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Image Fight 2 - Operation Deepstriker

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Getting to Know Image Fight 2 - Operation Deepstriker

Image Fight 2 - Operation Deepstriker is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up released for the NEC PC Engine CD in 1992, exclusively in Japan. It was developed and published by Irem, the same studio behind the original Image Fight arcade game. This sequel is a full-on console follow-up that takes advantage of the CD format's extra storage for better music and cutscenes, though the core remains classic shmup action. The player pilots a fighter jet through a series of stages, each filled with waves of enemies, bullet patterns, and environmental hazards. Power-ups appear frequently, upgrading your main weapon or adding side pods that give you extra firepower and a broader attack arc. The gameplay loop is straightforward: shoot everything, dodge enemy fire, and survive until the stage boss. There are no branching paths or complex mechanics - just pure arcade-style shooting with a difficulty curve that ramps up fast. Today, Image Fight 2 is a solid pick for fans of 16-bit shooters who want something that didn't get a Western release. Its PC Engine CD origins mean it benefits from crisp sprite work and a soundtrack that punches above its weight. It's not as famous as R-Type or Gradius, but for those who appreciate Irem's brand of tough-but-fair shmup design, this one is worth tracking down through emulation or CD collections.

GAME INFO

Platform: NEC PC Engine CD
Genre: Shooter
Released: 1992
Players: 1
Region: Japan

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How to play Image Fight 2 - Operation Deepstriker online

Getting started is simple: press Enter to bring up the title screen, then press X to confirm and start the game. Since this is a Japanese-only release, all menus are in Japanese. The top option is usually "Start Game" or "New Game", and pressing X on that will begin your run. There is no stage select or difficulty adjustment on the first screen - just jump straight into the action. The core gameplay of Image Fight 2 is straightforward vertical shooting. Your ship moves with the D-Pad, and pressing S fires your weapon. You can hold S for continuous fire. Collect floating power-up items (usually lettered icons) to upgrade your main gun or add side options that follow your movement and fire independently. Keep an eye on enemy bullet patterns and try to stay near the bottom of the screen for more reaction time. Each stage ends with a boss that requires pattern memorization to defeat. If you get a Game Over, you can continue by pressing Start or Select on the continue screen - use your judgment, as the game may limit continues. There is no save system, so you must complete the entire loop in one sitting. Practice the early stages to build up lives and power-ups before the difficulty spikes around stage four.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: I button
S: II button
Enter: Run / Start
V: Select

Image Fight 2 - Operation Deepstriker FAQ

Who developed Image Fight 2 - Operation Deepstriker?

Irem developed the original Image Fight arcade game, and this sequel for the PC Engine CD was also handled by Irem. However, specific team details for the PC Engine port are not widely documented.

Can players save progress in Image Fight 2 - Operation Deepstriker?

This game does not include any save or password system. Progress is lost when the system is turned off, so players must beat the entire game in a single session or rely on emulator save states.

Is Image Fight 2 - Operation Deepstriker exclusive to NEC PC Engine CD or did it appear on other systems?

It appears to be exclusive to the NEC PC Engine CD. No ports to other platforms like the Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis have been documented, and it never received a Western release.

All NEC PC Engine CD games