Space Invaders 'Even More' Extreme

Space Invaders Extreme on the DS and PSP has been one of my most played hand held games for a while now, and has featured here on the blog before. It really is a great update of a classic and I just discovered there is going to be a version released for the XBLA!

It'll be getting an HD makeover plus Jeff Minter will be doing the visualizers for it. It's also set to feature up to 4 player co-op and versus modes. Co-op allows players to take on the Arcade Mode with more challenging enemies but with a shared life pool. Whether this will be online or not is unclear at the moment and unfortunately we have to wait until 2009.

Join the GAMEOV3R FORUM

Extremely Interesting Invaders

I’ll forgive you if you stop reading this when I tell you that I’m going to talk about the game that puts the “old” in “old school”, Space Invaders. But before you go and do something more interesting like watch a pan of water boil or de-flea the dog let me tell you this, I was extremely excited to learn that Taito has re-imagined Space Invaders, again, and has released it for the DS and PSP. If I were talking to you about this, face to face, you may detect just a hint of sarcasm in my voice.

So, there you have it, a new Space Invaders game. See you next time.

You’re still here? Ok, I’ll tell you a little more and let you into the secret. Space Invaders Extreme is fantastic. It is the best DS shooter I have played, ever, and the best Space Invaders remake, not that that's saying much. I love it. Imagine the original Space Invaders blended with REZ’s rhythmic blasting, some awesome Geometry Wars style glitzy graphics and you’ll have a good idea of what Extreme has to offer.

It’s fresh, it’s fast, it’s furious and it’s full of energy. It’s a veritable sensory overload. There are Fever Bonus Levels, Boss scenes, lots of power up - some more powerful than others adding an element of strategy, and it’s compatible with Taito’s Arkanoid Paddle. Collecting the power ups even feels like Arkanoid. Shoot four invaders of the same colour and they drop the POW for you to collect.

So far Space Invaders Extreme is a Japan only release although it’s rumoured that Square Enix have acquired the licence to release the game in Europe and the US in the summer. If you can’t wait until then Play Asia have Space Invaders Extreme for £19.88. And for that authentic feel you can order the Taito Paddle for £7.93 while you’re there.

Erase from your memory the dire experience that was Space Invaders Revolution and treat yourself to the only blaster you need on your DS this year. Check this out...



Come and shoot the breeze on the Gameov3r FORUM.