Space Invaders has come a long way since it’s inception 30 years back in 1978. While the popularity of the game has fluctuated - mainly due to poor remakes and sequels - Taito is choosing to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the legendary game in a fairly big way. Taito has made the decision of honoring Space Invaders by releasing several pieces of merchandise, including: towels, pillows, mugs, shirts, headphones, key chains, and new games. One game, Space Invaders Extreme, is a remake of the original. This time around, Square Enix was in control, and they did an excellent job of invigorating a classic and making it relevant once again.

Space Invaders Extreme, available for both PSP and DS, is what you get when you combine the classic Space Invaders with the elements of a rave. As you’re dashing your little 8-bit ship around the screen, there are intense neon lights flowing about in the background. On top of this, there is a techno-heavy soundtrack providing the anthem to saving the earth. While these may both seem like very random things to add to a game like Space Invaders, they compliment the fast-paced game play incredibly well.

The control scheme is far too simple for there to be room for any flaws. Anyone who has played the original will be able to pick this one up and understand how to play it within seconds. The only things used are the D-pad, and the action button, which is used to fire at the invaders.

Because the amount of invaders on the screen at one time is less than that of the original, the power-ups (consisting of bombs, lasers, shields, allies, and multiple bullets) clear the screen in no time and make way for the next wave of aliens. Each level varies in length, and every wave of aliens has a different pattern or type of attack; so there’s always an element of unpredictability within the game.

One of the biggest complaints to be made about the game is the length of the single-player arcade mode. There are only five levels; each of which can be finished in under ten minutes. The multiplayer mode allows two players to compete against each other via wi-fi or download play on the DS, and for two players to compete locally via Ad-Hoc on the PSP (as long as both players own the game).

At the budget price of $20, Space Invaders Extreme is a wise purchase for fans of the original as well as newcomers to the game. The tweaks in style and pace help keep the game relevant and exciting, and the similarities to the original are enough to keep the nostalgic, old-school gamer pleased. While the single player is short, the different difficulty settings add to the replay factor of the game enough to justify spending the already low purchase-price of the game. While all of the silly merchandise is amusing, this game is by far the best way that Space Invaders could be honored.

Happy birthday, little fellas.

Link:

Official Site

Gameplay Video