Blasts from the past
Classic Space Invaders fans are in for a treat with this completist’s collection
Space Invaders Invincible Collection (PEGI 3) Switch
HHHII
IT’S a pop icon credited with helping move video games from a novelty into a global industry.
And Switch owners can now get their hands on the most comprehensive collection ever released.
Space Invaders set the template for the shoot ‘em up genre when it was released way back in 1978.
Developed by Tomohiro Nishikado, its simple yet highly addictive gameplay captured the imagination of people across the globe, going on to inspire designers of the future to create some of the best known games we enjoy today.
Over the decades there have been dozens of different takes on the game in an attempt to ‘freshen’ it up for different generations, ported and re-released onto just about every console you can think of.
And now the Space Invaders Invincible Collection brings most of those games together.
Featuring all titles from the Japanese standard and special releases, this limited Western collection even has the console port of Arkanoid vs. Space Invaders, a unique title previously only available as a download code with the Japanese release.
This collection boasts 11 different versions of the game, although some are a lot more similar than others.
For example there’s a black and white, and a colour version of the 1978 classic arcade version, and 1979’s Space Invaders Part II which, apart from a few tweaks here and there, is essentially the same game.
But where this collection comes to life is Super Space Invaders 91, and Space Invaders Extreme.
The first brought a new look and fresh ideas to the series with changing backgrounds, new graphics and special attacks.
The latter was originally released to mark the game’s 30th anniversary in 2008, but this is the revamped version of Extreme which was issued on Steam in 2018.
Space Invaders Extreme adds another frantic layer onto the action. Not only do the invaders behave differently, some also have abilities now, such as shielding to reflect shots back at you, or dividing when you hit them.
Different enemies drop selected power ups, like bombs, and chain – which alters how your cannon fires.
And those chain power ups come in very handy for boss battles, which require precision and timing to win.
Add to this the souped-up music, and graphics and it feels like a solid, arcade experience – one that builds up your stress level, as you fight not to get wiped out.
The 1994 release, Space Invaders DX, introduced co-op to the series, although essentially it doesn’t offer much more than the original.
Where it does shine though, is with its ‘parody’ modes, that replace the original characters with those from other Taito franchises, including New Zealand Story, Bubble Bobble, Darius and Arkanoid.
And speaking of Arkanoid, if you buy this collection, you get a code to download 2017’s Arkanoid vs Space Invaders.
Originally released on mobiles, it fuses the games’ classic blockbreaker and fixed shooter fun.
Bouncing the little platform up and down across the screen, you collect and rebound enemy fire to clear the invaders from the top of the screen.
It’s quick paced and quite challenging, the mixed titles doubling the addictive nature of the gameplay.
I’m not going to lie, the asking price for this collection is eyewateringly steep, at £51.99 for a physical copy of the game, and £54.99 for a download.
And while you get hours and hours of gameplay for your money, some of the versions feel very samey, very quickly.
For a Space Invaders fan, what you have here is just about the most comprehensive collection of games I can ever remember, and for that alone, the price is worth it.
But for the casual player, it will be just too much to ask.
Fan Buy: Ultra Collector’s Edition, featuring the game, art cards, enamel pin, stickers book, two soundtracks, Space Invaders Invincible Board Game and much more, £128.99 from store. strictlylimitedgames.com/
Buy it: £54.99, nintendo.co.uk/