Stuttgart, Germany – 13 July 2023 – ININ and Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with irem and Tozai Games, are delighted to announce the pre-order start for exclusive and highly limited boxed editions of irem Collection Vol. 2.
This exciting release, which includes arcade classics GunForce, GunForce II and Air Duel, is scheduled to launch in Q1 2024 and 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 20, 2024.
Included in the second volume of the irem Collection are:
- GunForce (SNES, M-92 Arcade)
This Run and Gun gem will include both the SNES and Arcade versions. Whether you played the original on your childhood SNES or prefer the much-improved Arcade version, we’ve got you covered!
- GunForce II (M-92 Arcade)
The official sequel to GunForce never made it out of the arcades, making this release its first official worldwide launch on consoles!
- Air Duel (M-72 Arcade)
Rounding out Volume 2 is another arcade-exclusive game. Air Duel was only ever released in Japanese arcades, and this marks its first official worldwide release on consoles. In this classic shoot ’em up, you can switch your aircraft before every new stage, a feature that was groundbreaking back in the day!
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.
Together with GunForce and GunForce II, Air Duel completes the irem Collection Volume 2.
About Strictly Limited Games
Strictly Limited Games is a German video game publisher based near Stuttgart, specializing in releasing exclusive limited collectible physical editions for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and retro consoles. The limited print label was founded in 2017 by Dennis Mendel and Benedict Braitsch and has since released over 80 games on all kinds of platforms. The company has collaborated with various developers and publishers around the world, such as TAITO, irem or Factor 5. Strictly Limited Games’ goal is to preserve both unique retro games and future indie classics, ensuring their physical availability for generations to come.
About ININ
ININ, a subsidiary of United Games Entertainment GmbH, is a rising publishing label of high-quality retro, arcade, and indie games. With a passion for feel-good games, ININ brings classic titles back to life and creates future gaming gems. Known for titles like “Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World,” “Cotton Reboot,” and “CrossCode,” ININ is the Western publishing partner for iconic TAITO series such as “Bubble Bobble” and the legendary “Space Invaders.” In collaboration with partner label Strictly Limited Games, ININ offers limited and collector’s editions to die-hard gamers. As ININ continues to impact the gaming world, stay tuned for frequent announcements of new (or old but returning) games. Visit www.iningames.com for more information.
About Tozai Games
From the classics of yesterday to the original IP of tomorrow, Tozai Games delivers lasting gaming experiences to passionate gamers around the globe. Based in Bellevue, Washington, and Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, Tozai Games is an experienced team of professionals dedicated to building successful licensing and publishing relationships around the world.
