Irem Collection 3 is heading to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5/4, and Xbox on the 1st of July 2025. The latest installment follows Irem Collection 2, which was released in November 2024. This new batch of classic Irem titles will include Mr. Heli, Mystic Riders, and Dragon Breed, three shooters that revolve around fantasy themes instead of the usual spaceships and sci-fi tropes. The game will only be available digitally, as no news of a physical release as of yet.
Publisher ININ Games has included some notes about each of the titles that we include below. The game will be out on all the consoles mentioned on the same date, priced at €24.99. The games will all have optional controller enhancements, including rapid-fire button assignment and customizable control layouts.
There will be quick save/load and built-in rewind to keep the action flowing. Also included are display filters to recreate that original arcade look and feel. Furthermore, a worldwide leaderboard is available to show off your high-score dominance. And finally, a local 2-player co-op in Mystic Riders for magical tag-team action.
Information on the games:
Meet Mr. Heli, the quirky, legged chopper with a whole lot of firepower! Debuting in Japanese arcades in 1987, this multidirectional “cute ‘em up” shooter lets you pilot through inventive stages filled with puzzle-like maps, hidden paths, and massive bosses. Mine crystals, earn cash, and upgrade your arsenal to keep those rotor blades spinning! This arcade classic created a sensation when it was released, and made players wonder how a game that looked so cute could kick so much ass!
Magic meets mayhem in Mystic Riders, the 1992 fantasy shooter where you ride broomsticks and battle giant sky turtles, flaming demons, and other mythical creatures. Use your broom as a boomerang to block projectiles, dodge-roll past dangerous hazards, and blast through vibrant worlds. Don’t go it alone – team up in local co-op as Mark the wizard or Zeal the witch for an enchanted ride through arcade history. Mystic Riders features some very original gameplay mechanics, making it both interesting and fun to play – while also challenging players in ways that other shooters never could!
Finally, from brooms to dragons – the 1989 arcade gem Dragon Breed throws you into a biomechanical nightmare! Ride into battle on the mighty dragon Bahamoot who can shield you from danger and scorch everything in your path. Think R-Type meets fantasy apocalypse – with wings. This fabulous coin-op was overlooked by many players when it was released, but now you have the chance to see for yourself why so many arcade aficionados consider this to be one of Irem’s best-kept secrets.
