Sometimes, all it takes to make something old (but very beloved) new and fresh again is a coat of paint and some sparkly goodness. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to add some techno into the mix, either. Taito’s reintroduction of Space Invaders has brought many a good review with it, and now the popular remake has surfaced on the Xbox Live Arcade. Though based on a tried-and-true retro classic, it brings some exciting new mechanics that make it worth every bit of 800 Microsoft points. That is, unless you purchased it via one of its other incarnations.
Gameplay
Space Invaders should be familiar for any gamer, unless you’re part of the new school of graphic snobs who has no regard for the games that paved the way for your fancy new shinies. If you are part of that school, I’ll explain. Aliens (the Space Invaders) will encroach on your ship at the bottom of the screen, in formations and lines that can be likened to an army. Occasionally, they’ll change their patterns, and it’s your job to clear the screen of Invaders. It’s as simple as that. If you’re too slow, eventually one or two will manage to make a break for it, so accuracy is key. Nothing too hard to grasp here, unless you can’t quite figure out how to time your shots precisely enough to take out the baddies who are getting too close for comfort. Occasionally, a regular, more familiar space ship will appear that you can destroy for maximum damage. That’s the core gameplay of the basic Space Invaders that we all know and love.
Space Invaders Extreme ups the ante a bit. Along with the classic Space Invaders forays, you’re also treated to various powerups such as lasers or bombs, and a bit of strategy. Aim for clearing off rows, columns, or invaders of the same colors in order to rack up a massive amount of points. At certain points, you’ll see a UFO lurking at the top of the screen or near the middle of the screen. Capping one of them grants you a bonus round, which will usually ask you to shoot X amount of enemies, or any other simple task. Doing so awards you with “Fever Time,: where your attacks do a considerably higher amount of damage, followed by some flashy, colorful animation that will put you in mind of a rave. Yes, I admit to playing Space Invaders Extreme in order to simulate the experience.
After fighting off several waves, you’ll encounter a boss invader, which is only a much larger version of its classic counterparts. Each boss requires a different strategy to thwart, though you’ll really only need to keep pulling the trigger, only at a different pace. For example, one boss invader requires you to break a regenerating barrier in order to reach its core. Simple, right?
Visuals
While it’s true we live in an era where you are almost entitled to want more from your games, Space Invaders Extreme doesn’t pile on the fluffy graphical updates. Instead, it opts for a more colorful, retro-chic approach. The rainbow-colors mesh well with the thumping bass beats of the revamped soundtrack, giving Extreme a gorgeous, slick appearance. However, it does tend to feel a bit more sluggish than previous iterations, which could be due to the attention to detail paid to the newer, more colorful invaders. It’s most certainly invigorating to pop this baby in and let the colors take your mind off some of your problems; a very therapeutic and engaging feel much like Rez had to it.
Audio
Pulsing, electronic beats are showcased perfectly within this remake, and there’s no doubt you’ll be shakin’ it in your seat. I know, because I will openly admit that I did. Be careful not to leave the game on the menu screen for any longer than absolutely necessary, or you will completely forgo the desire to play the game. A steely, cybernetic female voice will announce the beginning of rounds, periods in which you level up, and even your losses. As far as the raver theme goes, I’m still trying to procure the soundtrack. Why did I never check this game out when it was released on both handhelds?
Multiplayer
Finally, you can play with your friends beyond taking turns or hovering over one player in the arcade. You can engage in heated co-op matches with friends via Xbox Live, or you can choose to team up in order to complete the game. Prefer not to play online? Local matchups are provided as well.
Teaming up has got to be one of the most fulfilling retro experiences, as getting to share this classic with friends never ceases to delight me. These modes are sufficient, though it would have been interesting to see a couple more modes tossed into the mix simply for the sake of creating something different. Still, how can you complain when you can take out droves of invaders with a friend on the other side of the country, or the globe?
Lifespan
If you’re a fan of Space Invaders, it’s likely you’ll find yourself enjoying this XBLA port quite often. Though of course it’s not as portable as its PSP or DS iterations, this game is a fantastic choice to sit down with and enjoy for hours. You’ll be wondering where the hours went after sitting down for a five to ten minute excursion. What’s more, there are a good amount of stages to power through that will likely take a bit of time to complete unless you’re a fantastic Space Invaders player. Even so, there’s nothing wrong with going back and perfecting your score.
Recommendation
Enjoy Space Invaders? Fantasize of raving? Wish you lived your life in Technicolor? Space Invaders Extreme is for you. With engaging, updated gameplay, booming bass beats, and co-op play, any retro gamer (or any gamer for that matter) can find something to enjoy here. Anyone up for some co-op?
Space Invaders Extreme
System: Xbox Live Arcade
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Taito Corporation
Find: Xbox Live Marketplace
All reviews are based on final retail code unless otherwise noted.
