Companies & Studios

Irem

R-Type's creators

Irem developed influential arcade games including Moon Patrol's parallax scrolling and R-Type's demanding shoot-em-up design, establishing techniques that defined their genres.

arcadeNESpc developerarcadejapanese 1974–1994

Overview

Irem shaped arcade gaming with technical innovation and uncompromising difficulty. Moon Patrol pioneered parallax scrolling. R-Type perfected the horizontal shooter with its force pod mechanic and oppressive alien designs. Their games demanded precision and rewarded dedication, defining what hardcore arcade experiences meant.

Fast facts

  • Founded: 1974 (as IPM).
  • Location: Japan.
  • Renamed: Irem (1979).
  • Specialty: Arcade shooters.

Key titles

TitleYearInnovation
Moon Patrol1982Parallax scrolling
Kung-Fu Master1984Beat-em-up template
R-Type1987Force pod mechanic
R-Type II1989Sequel refinement
In the Hunt1993Submarine shooter

R-Type legacy

ElementImpact
Force podDetachable weapon system
Bydo EmpireIconic alien designs
DifficultyMemorisation-based
InfluenceShooter benchmark

Technical achievements

InnovationGame
Parallax scrollingMoon Patrol
Large spritesR-Type
Detailed animationKung-Fu Master
Atmospheric designIn the Hunt

Home conversions

PlatformQuality
PC EngineExcellent R-Type ports
Master SystemCapable versions
SNESR-Type III (exclusive)

Company changes

PeriodStatus
1979Renamed to Irem
1994Exited arcade market
1997Restructured
PresentPachinko focus

See also