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Irem

Founded January 1, 1974

12 games in database

Notable Games

R-TypeR-Type IIR-Type FinalKung-Fu MasterIn the HuntMetal Slug (original)Hammerin' HarryDisaster ReportMoon CrystalUndercover Cops

Company History

Irem Corporation was founded in 1974 as IPM Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, later reorganizing as Irem Corporation in 1979. The company became synonymous with challenging arcade shooters and produced several classics during the golden age of arcade gaming before eventually exiting the game development industry.

The R-Type series defined Irem's legacy. R-Type (1987) created a side-scrolling shooter template that influenced countless successors. The Force pod — a detachable power-up that could shield the player's ship or be launched as a weapon — represented innovative design thinking. R-Type II, R-Type III, and R-Type Leo continued the series across arcades and consoles.

Moon Patrol (1982) pioneered parallax scrolling in video games, creating depth through multiple background layers moving at different speeds. This technical innovation became standard in side-scrolling games.

In The Hunt (1993) demonstrated the R-Type formula applied to submarine combat. Metal Slug, before SNK developed the series, was conceptualized with Irem involvement. Disaster Report (2002) and its sequels explored survival horror in environmental disasters, showing range beyond shooters.

Irem Corp. dissolved its video game development division in 2011, shifting focus to pachinko machine development under the company name APIES. The dissolution shocked fans of the studio's prestigious library.

Behind the Scenes

Irem's arcade development philosophy prioritized visual distinction and mechanical depth. R-Type's level design demonstrated meticulous construction — enemy placement created rhythm; environmental hazards forced strategic positioning; boss encounters required pattern recognition and patience.

The Force pod mechanic exemplified Irem's innovative thinking. Instead of simple power-ups, the Force functioned as a semi-independent entity. Players positioned it defensively or offensively, attached or detached. This single mechanic created depth that simple weapon upgrades couldn't match.

The company's difficulty design earned both praise and criticism. R-Type was punishing — player death reset them to checkpoint with basic weapons, and late levels assumed players had accumulated power-ups. This design punished casual players while rewarding dedicated practice.

Parallax scrolling in Moon Patrol demonstrated technical innovation serving gameplay. The multiple scrolling layers created visual depth that made the game stand out in arcades. This technique spread throughout the industry.

The Disaster Report series showed willingness to explore unconventional subject matter. Survival games typically featured monsters or enemies; Disaster Report made the environment itself the threat. Earthquakes and floods created tension without requiring combat. The series found audiences interested in different kinds of challenge.

The company's eventual exit from game development saddened longtime fans. The shift to pachinko machinery represented pragmatic business decisions over creative ambition. R-Type and Irem's other franchises passed to various rights holders, with occasional revival attempts by other developers.