Space Invaders Anniversary Edition Review

Costas Stephanides’s Review

Another classic retro game gets a 21st Century makeover

Space Invaders must be one of the most cloned games out there. Very simple controls and graphics matched with its world fame make it an obvious candidate for imitation. This version is the real deal, and has the Taito logo plastered all over it. The Anniversary Edition has taken the classic game and added a few little extras where it can.

The soundtracks were the best bits for me. You can choose to play the game with music from some classic Taito games such as Puzzle Bobble and Bubble Bobble. Playing Space Invaders, whilst hearing Puzzle Bobble in the background, will take all the old timers back to the arcades of old.

Graphically, the game is as good as it can be. The ships and enemies have all been authentically reproduced and the game speed seems fine. The game plays nicely and remains true to its predecessor. Once you??ve found a winning strategy, it becomes a game of endurance and concentration. There is always the high score to aim for, just a shame there is no online high score table.

Additionally, Space Invaders has a full option menu. You can decide on how many lives and even how many points are needed for an extra life. You can even play in colour or monochrome for a true retro experience.
On top of that there is a ??secret file?? which gives an insight into the original development of the game with character sketches and there??s even some promo material for 25 years ago. It??s a nice touch and illustrates how the developers were just looking for ways to add to the game.

At the end of the day, they have done as much as they can to bring Space Invaders into the 21st Century but it will still only really appeal to retro gamers (unless it comes preloaded).