Summary

• Release Year: 1999
• Genres: Shooter
• Platforms: Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, PlayStation
• Developers: Z-Axis
• Publishers: Activision

Space Invaders (1999): A Timeless Classic

Space Invaders is a video game developed by Tomohiro Nishikado and released in Japan in 1978. It is one of the most iconic and influential video games of all time, and is credited with popularizing the shoot ’em up genre.

The game is set in space, where the player controls a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen. The aim is to defeat five rows of eleven aliens—some versions feature different numbers—that move horizontally back and forth across the screen as they advance towards the bottom of the screen. The player defeats an alien, and earns points, by shooting it with the laser cannon. As more aliens are defeated, the aliens’ movement and the game’s music both speed up.

Space Invaders was a huge commercial success, and is estimated to have sold over 500,000 arcade cabinets worldwide. It was also one of the first video games to be ported to home consoles, and was released on the Atari 2600 in 1980.

The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay and iconic graphics have made it a timeless classic. It is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages today, and has been ported to numerous platforms over the years.

Gameplay

Space Invaders is a simple game to learn, but difficult to master. The player controls a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, and must shoot down rows of aliens that are descending from the top of the screen. The aliens move back and forth across the screen, and gradually move down towards the player’s cannon. The player must shoot the aliens before they reach the bottom of the screen, or they will be killed.

The player’s cannon can only fire one shot at a time, and it takes several shots to kill an alien. The aliens also fire back at the player, and can kill the player if they are hit.

As the player progresses through the game, the aliens’ movement and the game’s music both speed up. This makes the game more challenging, and requires the player to be quick and accurate with their shots.

Graphics and Sound

Space Invaders’ graphics are simple but iconic. The aliens are represented by simple black and white sprites, and the player’s cannon is a small white rectangle. The game’s background is a black void, and the only other colors in the game are the green and red lasers that are fired by the aliens and the player, respectively.

The game’s sound is also simple but effective. The aliens make a distinctive buzzing sound as they move across the screen, and the player’s cannon makes a laser sound when it fires. The game’s music is a fast-paced electronic tune that adds to the game’s excitement.

Legacy

Space Invaders is one of the most influential video games of all time. It is credited with popularizing the shoot ’em up genre, and its simple yet addictive gameplay has been imitated by countless other games.

The game has also been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages today. Space Invaders is a true classic that deserves its place in the video game hall of fame.

Cultural Impact

Space Invaders has had a significant cultural impact. The game’s aliens have become iconic symbols of video games, and have been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and other media. The game’s music has also been used in numerous commercials and other media.

Space Invaders has also been credited with helping to popularize video games in the United States. The game was a huge success in arcades, and helped to introduce video games to a wider audience.

Conclusion

Space Invaders is a timeless classic that still holds up today. Its simple yet addictive gameplay and iconic graphics make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of video games, you’re sure to enjoy Space Invaders.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots