When I take my yearly summer sojourns to the retro arcades near Weirs Beach, one of the first cabinets I always make time for is Space Invaders. It’s intense, addictive, and the very definition of “easy to play, tough to master”. My favorite part of playing classic Space Invaders is the music. The loud thumping bass that progressively increases in speed as your enemy draws closer reverberates in my head long after I’ve left the arcade.
The most recent version of this old school favorite, “Space Invaders Extreme,” was just released on XBLA. And while it doesn’t quite match its big brother in the audio department, it’s an excellent example of how a classic game should be updated.
Gameplay with SIE remains as basic as the original, but there are plenty of new twists. The invading aliens don’t just slowly move toward you, they approach from a variety of directions, in all different sizes and shapes, and with unique weapons and shields to boot. To even things out, gamers are given more than the standard single-shot canon they’re used to. There are plenty of powerups (bombs, lasers, and shields to name a few) and you’ll certainly need them to get through this more frenetic and fast paced iteration.
SIE’s five levels are short, but very tough. The ability to hit Retry to your hearts content and to continue on the last level you’ve finished if you want to come back to the game later, is something other developers who retrofit classic games should take notice of. When not blowing away aliens in single player, SIE offers an excellent variety of multiplayer options, with up to 4 players taking the game on as a team or fighting it out for individual glory.
The icing on the SIE cake is its first rate game presentation. The audio is solid. The sound effects can get a tad repetitive, but the Mobyesque soundtrack more than makes up for it. But once you see the game, you’ll forget about the sound. SIE is easily one of the best looking titles on XBLA.
While it would be nice if the old school version were included with this new download, “Space Invaders Extreme” is exactly what gamers want in an arcade title – its hard to put down, inexpensive, and a blast to play.
Pros: Addictive gameplay, excellent graphics, solid multi-player offerings, the price is just right
Cons: Music is a little over the top, Why isn’t the classic version included?
Sound: 3.75
Control: 4.5
Graphics: 4.75
Fun Factor: 4.5
Editor’s Choice
The Info: Platform: XBLA, Publisher: Taito, Developer: Backbone Entertainment, ESRB: E, Players: 1-4, Price 800MS Points ($10)
