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Space Invaders Extreme Review for the PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Space Invaders Extreme Review for the PlayStation Portable (PSP)

I Wish I Looked So Good After 30 Years

It’s your favorite aliens’ 30th anniversary. What did you get them? If you said more improved weapons with which to blast them back to where they came from, then you’re not the only thoughtful defender of the Earth.

Space Invaders Extreme screenshot

Welcome to Space Invaders Extreme: the latest iteration by Taito of the incredibly popular Space Invaders arcade game that is celebrating its thirtieth year in existence. There are literally hundreds of different versions of Space Invaders available, from officially updated versions to bizarre emulations. It’s a revered premise that is whispered in the same breath as classics such as Pong and Pac-Man. It’s a true classic in every sense of the term. If you haven’t played a version of Space Invaders in some time, you simply should not miss getting your hands on this title. The premise remains unchanged, but the gameplay has been updated and upgraded to give you more variety and more intense button mashing than ever before. And at twenty bucks, you are definitely going to get your money’s worth, as you tell yourself, “Just one more time. Okay, one more. One more and then I’m done. I promise. Alright, this is the last time. Just let me try to finish this #$%&*~ level once and for all…” You know the drill.

First the bad news (now that I got the “gush-fest” out of the way). Space Invaders Extreme is an amalgam of classic gameplay styles. Combining elements of Centipede, Galaga, Breakout, and the somewhat obscure Rez (exclusive to the PS2), Space Invaders Extreme offers nothing new at all. But like a Boston cream pie, standard ingredients are blended together in such a way as to create a decidedly delicious digital delight. I’m not so sure that I agree with the term “Extreme,” as a more apropos description might be something like Space Invaders – Now With Lots More Things to Do to Keep You Interested.

Space Invaders Extreme screenshot

Hopefully I don’t have to describe the gameplay to you. Even if you need a refresher, you had better check the time and the bottom right of your computer screen, as it’s probably past your bedtime gramps. Let’s just all agree that we have a cannon that only moves horizontally, while shooting at aliens that descend in formation. Virtually every aspect of the original game has been changed in some way. There are more weapons, more power-ups, and different aliens with different characteristics. The music and visuals have been upgraded, but that doesn’t necessarily mean for the better. While the game is presented in color, it’s still in 2D. There are some pseudo-sci-fi-psychedelic background graphics that pulse and pound in the third dimension, but that can really be distracting. The music is reminiscent of the new style casino slot machines. You can even score jackpots in this game, which indicates the developers are aware of the similarity.

Before I get a little deeper into an explanation of the gameplay, I want to mention that if you play your cards right, you could grab a copy of Space Invaders Extreme for under twenty bucks. When you take into account the hours of addictive gaming you’ll get out of it, and then add the multiplayer component into the equation, you’ll see you’ve got a great value on your hands. Sure it’s nothing new, but then again there’s nothing new about a T-bone steak, but it’s still friggin’ great.

Space Invaders Extreme screenshot

The aliens have a few different tricks up their sleeves this time. Instead of moving from one side of the screen to another and dropping down to the next level in a predictable manner, some of the aliens will move at different speeds on different lines. Some will have protective armor that will shield them against the first direct hit. Others will be able to turn sideways to reveal their true 2D profile, which is incredibly thin and difficult to hit. Other aliens will drop more destructive weapons, while some will split into two when hit.

Space Invaders Extreme screenshot

An interesting assortment of power-ups are available. You can acquire new weapons by hitting four like-colored aliens in sequence. Target a combo of four blue aliens and you’ll get a special laser that last several seconds; long enough to run from one end of the screen to the other. Red aliens will give you a cluster bomb capable of taking out multiple aliens, as it branches through the formation like a streak of lightning. All of these new elements combine to form a new level of strategy never before presented in this game. Hitting a combo of red and blue aliens will release the mothership UFO that does a flyby at the top of the screen. Hit it and you’ll unleash a Galaga-style bonus round in which the aliens will swoop at you in various formations. Making combos and activating the mini-game fever modes are great ways to increase your score.

Unlike the DS version, the PSP does not offer an online mode. Included are two-player modes which are a lot of fun, but will require another copy of the game. The game runs smoothly in single or two-player mode. It manages to use the PSP’s screen to good effect so that everything is easy to see. However, you may want to turn off the distracting, undulating background. Despite the modern casino-inspired soundtrack, the music pulses perfectly to the onscreen action, essentially marrying the audio with the visual. I found myself going into a musically inspired trance, allowing the beat to complement my timing of the weapons. The controls couldn’t be easier. Move left, move right, fire. A more complicated control scheme does not a good game make.

I hope I’m around for the 30th anniversary of Space Invaders Extreme. Not only would I like to see what Taito can do to top it, but that would also mean that I’m still alive.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.5 Graphics
Distracting backgrounds. Good use of screen, easy to see aliens and missiles. 4.5 Control
Extremely effective and efficient. Move side to side and shoot. 3.3 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The music pulses in time with the attacks, but it can get a little annoying. 4.5 Play Value
It’s Space Invaders with a lot more things to do to keep you interested. 4.6 Overall Rating – Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • New Look: The much loved design of SPACE INVADERS, now with revamped graphics and new background effects that add to the game’s excitement.
  • New Music: Get in the groove with up-beat techno tunes that are synched to gameplay.
  • New Mini-Games: Experience varied gameplay with mini-games, called Rounds, that are launched mid-game – they add to the fun, and are a good way to rack up points!
  • New Twists: Discover exciting twists to the classic game that provide swift, fast-paced gameplay.
  • Features: Numerous Features kick-up the power and kick-up the fun.
  • Breaks: Destroy Invaders and UFOs during Breaks to increase scores by 10 times.
  • Fever Time: Look out for this chance to increase scores after completing a Round. Destroying Invaders leads to bonus points and players can try to hit the Jackpot UFO for a Jackpot Bonus!
  • New Multiplayer Elements: Battle against a friend with the all-new multiplayer element, available on both platforms.

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