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Story
Image Fight and X-Multiply are two classic shoot-’em-up arcade games that were originally released by Irem in the late 1980s. Though they share a release package for modern audiences, each game offers its unique narrative set against a backdrop of sci-fi intrigue and alien threats.
Image Fight
Image Fight takes place in a future where humanity is threatened by an alien race known as the Boondoggle. Players assume the role of a highly skilled pilot operating an advanced spacecraft called the OF-1 Daedalus. The mission is straightforward: engage in a series of combat simulations—dubbed “Image Fights”—to prepare for the eventual confrontation with the alien menace. The storyline emphasizes the importance of these simulation battles, which determine the pilot’s readiness to face the Boondoggle in real combat scenarios.
X-Multiply
X-Multiply, on the other hand, presents a more visceral story. Set in 21XX, a microscopic alien parasite has invaded a human colony, spreading chaos and destruction. Players pilot a miniaturized experimental fighter craft, injected into the infected host to eliminate the alien parasites from within. The narrative unfolds in a biological setting, where the player’s mission is not just to fight but to cleanse the host organism of the invasive force, adding a unique twist to the shoot-’em-up genre with its inner-body exploration.
Gameplay
Image Fight
Image Fight is a vertical scrolling shooter, characterized by its challenging gameplay and strategic depth. The game consists of nine stages, each increasing in difficulty. The first five stages are simulations where players must maintain a minimum kill rate to progress. Failure results in a penalty stage, adding an extra layer of difficulty before players can proceed to the real battles against the Boondoggle.
The gameplay is marked by the use of pods—detachable weapons that can be arranged around the player’s ship to provide extra firepower and defense. Players collect these pods throughout the stages, customizing their formation to adapt to different enemy patterns and obstacles. The game’s difficulty is notorious, demanding precise movement and strategic use of power-ups to succeed.
X-Multiply
X-Multiply offers a side-scrolling shooting experience with a focus on biological environments and organic enemies. The game spans across seven stages, each taking place inside various parts of the infected host’s body. Players control a ship equipped with flexible tentacle weapons, which can be maneuvered to attack enemies and block projectiles, providing a distinct gameplay mechanic.
The tentacles add a layer of tactical depth, allowing players to protect themselves dynamically while navigating the complex, organic landscapes. X-Multiply’s design encourages exploration and adaptability, as players must adjust their strategies to overcome the diverse alien threats encountered throughout the host body.
Graphics and Sound
Image Fight
Image Fight is noted for its sharp, detailed graphics that were cutting-edge for its time. The game features a variety of environments, from outer space to mechanical bases, each rendered with a level of detail that immerses players in its sci-fi setting. The enemy designs vary, offering a mix of mechanical and alien aesthetics that create a visually engaging experience.
The sound design in Image Fight complements the intense action with a soundtrack that heightens the tension and urgency of the gameplay. The music is fast-paced and energetic, driving players forward as they engage in relentless battles against enemy forces.
X-Multiply
X-Multiply stands out for its unique graphical style, utilizing organic and often grotesque visuals to represent the interior of a living organism. The game’s art direction is both imaginative and unsettling, with detailed backgrounds and enemy designs that reflect the parasitic infestation theme.
The audio in X-Multiply contributes to its atmospheric presentation, with eerie sound effects and a haunting soundtrack that underscores the biological horror setting. The music is more subdued compared to Image Fight, focusing on creating an immersive and tense environment as players delve deeper into the host body.
Legacy and Reception
Image Fight
Upon its release, Image Fight was praised for its challenging gameplay and innovative use of pods, which set it apart from other shooters of the era. The game’s difficulty became both a hallmark and a barrier, attracting hardcore arcade enthusiasts while deterring casual players. Despite this, Image Fight established itself as a classic in the shoot-’em-up genre, influencing future titles with its strategic depth and design.
Image Fight has been re-released on various platforms, including consoles and digital services, allowing new generations of players to experience its demanding yet rewarding gameplay. Its legacy persists in the annals of arcade history, remembered for its contribution to the evolution of vertical shooters.
X-Multiply
X-Multiply received acclaim for its creative concept and distinctive visual style. The game’s integration of biological themes into its level design and enemies provided a fresh take on the shoot-’em-up formula. Although not as commercially successful as some contemporaries, X-Multiply garnered a cult following due to its unique approach and challenging gameplay.
Like Image Fight, X-Multiply has seen re-releases on various platforms, ensuring its preservation and continued appreciation among fans of the genre. Its influence can be seen in later games that explore similar organic or biological themes within the shooter framework.
Conclusion
Image Fight and X-Multiply remain significant titles in the history of arcade shoot-’em-ups, each offering distinct experiences that have left a lasting impact on the genre. Image Fight is celebrated for its tactical gameplay and intense difficulty, while X-Multiply is remembered for its innovative setting and artistic direction.
Both games have continued to find audiences through re-releases and collections, preserving their legacy for new generations of players. Their unique contributions to the genre have influenced numerous titles, cementing their status as classics within the rich tapestry of video gaming history.
