《Irem Collection Volume 3》是專為懷舊街機迷設計的合輯，集結IREM於1980至1990年代推出的三款橫向射擊經典：《Mr. Heli》（又稱:Battle Chopper／ミスターヘリの大冒険）、《魔法警備隊 GunHohki》（Mystic Riders／魔法警備隊ガンホーキ）與《Dragon Breed》（ドラゴンブリード）。三部作品風格迥異，卻同樣擁有紮實的操作手感與鮮明的視覺設計，是老派射擊遊戲愛好者不可錯過的精選。

遊戲內容方面，《Mr. Heli》以一架造型可愛的迷你直升機為主角，需在充滿祕道、機關與敵軍的地下關卡中穿梭，透過收集水晶購買升級，強化火力與生存力，對抗階段性登場的巨型BOSS。《Mystic Riders》則帶來更具奇幻色彩的設定，可選擇操作藍色魔法師Mark或紅色女巫Zeal，騎著掃帚空戰、施展魔法，關卡設計別出心裁，支援本地雙人合作遊玩，強調互動與節奏感。《Dragon Breed》是極具視覺衝擊力的奇幻射擊作品，主角King Kayus將與巨龍Bahamoot並肩作戰，利用龍的身軀進行防禦或反擊，操控主角釋放火焰、靈活閃避，是三作中難度最高、節奏最具張力的一款。

在操作與便利性方面，特別加入現代化功能，如快速存檔、重繪畫面比例、CRT 濾鏡模擬與一鍵快速射擊等選項。亦可自訂操作鍵位、切換語言版本（支援日文與英文），並於《Mystic Riders》中體驗雙人協力通關的樂趣，讓原本的街機體驗更加順暢與親民。

市場評價方面，獲得懷舊玩家與街機射擊迷的普遍肯定。《Gaming Age》盛讚此合輯讓當年相對冷門但極具質感的作品重獲新生，《Video Chums》則特別指出整體難度相對其他合輯更高，推薦給追求挑戰的進階玩家。《Hey Poor Player》表示雖然三款作品數量不多，但內容密度與風格各異，對於想要收藏經典射擊遊戲的玩家來說仍非常有價值。在Metacritic上，本合集獲得約68分的評價，為中上水準，反映出對特定受眾仍具高度吸引力。

總結來說，《Irem Collection Volume 3》不只是簡單的經典重現，更是將IREM在視覺設計、玩法機制與幻想題材上的創意實踐原汁原味保留下來。它不僅適合曾在街機廳徘徊的老玩家，也為新世代提供一扇認識80、90年代橫向射擊美學的窗口。如果偏好高難度、節奏快、風格突出的射擊體驗，這套合集絕對值得一試。

Irem Collection Volume 3 is a compilation tailor-made for nostalgic arcade enthusiasts, bringing together three classic side-scrolling shooters developed by IREM in the 1980s and 1990s: Mr. Heli (also known as Battle Chopper / ミスターヘリの大冒険), Mystic Riders (魔法警備隊ガンホーキ), and Dragon Breed (ドラゴンブリード). Though each title offers a distinctly different setting and tone, they all share solid controls, bold visual design, and a gameplay experience that makes them must-plays for fans of retro shooters.

In terms of gameplay content, Mr. Heli features a charming, cartoonish mini helicopter navigating maze-like underground stages filled with traps, hidden passages, and enemy forces. Players collect crystals to purchase upgrades that enhance firepower and survivability, all while facing progressively difficult boss encounters.

Mystic Riders shifts into a fantasy-inspired setting, allowing players to choose between two characters: the blue-robed wizard Mark and the red-cloaked witch Zeal. Mounted on broomsticks, they engage in aerial magic combat across whimsical and imaginative levels. The game supports local two-player co-op, adding a layer of interaction and rhythm-focused gameplay that sets it apart from traditional shooters.

Dragon Breed delivers the most visually striking and mechanically intense experience of the trio. The protagonist, King Kayus, rides a massive dragon named Bahamoot, whose body acts as both shield and weapon. Players can use Bahamoot’s movements defensively while simultaneously attacking with fire breath and agile dodging mechanics. Among the three titles, Dragon Breed is considered the most challenging and fast-paced, appealing to seasoned players.

To enhance accessibility and convenience, this collection includes several modernized features: quick save and load, adjustable aspect ratios, CRT-style visual filters, rapid-fire options, and customizable controls. Players can also switch between Japanese and English versions of each game. Local co-op for Mystic Riders is preserved, allowing for seamless multiplayer fun. These quality-of-life additions make the arcade experience more approachable for contemporary audiences without compromising the original spirit.

From a critical standpoint, Irem Collection Volume 3 has been warmly received by retro gaming communities and shooter genre fans. Gaming Age praised the collection for reviving high-quality but somewhat obscure gems from IREM’s catalog. Video Chums highlighted the above-average difficulty across the three titles, recommending it particularly to advanced players seeking a challenge. Hey Poor Player noted that while the collection only includes three games, the variety in tone, gameplay, and design makes it a worthy acquisition for classic shooter collectors. On Metacritic, the collection currently holds a rating around 68, reflecting a solid, if somewhat niche, appeal.

In summary, Irem Collection Volume 3 is far more than a simple re-release. It preserves IREM’s creative vision in visual storytelling, mechanical depth, and fantasy-themed action with remarkable fidelity. This collection not only appeals to veteran arcade-goers from the golden era but also serves as a gateway for newer players to explore the unique aesthetic and gameplay philosophy of 80s and 90s side-scrolling shooters. For those who enjoy high difficulty, fast-paced action, and distinctive style, this compilation is absolutely worth exploring.