance, a Silver Bell, which creates an impenetrable shield of sound around you, a Mini-Niki, which grants you an extra life, and a Mini-Princess, which averts one death. There are seven realms you must traverse, each having a boss at the end. The seven bosses are Death Breath, Spike, the Stone Buddha, the Horned Witch, the Green Grub, the Mad Monk, the Samurai Guard, and the Stone Wizard. After you rescue the princess you must chase and defeat the Stone Wizard in the final eigth round.

Kung Fu

Arcade - 1985

Kung-Fu Master is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game produced by Irem as arcade game in 1984 and distributed by Data East in North America. The game was initially released in Japan under the title of Spartan X[a] as a tie-in based on the Jackie Chan film Wheels on Meals (which was also distributed under the name Spartan X in Japan); however, the game has no bearing on the plot of the film outside the names of the main protagonist and his girlfriend, allowing Irem to export the game without the license by simply changing the title. The players control Thomas, the titular Kung-Fu Master, as he fights his way through the five levels of the Devil's Temple in order to rescue his girlfriend Sylvia from the mysterious crime boss Mr. X. Kung-Fu Master is regarded as the first beat 'em up video game. It had a NES port titled Kung Fu, which sold 3.5 million cartridges. The arcade game also inspired a 1988 French film of the same name.

Kung Fu

Kung Fu

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - June 21, 1985

You'll need lightning fast reactions to knock out the Knife Thrower, stop the Stick Fighter, and trip up the evil Tom Tom Brothers in this action-packed martial arts contest! Are you sure you're tough enough? Because it'll take all your strength and skill to master the moves in KUNG FU, beat your opponents, and rescue the fair Sylvia who's held captive on the top floor! The action is non-stop, and just when you think you've got your enemies licked there's always a Giant, a Snake, or a fire-breathing Dragon to contend with in KUNG FU!

Kung-Fu Master

Kung-Fu Master

Nintendo Game Boy - Released - December 11, 1990

Leap into Action! Trouble's brewing under the blistering desert sun. The arch-fiend Daddy Long Legs and his army of Ninja Mercenaries, Kung Phooeys, and other bandits are cooking up something evil in their Pyramid-shaped factories and not telling anyone about it. Bruce Leap, Kung-Fu Master and part-time camel racer, must once again jump into the fry and set things straight. Leap has no need for guns, his hands and feet are themselves lethal weapons.

Kung-Fu Master

Kung-Fu Master

Arcade - Released - 1984

Loosely based on a movie, Kung-Fu Master is a side scrolling action game for one or two players, who alternate turns. Mr. X has captured the pickpocket Sylvia and it is up to Thomas, a kung-fu master who owns a restaurant, to get her back. She is located on the top floor of Mr. X's castle and Thomas will need to fight his way to the top. Of course, this won't be easy as each floor has many opponents to get past and a floor boss at the end of each level. Thomas is able to move left and right, jump, duck, and punch and kick. Enemy projectiles such as knives can be kicked in the air to rebound them towards the enemy. On the top floor resides Mr. X himself.

Legend of Hero Tonma

Legend of Hero Tonma

Arcade - Released - July 1, 1989

A little caped hero called Tommy must fight his way to the boss' castle through a cute world to rescue a princess, but stopping him from his rescue mission will be several enemies, which he has to deal with by launching little fireballs at them. Tommy may also jump on their heads to stun them for a moment. Getting power-ups will make the fireball soon increase to a bouncing fireball, which will deal more damage to enemies. Treasure chests can be busted open, allowing Tommy to collect coins. Tommy's journey will have him explore ruins, cliffs, statues, dungeons, and finally the castle. At the end of each level, there is a boss that must be defeated in order to proceed to the next stage.

Legend of Hero Tonma

Legend of Hero Tonma

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - March 13, 1991

Legend of Hero Tonma is an action game that puts players in control of the magic-user Tonma, whose role – as was typical for game heroes of the day – is to travel to another world and save the princess. Fight your way through seven stages using Tonma’s jump ability and shot power. Collect power-ups and barriers to grow in strength and pummel your enemies. Bring that strength to the end of each stage to face off against and defeat the menacing bosses that aim to keep you from the princess.

Lethal Thunder

Lethal Thunder

Arcade - Released - 1991

Lethal Thunder is a 2D arcade vertically scrolling space shooter. The player controls a spaceship that flies forward, destroys enemies, and defeats bosses, but with a button-mashing mechanic. The player has to mash the shot button to increase firepower. He can find various weapons to use. Lethal Thunder has co-op multiplayer for two players.

Lode Runner

Lode Runner

Arcade - Released - 1984

The Bungeling Empire has stolen a huge cache of gold from its rightful owners, and your mission is to infiltrate its treasury and recapture it. This entails progressing through 150 screens of platforms, ladders and ropes. The Empire has sent robotic guards down to protect the gold, and contact with any of these will cost you a life. Your method of escaping them is to press fire to dig a hole in their line of movement, thus causing them to fall in briefly, allowing you to move across the gap safely. Once all the gold has been collected, a ladder allowing you to move onto the next screen is added. Completing these screens often requires forward planning and precision. This was one of the earliest games to include a level editor, allowing the creation of new level designs with no programming skill.

Lode Runner II: The Bungeling Strikes Back

Lode Runner II: The Bungeling Strikes Back

Arcade - Released - 1984

Lode Runner II: The Bungeling Strikes Back is the arcade sequel to the original game, consisting of 30 levels, of which ten are based on the original set. The objective of each level is the same: collect all the gold scattered around the levels while avoiding enemies. In the event that you are trapped, you can create holes in the platforms to the left or right of you for the enemies to fall through, similar to what the player does in Apple Panic. They will then die and respawn. Some enemies will flash, letting you know that they carry gold. You can either wait for them to drop the gold, or force them to give it up by trapping them in holes. When you have managed to collect all the gold, another ladder will appear, and climbing it will take you to the next level. Bonus points are awarded, but these vary depending on how much time you have remaining. After every three levels, a cut-scene is triggered, showing you the next wave of enemies you have to deal with. Coming into contact with enemies or falling down in your own hole results in a loss of life, and the game is over when you run out of lives.

Lot Lot

Lot Lot

Arcade - Released - 1985

Lot Lot is a puzzle game. The goal of the game is of extreme simplicity. Manipulate the balls in such a way till they fall into the pits and generate points. The game has five pits: Out, 0 points, 10 points, 30 points and 50 points. Each level starts by giving the player a target score that has to be reached before the player can continue on to the next level. The screen is divided into sixteen sections. The walls of those sections randomly disappear and the balls will then drop or roll into the other section or a pit at the bottom of the screen. On the screen, there will be two arrows of which the second arrow follows the first one, but with a slight delay, and it stops at the same position as the first one. The arrows will start in an empty section of which one of the walls will soon disappear. To move the balls to the empty section move the first arrow to a section that is filled with balls end press the space bar or fire button. The balls will then be moved to the empty section. If both sections contain balls then the balls will be swapped accordingly. Now the goal is to manipulate the balls in such a way that they will fall into the pits, thus generating points for the player. In the bottom left of the screen there is a section that has a thin red line at the bottom. Never move the balls in that section because if any balls enter that section a crab will appear and cut the red line with its razor sharp claws, causing the balls to disappear in the pit labeled 'OUT' and resulting in the player losing a life.

Lot Lot

Lot Lot

Microsoft MSX - Released - December 21, 1985

Lot Lot is a puzzle game. The goal of the game is of extreme simplicity. Manipulate the balls in such a way till they fall into the pits and generate points. The game has five pits: Out, 0 points, 10 points, 30 points and 50 points. Each level starts by giving the player a target score that has to be reached before the player can continue on to the next level. The screen is divided into sixteen sections. The walls of those sections randomly disappear and the balls will then drop or roll into the other section or a pit at the bottom of the screen. On the screen, there will be two arrows of which the second arrow follows the first one, but with a slight delay, and it stops at the same position as the first one. The arrows will start in an empty section of which one of the walls will soon disappear. To move the balls to the empty section move the first arrow to a section that is filled with balls end press the space bar or fire button. The balls will then be moved to the empty section. If both sections contain balls then the balls will be swapped accordingly. Now the goal is to manipulate the balls in such a way that they will fall into the pits, thus generating points for the player. In the bottom left of the screen there is a section that has a thin red line at the bottom. Never move the balls in that section because if any balls enter that section a crab will appear and cut the red line with its razor sharp claws, causing the balls to disappear in the pit labeled 'OUT' and resulting in the player losing a life.

Lot Lot

Lot Lot

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - December 21, 1985

Lot Lot is a puzzle game involving pachinko balls and has a superficiality similarity to that popular Japanese gambling game. Instead of firing the balls around a table full of pins that change their course, the goal is to make sure the balls run into one of the four troughs that score points, with the higher numbered scoring zones being preferable. If any drop into the "Out" zone, the game is over.

Mahjong Kazoku

Mahjong Kazoku

Nintendo Famicom Disk System - Released - August 4, 1987

Mahjong Kazoku ("Mahjong Family") is a standard Mahjong simulation game for Nintendo's Famicom Disk System. It is a one-on-one version of the game, rather than the standard four-player board game arrangement, and it incorporates many of the various and byzantine scoring rules of the game. Irem developed and published the game but left a mysterious licensing credit to Ox Inc. on the title screen. It's possible the game is a port of an obscure Japanese Mahjong computer game, or at least borrows some of its coding for the AI opponent or scoring systems.

Major Title

Major Title

Arcade - Released - 1990

The Irem Skins Game is an arcade-style golf simulation. The game is presented from a mixed perspective. The pre-shot perspective is a standard third-person view from just behind the golfer, but once the ball is hit, the view switches to a top-down perspective to track the ball in flight. The game takes a simplified approach to hitting the ball. Instead of setting the power and controlling the shot, the only function of the vertically oriented swing meter is to select the vertical angle of the shot, which, in turn, sets the amount of backspin/topspin applied to the ball. The strength of each swing is selected prior to the shot by setting a power gauge to one of 16 levels. Draw and fade can be applied to the ball by changing the players stance. However, the game specifies the maximum distance for the putter in yards (but measures distance on the greens in meters).

Major Title 2

Major Title 2

Arcade - Released - 1992

Major Title 2 is a golf game for up to four players who choose to play as one of four different golfers. Each golfer possesses a unique skill-set that influences their ability to make certain types of shots (power hitter, all-round player, technician and magician). The game offers a choice of two different courses and provides the usual array of game modes: tournament, match play, stroke play and a skins game. During play, the action is presented in two different perspectives. The pre-shot perspective is a standard third-person view from behind the golfer but once the ball is hit, the view switches to a top-down perspective to track the ball in flight. Once players are on the green, a window is displayed showing a zoomed-in overhead view detailing the green's contours. Major Title 2 takes a simplified approach to hitting the ball. Instead of setting the power and controlling the shot, the only function of the swing meter is to select the vertical angle of the shot, which sets the amount of back or topspin applied to the ball. The strength of each swing is selected prior to the shot by setting a power gauge to one of 16 levels. Draw and fade can also be applied to the ball by changing the players stance prior to taking the shot. However, the game specifies the maximum distance for the putter in yards, but measures distance on the greens in meters.

Meikyu Jima

Meikyu Jima

Arcade - Released - 1988

Meikyūjima or Kickle Cubicle is a sliding puzzle game in the vein of Adventures of Lolo where the Wicked Wizard King covered the kingdom with ice and hid the people and palaces deep within the ice. Armed with his freezing breath, Kickle sets out to save his friends and attempts to rescue the kingdom from this puzzling predicament of perpetual winter. Each level has a fixed time limit and enemies that will try and block your progress. The four lands (Garden, Fruit, Cake and Toy) have 17 or 18 puzzles in each. Beat all of those and there is a Special Stage with 30 more challenging puzzles. Your main options are to move, make a block of ice and slide a block of ice. Objects appearing in puzzles include: Rock: You cannot go over these but you can use them to stop sliding ice cubes. Slippery Ice: Enemies can not go there. Base Rock: These can not be destroyed and enemies generate from them. Spring: Springs an ice cube across the screen. Water Hole: You can't fill or walk across these holes in the ice. Breaker: Shatters ice cubes that strike its corners. Hammer: Changes ice cube direction and hits enemies. Power Rock: Hit this and all enemies will freeze.

Metal Storm: Collector's Edition

Metal Storm: Collector's Edition

Nintendo Entertainment System - Unlicensed - September 17, 2019

For the first time ever, the Japanese version of the classic NES® game Metal Storm has been translated to English along with the white mech, cinematic introduction to the plot, and higher difficulty level options. This is an official re-release produced by Retro-bit under the blessing of Irem, distributed by Limited Run, CastleMania Games, and other independent retailers.

Moon Patrol

Moon Patrol

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Unreleased

Moon Patrol is a side-scrolling game where the player must drive a moon buggy from one station on the Moon to another, all while avoiding crashing or getting destroyed by alien ships. The vehicle is constantly moving right and the player can speed up or slow down, jump, and shoot (simultaneously firing upwards and forwards.) There are 25 checkpoints along the way, each symbolized with a letter from A to Z, and serving as a respawn point. Every five checkpoints mark a separate "stage" within the entire course; reaching the end of a stage under the par time grants a large score bonus. Dangers on the Moon include rocks (small and big ones) which can be shot to pieces or jumped over, pits which must be jumped, and UFO's which fire at the player or bombard the ground (creating pits). Later the player also comes upon stationary tanks which fire missiles (that can be destroyed with the player's own shots), landmines, carnivorous plants that pop up out of pits, and rocket cars which stalk the buggy from behind before rushing forward in an attempt to ram it down. After completing the first course (the "Beginner Course") the player can try his skill on the harder Champion Course.

Moon Patrol

Moon Patrol

Texas Instruments TI 99/4A - Released - 1984

Moon Patrol is a side-scrolling game where the player must drive a moon buggy from one station on the Moon to another, all while avoiding crashing or getting destroyed by alien ships. The vehicle is constantly moving right and the player can speed up or slow down, jump, and shoot (simultaneously firing upwards and forwards.) There are 25 checkpoints along the way, each symbolized with a letter from A to Z, and serving as a respawn point. Every five checkpoints mark a separate "stage" within the entire course; reaching the end of a stage under the par time grants a large score bonus. Dangers on the Moon include rocks (small and big ones) which can be shot to pieces or jumped over, pits which must be jumped, and UFO's which fire at the player or bombard the ground (creating pits). Later the player also comes upon stationary tanks which fire missiles (that can be destroyed with the player's own shots), landmines, carnivorous plants that pop up out of pits, and rocket cars which stalk the buggy from behind before rushing forward in an attempt to ram it down. After completing the first course (the "Beginner Course") the player can try his skill on the harder Champion Course.

Moon Patrol

Moon Patrol

Commodore VIC-20 - Released - 1983

Moon Patrol is a side-scrolling game where the player must drive a moon buggy from one station on the Moon to another, all while avoiding crashing or getting destroyed by alien ships. The vehicle is constantly moving right and the player can speed up or slow down, jump, and shoot (simultaneously firing upwards and forwards.) There are 25 checkpoints along the way, each symbolized with a letter from A to Z, and serving as a respawn point. Every five checkpoints mark a separate "stage" within the entire course; reaching the end of a stage under the par time grants a large score bonus. Dangers on the Moon include rocks (small and big ones) which can be shot to pieces or jumped over, pits which must be jumped, and UFO's which fire at the player or bombard the ground (creating pits). Later the player also comes upon stationary tanks which fire missiles (that can be destroyed with the player's own shots), landmines, carnivorous plants that pop up out of pits, and rocket cars which stalk the buggy from behind before rushing forward in an attempt to ram it down. After completing the first course (the "Beginner Course") the player can try his skill on the harder Champion Course.

Moon Patrol

Moon Patrol

MS-DOS - Released - 1983

Moon Patrol is a side-scrolling game where the player must drive a moon buggy from one station on the Moon to another, all while avoiding crashing or getting destroyed by alien ships. The vehicle is constantly moving right and the player can speed up or slow down, jump, and shoot (simultaneously firing upwards and forwards.) There are 25 checkpoints along the way, each symbolized with a letter from A to Z, and serving as a respawn point. Every five checkpoints mark a separate "stage" within the entire course; reaching the end of a stage under the par time grants a large score bonus. Dangers on the Moon include rocks (small and big ones) which can be shot to pieces or jumped over, pits which must be jumped, and UFO's which fire at the player or bombard the ground (creating pits). Later the player also comes upon stationary tanks which fire missiles (that can be destroyed with the player's own shots), landmines, carnivorous plants that pop up out of pits, and rocket cars which stalk the buggy from behind before rushing forward in an attempt to ram it down. After completing the first course (the "Beginner Course") the player can try his skill on the harder Champion Course.

Moon Patrol

Moon Patrol

Atari 800 - Released - 1984

Moon Patrol is a side-scrolling game where the player must drive a moon buggy from one station on the Moon to another, all while avoiding crashing or getting destroyed by alien ships. The vehicle is constantly moving right and the player can speed up or slow down, jump, and shoot (simultaneously firing upwards and forwards.) There are 25 checkpoints along the way, each symbolized with a letter from A to Z, and serving as a respawn point. Every five checkpoints mark a separate "stage" within the entire course; reaching the end of a stage under the par time grants a large score bonus. Dangers on the Moon include rocks (small and big ones) which can be shot to pieces or jumped over, pits which must be jumped, and UFO's which fire at the player or bombard the ground (creating pits). Later the player also comes upon stationary tanks which fire missiles (that can be destroyed with the player's own shots), landmines, carnivorous plants that pop up out of pits, and rocket cars which stalk the buggy from behind before rushing forward in an attempt to ram it down. After completing the first course (the "Beginner Course") the player can try his skill on the harder Champion Course.

Moon Patrol

Moon Patrol

Apple II - Released - 1983

A straightforward adaptation of Williams' cult arcade classic, Atari's Moon Patrol for the Apple II is a somewhat stripped-down, no-frills experience which concentrates on the action of the game, rather than getting the visuals or the sound right. The game offers either joystick or keyboard control (and fair warning: the keyboard control scheme is nearly impossible). Moon Patrol manages to give justice to most of the visuals, though some of the graphic nuances -- the lunar cities in the background, the shading on the triple-sphere ships which lob crater-making bombs at you -- is sacrificed, probably due to the Apple II hi-res mode's limited color range. Completely absent is that jaunty little tune which accompanied the arcade Moon Patrol and even home versions like Atari 2600.

Moon Patrol

Moon Patrol

Sord M5 - Released - 1983

Moon Patrol is a side-scrolling game where the player must drive a moon buggy from one station on the Moon to another, all while avoiding crashing or getting destroyed by alien ships. The vehicle is constantly moving right and the player can speed up or slow down, jump, and shoot (simultaneously firing upwards and forwards.) There are 25 checkpoints along the way, each symbolized with a letter from A to Z, and serving as a respawn point. Every five checkpoints mark a separate "stage" within the entire course; reaching the end of a stage under the par time grants a large score bonus. Dangers on the Moon include rocks (small and big ones) which can be shot to pieces or jumped over, pits which must be jumped, and UFO's which fire at the player or bombard the ground (creating pits). Later the player also comes upon stationary tanks which fire missiles (that can be destroyed with the player's own shots), landmines, carnivorous plants that pop up out of pits, and rocket cars which stalk the buggy from behind before rushing forward in an attempt to ram it down. After completing the first course (the "Beginner Course") the player can try his skill on the harder Champion Course.

Moon Patrol

Moon Patrol

Arcade - Released - 1982

Moon Patrol is an arcade game originally released in 1982 by Irem and later licensed for release in North America by Williams (Midway). It is a side-scrolling shooter that puts players at the controls of a six-wheeled moon rover that can jump and shoot. The goal is to move through the entire course as quickly as possible while shooting enemies for additional points. Cannons are mounted on the front and top of the vehicle, and both fire simultaneously when the fire button is pressed. Rocks, mines, and pits in the course prevent you from just holding to the right for maximum speed. Rocks and mines can be shot, but pits must be jumped. Some enemies fire shots that create new pits in the course, forcing players to react quickly.

Moon Ranger

Arcade - Unlicensed - 1982

A 1982 bootleg version of Irem's arcade classic Moon Patrol.

MotoRace USA

MotoRace USA

Arcade - Released - 1983

In a game reminiscent of both Road Fighter and Rally Bike, the player takes control of a motorcyclist who's in a race to be the first to traverse the United States from the west to the east coast, starting in Los Angeles and ending up in New York City. Gameplay consists of the player dodging cars and other roadway hazards on their way to the next checkpoint. Players can either accelerate or hit the brakes on their motorcycle so they can avoid getting into an accident. Accidents cause the player to lose fuel and running out of fuel can end the game. So players must keep an eye out on the fuel gauge, which can be refilled by fuel barrels littered throughout each stage. Each car the player passes betters their ranks which increases their score. MotoRace USA was released in July 1983 by Williams under license from Irem. This game is also known as "Traverse USA" and "Zippy Race".

Mr. Heli no Daibouken

Mr. Heli no Daibouken

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - December 1, 1989

Mr. Heli takes place in the year 2999 and Mr. Muddy is threatening the planet. Fortunately the player has a fully armed large helicopter with which to attack his sadistic minions. The helicopter will fly through four side-view levels, primarily scrolling left to right but with some variant, each of which ends with a boss. As well as enemies, there are many blocks on the levels. The weapon upgrade system is build into these, which function in two different ways. Most will drop crystals, which if collected are added to a cash total. The others reveal a picture of a weapon with a price - make contact with it while carrying enough credits and the weapon will be bought. When the energy bar runs out the player loses a life. When this happens the player loses all money.

Mystic Riders

Mystic Riders

Arcade - Released - 1992

Players take the role of child witches that ride on broomsticks in this horizontally scrolling, six-level shooter. Broomsticks can be fired off in any of eight directions as a massive power-up.

Narisokonai Eiyuutan: Taiyou to Tsuki no Monogatari

Narisokonai Eiyuutan: Taiyou to Tsuki no Monogatari

Sony PSP - Released - July 23, 2009

Narisokonai Eiyuutan: Taiyou to Tsuki no Monogatari is a Strategy game, developed and published by Irem, which was released in Japan in 2009.

Ninja Baseball Bat Man

Ninja Baseball Bat Man

Arcade - Released - September 17, 1993

Some of the most prized treasures from the Baseball Hall of Fame have been stolen, and the Commissioner of Baseball needs YOU to get them back! But is there more to this quest than meets the eye? Who is really behind the theft?

Ninja Spirit

Ninja Spirit

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - July 6, 1990

Play as the ninja Moonlight and engage in a fierce battle to avenge his father's death and unlock the secrets of his birth. Select between the original Arcade Mode and PC-Engine MODE, which includes a life gauge. Use four types of weapons: katana, shuriken, bombs and chain and sickles to battle your way through the enemies. Pick up power-up items and switch between weapons to give you the advantage. You'll need to consider the enemy attacks and your weapon's abilities in order to deftly make it through all seven stages. Use your skills and attacks to get through the game's boundless enemies and traps. That's what ninja action is all about.

Ninja Spirit

Ninja Spirit

Arcade - Released - 1988

Gekkou, is a young ninja who lost his father to a mysterious half-man half-beast creature. The plot of Ninja Spirit is based on the quest of his revenge in an alternative feudal Japan.

Noobow

Noobow

Nintendo Game Boy - Released - December 11, 1992

The sun and rain are having a dust-up. This is causing everyone to suffer extreme cold or heat, and it’s up to Noobow to resolve this mess by helping them out. Pick up objects and use them wherever they're needed in order to stop the sun and rain from fighting each other and help Noobow get to the end of each level!

Oli-Boo-Chu

Oli-Boo-Chu

Arcade - Released - 1981

A Japanese maze game created by GDI and Irem where you a character resembling humpty dumpty to catch and bang mice and you must avoid big lizards or they will eat you alive.

PachiPara 14: Fuu to Kumo to Super Umi in Okinawa

PachiPara 14: Fuu to Kumo to Super Umi in Okinawa

Sony Playstation 2 - Released - July 26, 2007

PachPara 14 is the last PS2 release in Irem's long-running pachinko simulation series. It features faithful 3D recreations of two pachinko machines made by Sanyo Bussan: CR Super Umi Monogatari in Okinawa MTA and CR Super Umi Monogatari in Okinawa SAD. There are two modes available: Tsūjō (Normal) mode allows the player to modify a wide range of settings for each machine, while Jissen (Battle) mode challenges the player to win as many balls as possible on the default settings with a limited starting pool and time limit. There is also a View mode where the various animations that play on the in-game display can be freely viewed, and a customization mode where different picture combinations can be placed in the menu background. The story mode this time is Pachi-Pro Fūunroku 6: Jōnetsu-hen, a direct sequel set four years after the previous title, and featuring the same cast. The protagonist's attempts to build a career playing pachinko have had many ups and downs, but after a particularly humiliating defeat, they come very close to suicide, only to be rescued at the last moment. The story follows the protagonist as they attempt to rebuild their life and find true love. It is once again possible to choose either a male or female character and freely explore the town, either on foot, on a bicycle, or even driving a car. The major new addition to this installment is the theater system; the protagonist joins an acting troupe, and can perform parts in plays, with the player choosing the lines as the scene proceeds. The character and apartment customization options from the previous game have returned, and there is of course also plenty of pachinko playing and dating. The player must stay healthy by eating and exercising, and can also go fishing or even play a few rounds at a batting center.

PachiPara 16: Gingira Paradise 2

PachiPara 16: Gingira Paradise 2

Sony Playstation 3 - Released - November 25, 2010

PachiPara 17: Shinkai Monogatari with Agnes Ram

PachiPara 17: Shinkai Monogatari with Agnes Ram

Sony Playstation 3 - Released - February 24, 2011

Pachipara 3D Deluxe Umi Monogatari Pachipro Fuunroku

Pachipara 3D Deluxe Umi Monogatari Pachipro Fuunroku

Nintendo 3DS - Released - February 7, 2013

PachiPara Slot: Pachi-Slot Super Umi Monogatari

PachiPara Slot: Pachi-Slot Super Umi Monogatari

Sony PSP - Released - May 26, 2011

PachiPara Slot: Pachi-Slot Super Umi Monogatari is a Miscellaneous game, developed and published by Irem, which was released in Japan in 2011.

Panther

Panther

Arcade - Released - 1981

Panther was produced by Irem in 1981. Panther is a game similar to shooters like Phoenix, Galaga etc. p.p. You stear a tank at the bottom of the screen with a 2-way-stick. (LeftRight) Similar to Missile Command you have to save city, that are right behind you. From the top of the screen enemy tanks run down into your direction and try to destroy these cities, by shooting'em. The interesting point is the way you can shoot. How far the shot is, is set by a thing like a throttle, which has the shoot button on the left side.

Panther

Panther

Microsoft MSX - Released - 1986

Your steer a tank at the bottom of the screen. You have to defend the city, which is behind you. From the top of the screen enemy tanks run down into your direction and try to destroy the city.

Parlor! Pro 64: Pachinko Jikki Simulation Game

Parlor! Pro 64: Pachinko Jikki Simulation Game

Nintendo 64 - Released - January 29, 1999

This may be seen as the hardest of all the Pachinko games on the N64. The main menu has a career mode, quick play, options menu and a mix of quick play and career mode. The game has 3 tables which are available from the start.

Polaroid Pete

Polaroid Pete

Sony Playstation 2 - Released - May 31, 2001

In the game, players assume the role of a news reporter named Pete Goldman for the fictional newspaper Planet Times. Goldman is on assignment to photograph Japan's wildest events and win the Pulitzer Prize. Throughout the course of their journey, players can visit a variety of locations, including a haunted house, a city being overrun by dinosaurs, and an out-of-hand sports event.

Pound for Pound

Pound for Pound

Arcade - Released - 1990

Pound for Pound is an overhead boxing game by Irem release in 1990 with big and detailed characters and a high difficulty.

Racing Damashii

Racing Damashii

Nintendo Game Boy - Released - February 28, 1991

Racing Damashii ("Racing Spirits") is a motorcycle racing game developed and released by Irem. It was released on the PC Engine and Game Boy, both in Japan only. The game uses the Hang-On perspective, with the camera perspective hovering behind the biker, and has a permanent split-screen format that will either display a second player or the CPU opponent. The game also features customization elements, allowing the player to purchase parts and configure their bikes between races. Players can attempt the Grand Prix or Endurance races, or practice on certain tracks with the Test Run mode. The game features eight tracks in total.

Racing Damashii

Racing Damashii

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - July 19, 1991

Racing Damashii is a motorcycle racing game with six courses. It is basically action-oriented, but the player needs to watch the damage of the motorcycle (decreases with crashes) and the tire condition (decreases when leaving the road). If one of the two bars runs out, the race is over, but repairs are conducted during pit stops. The two playing modes for single-player are training races and a championship in which points are awarded for good end positions. Those can be reinvested into motorcycle upgrades. The perspective is 3D with the camera fixed behind the player's vehicle.

Red Alert

Red Alert

Arcade - Released - 1981

In Red Alert, the player controls an anti-aircraft turret that can move left and right across the ground, and can only fire straight up. The objective of the game is to keep the turret alive, and to keep the attackers from destroying the city. To do this, the player must maneuver their turret under the attackers, and fire upwards into them, before they drop their bombs.

Risky Challenge

Risky Challenge

Arcade - Released - 1993

Professional treasure hunters Vic and Vinnie went down deep into the dungeon, looking for the treasures of an ancient kingdom. No Sooner has they reached the bottom than the dungeon began to crumble with tremendous sound. Now they made up their minds and started climbing up to the exit. making use of falling blocks.

Rocky Rodent

Rocky Rodent

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - July 30, 1993

CAUTION! MERGING MANIAC! There's a hot rodent on the road. Rocky. He's quicker than a greased hairball. Wound tighter than a hairpin turn. He's got hair with an attitude. And the fastest can of hairspray in the west. He's trouble in the fast lane. Tricks in a can. Cars, trucks and uncool dudes pull over-or end up looking like a hairpiece with a bad case of the rats. Rocky Rodent. He's good road-from Irem.

R-Type

R-Type

Arcade - Released - July 1, 1987

R-Type is set in the 22nd century, and the player flies a futuristic fighter craft called the R-9a "Arrowhead", named for its shape, and because it is the ninth model in the 'R' series of fighter craft (but it is the first of the series to actually be used in combat; the previous models were all prototypes). The mission is to 'blast off and strike the evil Bydo Empire'. The significance of the R- in the series title refers to the production code as well as the term of endearment for the player fighter craft, the "Round Canopy".

R-Type

R-Type

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - March 25, 1988

The PC Engine port of the shoot'em up classic R-Type was released in two parts in Japan: R-Type I includes the first four, R-Type II the last four levels. A desperate battle is being fought out in the limitless and unknown dimensions of space which have been contaminated and corrupted by an evil power. The evil power is the Bydo Empire, which is determined to subjugate the world. It is inhabited by weird creatures, whose very sight inspires fear. But mankind is fighting back, and sends you into battle in an incredibly sophisticated plane, the R-9 fighter. Behind the control panel of this fantastic fighting machine, you are Mankind's only defence against the enemy.

R-Type

R-Type

Sharp X68000 - Released - 1989

R-Type is a side scrolling shoot 'em up best known for its extremely tough and strategic gameplay. You control the R-9 spaceship as it launches a last-ditch effort to repel the evil Bydo empire. The R-9 comes equipped as standard with a small gun which can only take down the smallest of enemies without firing several shots. By holding down the fire button, it can be loaded up so as to release a large burst of energy, eliminating all but the strongest enemies in its path. From time to time, pods will come flying in your direction. Upon being shot, they release an upgrade. The first one will invariably be the one called "The Force", which is a weapons pod that clings either to the front or the back of your ship, absorbing any enemy bullets or acting as a bumper with which you can fly head-on into them. You can also use it as an offensive weapon by firing it and pulling it back in. Mastering the Force is vital to surviving in R-Type, since it must be used both as protection against bullet clusters, as a remote controlled cannon, and in order to clear the screen from obstacles. Other upgrades give you target-seeking missiles or a bigger main gun. Different gun types, differentiated by their colour, serve different purposes. The blue one sends laser beams bouncing across the screen (good for tunnels), the red one fires straight ahead, and the yellow one follows any walls it may encounter (good for artillery emplacements). The stages of R-Type are made in an organic style, certainly inspired by H. R. Giger's artwork for the Alien movies. When it came out, it was considered trend-setting since it broke off from the stereotypical sci-fi mould of other shoot'em'ups. In part, the levels themselves are your enemy, which is exemplified by the fourth, where spider-like creatures weave webs that cover the screen and block your path, or levels with intricate tunnel systems. Still, the levels are best handled with a combination of strategy and reflexes, without the memorisation that is required of R-Type's contemporary rival, Gradius.

R-Type Command

R-Type Command

Sony PSP - Released - May 6, 2008

A mysterious alien race called the Bydo have begun a war with mankind and after losing waves after waves of enemy fighters in Bydo territory, Earth has sent a lone commander leading a small armada into the heart of the Bydo Empire to end the war. R-Type Command is a turn-based strategy re-make of the side-scrolling shooter, R-Type series. This version still has the side-scrolling view, but uses hexagonal grid to move. Players have over 100 units to use as well as many weapons to unlock and use against enemy ships. After each mission, upgrades, weapons and ships are able to be purchased and used in later missions. Players now choose which grid they want to attack and which ship and weapons they wish to use. At the end of each level the player will engage in giant boss battles using all their ships and weapons at their disposal. Players can not only play as Earth Forces, but can also choose the Bydo's in the assault on Earth. There is also online capabilities using the Ad-Hoc that lets human opponents go head-to-head in battle.

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