Hello everyone today’s game is Space Invaders for the Arcade. Developed and published by Taito released in 1978. Summary: I feel like I don’t have to say anything here. This game is so iconic and it paved the way for so many games to come after it. Developed by the legendary Tomohiro Nishikado. Love it or hate it everyone knows what Space Invaders is. Story: Alien invaders have come to attack your planet shoot them down and save your world. Gameplay: Space Invaders is a fixed shooter.
I think we all know how this one plays. 55 alien ships (some versions differ) attack in each stage they are split in to 5 columns.The space invaders move left to right in a set pattern. But each time they do this they move down towards your cannon. Everytime you destroy an alien the game gets faster. This was a clever trick but it was entirely by accident. When aliens got shot there was less on screen and this freed up the microprocessor so the game got quicker. The development team were going to program this glitch out but the play testers loved that it got harder as they progressed and it was left in. You also get 4 defense bunkers (some versions differ) at the bottom of the screen to help you out.
Graphics: the look of Space Invaders is video game history. It may look simple now but that pixel art has stood the test of time and will live on forever. You mention Space Invaders to anyone and they will straight away think of the pixel aliens. I must also mention the Ingenious idea of having the CRT screen reflected of a half mirror on to the backlit moonscape. This gives this machine a wonderful effect.
Sound: the music in Space Invaders at the time was a real eye opener. It was one of the first arcade machines to have continuous music throughout game play. Yes it might be basic now but we all remember it and it’s still a classic tune. I will never forgot my first go on Space Invaders and the music is a key part for me. Having the music go with your gameplay was just great in 1978. Replay
Value: endless this game for me does not get boring. I know there are lots of better examples now but this was one of the first and it’s still as playable today as it was back in 1978. It’s great trying to beat your highscores or even better your friends highscore.
Final thoughts: this game is an Icon of the Arcades and one of the reasons I do this group. Come and share your memories in Forever Arcade Facebook group thanks Jay.
What are your memories?
