Space Invaders is one of those classic games that never seems to get old. When I hit the greatest arcade in the planet at Weirs Beach, it was the one cabinet that I just couldn't stop going to. Three weeks ago gamers were able to download the original Space Invaders arcade classic to their Wii's. Today, you can try out the newest version, Space Invaders Get Even (500 Wii Points). Wii owners can also pick up Pit Crew Panic (800 points) and Metal Slug 2 (900 points).
And for 360 gamers? You get Banjo Kazooie (1200MS points)! Yeah, I know. I said it was coming out last week. Ooops. Hit the jump for all the details.
XBLAOriginal Banjo-Kazooie Adventure Launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday! - Fans of the series and newcomers alike will enjoy platforming with Rare's famous honey bear Banjo and breegull Kazooie as they fight to save Banjo's little sister Tooty from the evil witch Gruntilda in their original classic adventure. "Banjo-Kazooie" launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, December 3 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).
When the evil witch Gruntilda discovers that Banjo's sister Tooty is the most beautiful girl in all of Spiral Mountain, she kidnaps her to steal her youthful good looks. Banjo and his best friend Kazooie must team up in order to defeat Gruntilda and rescue Tooty from the witch's grasp. At first, Banjo and Kazooie perform simple moves like running and jumping to collect jigsaw pieces, dubbed "Jiggys," but as players progress, the bird and bear will learn new moves and abilities to help them fly, swim and fight to advance to new worlds and save Tooty. Developed by Rare Ltd., "Banjo-Kazooie" will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points worldwide. The game is rated E10+ for Everyone over the age of 10 by the ESRB.
Wiiware
LOS ANGELES (December 1, 2008) - TAITO Corporation (TAITO"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., announced today that SPACE INVADERS GET EVEN" is now available via WiiWare", Nintendo's downloadable games service. Command a legion of Space Invaders and take over the earth! SPACE INVADERS GET EVEN invites players to see things from the Invaders' side for the first time, introducing a brand-new "role reversal" concept to fans of the beloved franchise.
The addictive gameplay and trademark Invaders make their debut on the Wii" with SPACE INVADERS GET EVEN, allowing players to discover a side of the classic that has never been explored. Enjoy a view of the colorful, 3D world from the Invader ship and battle against earthling technology with this newest entry in the SPACE INVADERS universe.
FEATURES - SPACE INVADERS takes over the Wii, putting players in command of an army of Invaders in the ultimate battle against mankind! - Five attack types provide an exhilarating, action-packed experience - Players can put their skills to the test by comparing scores against fans around the globe via Nintendo� Wi-Fi Connection - Three mission packs will be available as add-on content for 500 Wii Points each, offering a total of seven unique missions when added to the main product
SPACE INVADERS GET EVEN is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. SPACE INVADERS GET EVEN is available on the Wii" Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points. The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/sige/.
Pit Crew Panic! (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Pit Crew Panic! is a frantic, action-packed game that unfolds on the racing circuit. During the game, the pit crew is not only faced with repairing vehicles, but also various WHATSITs. Handling the WHATSIT repairs is a pit crew made up of legendary beauties. The controls are simple: Just grab a member of the crew with the Wii Remote" controller's A Button, then release the button when the Pointer is over the damaged PART, and that crew member will begin repairs. Assign repairs to the members of your team and provide support using the Wii Remote to send a fully repaired WHATSIT out of the pit as quickly as you can. The game features Normal mode, which can be played using one of two rules: Abnormal mode (players split into two teams and compete against each other) and Ranking mode (compete with players around the world for the top record). Each mode can be played with a maximum of four Wii Remote controllers, allowing you to team up with friends and family. Your teamwork could lead to outstanding records.
Virtual Console"
METAL SLUG 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for TeenBlood and Gore, Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1998 by SNK, METAL SLUG 2 is a side-scrolling military-action game. Players choose from Marco, Tarma, Eri and Fio, setting their sights on wiping out Morden's newly remobilized Rebellion Army. Just like the original METAL SLUG, players blaze a trail by shooting and jumping, but METAL SLUG 2 adds a new arsenal for you to command, including a heavy machine gun, a shotgun and even a laser gun, providing players with rich variety. Battle effects are packed in, as well - players turn into mummies after getting caught in poison gas coughed up by mummies. After picking up too many food items, characters turn fat, but they get an attack-strength upgrade. Two-player action is supported, too, so players can have a blast with their friends.
Related Links: A review of last weeks XBLA release, the ridiculously long titled Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Looks like Fallout 3 will have some DLC coming out soon. Interested in the Tetris Party Tournament?
