Space Invaders

Space Invaders is a classic arcade-style shooter where players defend Earth from waves of alien invaders by shooting them down. This remake by Activision introduces power-ups, varied enemy formations, and boss battles as players progress through different planets in the solar system. The game features both single and two-player modes, offering a mix of action and strategy with its puzzle-like gameplay mechanics.

Space Invaders: Review

Introduction

Space Invaders is a seminal video game that transformed the arcade industry and laid the foundations for modern shooter games. First released by Taito in 1978, this fixed-shooter has become an enduring cultural icon with a far-reaching influence that continues to shape the gaming landscape.

Development History & Context

Space Invaders was created by Tomohiro Nishikado, who combined inspiration from games like Breakout with classic science fiction like War of the Worlds. The game was initially called Space Monsters before Taito executives renamed it. Nishikado had to design custom hardware using the Intel 8080 CPU to handle the game’s graphical and audio demands.

Released in Japan in 1978, it was initially met with skepticism by Taito’s management, but quickly became a global phenomenon. When licensed to Midway for North American distribution later that year, it quickly became the highest-grossing arcade game of its time.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The game’s narrative is straightforward: Earth is under attack by an alien armada. The player controls a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, moving left or right to shoot descending rows of aliens. The simple narrative taps into primal themes of defense against invaders, making the gameplay relatable and engaging.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

The core gameplay mechanics are built around moving the player’s turret and shooting at alien waves. The aliens move in synchronized rows, descending as they reach the screen’s edge. The player can destroy them for points, and eliminating all aliens in a wave causes them to reappear in a lower position.

Key features:

1. Bunkers: Defense structures that block enemy fire and must be partially destroyed to allow direct hits on aliens.
2. Mystery Ship: A bonus ship that moves across the top, offering extra points upon destruction.
3. Increasing Speed: As aliens are killed, their movement speed increases, raising the challenge over time.
4. Endless Loop: The game loops indefinitely with increasing difficulty until the player runs out of lives.

The 1999 remake added new elements like power-ups, different enemy types, and boss battles, transforming the gameplay into a mix of shooting and puzzle-solving. However, technical issues with 3D rendering marred its reception.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game’s art style is defined by its iconic pixelated alien sprites, blocky bunker structures, and the simple, monochrome color scheme. The audio design features an eerie four-note bassline that accelerates as the aliens approach, creating a sense of growing tension.

The 1999 remake featured updated 3D graphics but retained the classic alien designs. However, some critics felt the 3D implementation was underwhelming and hindered by performance issues.

Reception & Legacy

The original Space Invaders was met with widespread acclaim for its addictive gameplay and innovative mechanics. It became the highest-grossing video game of its time, grossing over $3.8 billion worldwide. The game:

1. Launches the arcade boom: Sparks the golden age of arcade gaming from 1978 to 1983.
2. Creates the shooter genre: Establishes the fixed-shooter and side-scrolling shooter archetypes.
3. Influences numerous games: Serves as a template for games like Galaxian, Galaga, Defender, and others.
4. Cultural impact: Appears in movies, music, and art, becoming a symbol of early video games.
5. Commercial success: Boosts sales of the Atari 2600 console and popularizes the home gaming market.

The 1999 remake received mixed reviews. While some praised the added depths and puzzle elements, others criticized technical issues, particularly the 3D rendering performance.

Conclusion

Space Invaders stands as a monument in video game history, setting the stage for nearly all subsequent shooting games. Its combination of simple yet engaging gameplay, iconic visuals, and pioneering audio design continues to inspire developers and players. The 1999 remake, despite some technical flaws, successfully updated the formula with new mechanics, solidifying the game’s legacy as an ever-evolving classic.