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Series
Image Fight
A series of vertically scrolling shoot 'em up video games developed and published by Irem.
About
The series began with the tactical arcade shoot 'em up Image Fight, which received multiple home ports in 1990. It was followed by the console-exclusive sequel Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker in 1992 for the PC Engine Super CD-ROM². The franchise is recognized for its unique 'Pod' weapon system and high difficulty level.
Developed by Irem, the franchise centers on a futuristic military conflict against vegetative alien invaders who have destroyed humanity's lunar base. Players pilot the OF-1 Daedalus fighter craft. A defining narrative element of the original Image Fight (1990) ports—which appeared on platforms like the Nintendo Entertainment System, PC Engine, Sharp X68000, and FM Towns—is its introductory training simulation. Players must achieve a ninety-percent kill ratio in these virtual reality "image" stages to qualify for the actual combat missions, otherwise they are relegated to a penalty zone.
The narrative continues in Image Fight II (1992), also released as Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker (1992), which introduces animated cutscenes, CD-quality audio, and new weapon configurations to expand the lore of the pilot training program and subsequent alien war. The series left a significant legacy within the shoot 'em up genre; developer Hiroshi Iuchi cited the franchise as a direct inspiration for the design of Radiant Silvergun. Additionally, the OF-1 Daedalus ship and its weaponry were later integrated into Irem's flagship R-Type universe through appearances in R-Type Final.
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