Image Fight (1990-)

• Developer: Irem

• Publisher: Irem

• Genre: Scrolling Shooter

Image Fight for the NES was developed and published by Irem and released in 1990. Originally an arcade title from 1988, the NES version was one of several home adaptations of the game, with ports also appearing on the TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, and later on various compilations. The arcade origins meant that the NES release had to condense and adapt the fast-paced shooting experience to fit the hardware while still maintaining the challenge that defined the original.

The story of Image Fight is set in a future where humanity is under attack by alien forces, and players take control of the OF-1 Daedalus, a high-performance fighter ship sent to defend Earth. The game places emphasis on training simulation missions that act as a test before the player can face the alien threat in full. This narrative approach, positioning the early stages as simulations, provided a unique framing device that separated it from other shooters of the time. Its inspiration can be seen in the popularity of science fiction films and anime of the late 1980s, which frequently featured lone pilots against overwhelming odds.

Gameplay in the NES version retained the core mechanics of the arcade, offering vertical-scrolling shooter action with a focus on precision and ship customization. Players could equip pods that attached to the sides or rear of their ship, providing both offensive and defensive options. Movement speed was adjustable, a feature that added strategic depth compared to more straightforward shooters. While the NES hardware could not perfectly replicate the arcade’s visuals and speed, the port remained notable for its challenge, requiring careful memorization of enemy patterns and quick reflexes.

The soundtrack on the NES combined tense, futuristic melodies with sharp sound effects that emphasized the intensity of battle. These compositions were crafted to create a sense of urgency during both training stages and live combat, complementing the high difficulty level. Although Image Fight did not have a direct prequel, it was followed by a sequel titled Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker, released on the PC Engine CD in 1992. Promotion for the NES version highlighted its arcade roots and difficulty, but reception was mixed. Some players admired its complexity and depth, while others found its punishing nature less accessible compared to more popular shooters of the time. Even so, it remains an example of Irem’s contributions to the genre alongside their better-known series, R-Type.

Images from MobyGames