Review: Space Invaders Extreme
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 at 7:28am by David
Space Invaders Extreme is a near perfect update of the classic arcade game. The music is fun and the way the sound effects become part of the soundtrack is mesmerizing. It’s frantic fun with an interesting power-up system.
Most levels are played on the bottom screen of the DS using just the D-pad and buttons. The touch screen can be used for menus, but it isn’t required. The boss battles make for a tough challenge by using the top screen for the main boss while you fight it from the bottom screen. There are also rounds of challenges that get activated throughout the game requiring you to eliminate puzzle-like formations or certain types of ships in a set period of time.
The biggest flaw for me was that the game has “unlockable” modes. Nearly nothing bothers me more than needing to finish a game in order to play all the game modes or levels. (It loses half a point for this.) Otherwise, I wasn’t really compelled to re-play the game just to increase my high scores. They focus a lot on shooting combinations of Invaders (by color, column, etc), but for me this game should’ve been a pure shooter. (It loses another half point for focusing on this.)
Definitely rent it, but if you’re a Space Invaders fan it’s a must-buy. Three out of four stars.
[Note: Now that I realize the price is only $19.99, it's definitely a lot more tempting to buy. Quite the bargain!]
June 25th, 2008 at 10:11 am
I seems like this would have a larger audience than the ’space invader fan’ Looks good though.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I watched the trailer. Where’s the “peeeeww” “peeeew” and “da daa da daa” sound effects?
June 25th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
it would have sold more if it came with the knob peripheral. i would have bought it immediately. now i have to think about it.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
This is why the DS is out-selling every other console, short fun entertaining games.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I bought this day one…though I really enjoy it…it certainely could have been more “extreme”…..Well…I guess thats just the perception I get for spending the last 6 months playing Geometry Wars on the Wii.
June 26th, 2008 at 12:11 am
I can’t find this or Arkanoid anywhere. At least I do have the paddle controller and my “ahem” special methods of playing them until I can actually buy them, which I very much want to do.
June 26th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Hey Brian — if you can’t find it in store, do what I do: import it!
I’m not sure about this one, though. Is it something you can play in short bursts, pause, and come back to it without dying instantly because you’ve lost your rhythm?
June 26th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Well I know where I can order the US version for only $18.99 and free shipping, but sometimes you want to pick up a game in the store. I guess it’s time to place that order.
June 26th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Where’s that?
June 26th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
http://www.deepdiscount.com/
July 30th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I know this review is old and nobody will probably ever read this comment, but the third paragraph makes you sound pretty weak. Knocking the game down because it forces you to play well in order to see all of the content? Oh noes! I haven’t heard of any unlockable modes or seen any myself, but usually beating a level to see the next one is standard. Duh?
Then you knock it another half point for adding some depth and complexity to the scoring system. I have an idea- play it as a “straight shooter” and be satisfied with your weak score. As long as you don’t die, you’ll still reach the end.
Sorry if this seems flamey. I’m not saying the game deserves a 4 (though it is really good), but it seems your reasons for not liking it are more about your lack of skills and unwillingness to improve them.