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The addicting format of this blast 'em up challenge hasn't changed a bit since it was first released as an arcade game in 1978. The graphics, sounds and features are all up to date, however, making this new version a perfect case study in how to successfully modernize a classic.
In case you missed the 70s, here's the Space Invaders scenario: Rows of alien robots slowly move down the screen, dropping bombs. Your mission is to defend the world by moving a tank along the screen bottom, blasting the aliens (no blood) while dodging the bombs. With each alien that is destroyed, the speed of the game increases, so the better you do, the harder the challenge. Once all the aliens are destroyed, a new, harder set of aliens appears. The game starts at a very easy level, so even young children can have a successful first experience.
New features include the ability to save games and post high scores, to select the level of graphics detail and to customize the controls. There is also a two player mode, letting two players play cooperatively, making this an excellent social experience.
Fun game features include things like "tank enhancers" that are dropped from a mother ship, shields, a double shot feature, new batteries and the ability to freeze time- making it easy to shoot the aliens. We counted 16 different aliens and were able to play for over three hours without getting to the harder levels. Overall, for sheer fun and action-packed game play, this is a great program.
Teaches: game play, logic, timing (temporal relations), strategy
Age Range: 10-up (our guess) Copyright © 2000 Children's Software Revue
Product Description
Attention all earthlings! Relentless alien hordes have been identified in a vicinity near you. Be aware--the classic arcade update has proven to be even more dangerously addictive than ever before. Alien troops have been reinforced with enhanced firepower, 3-D graphics, special effects and multiplayer modes! Remain calm--Space Invaders can be battled on the Game Boy Color, PlayStation and Nintendo 64 game consoles, as well as on the PC. Space Invaders skyrockets the classic arcade franchise to new heights with out-of-this world 3-D graphics, explosive special effects, enhanced firepower, high resolution cinematics, and frenetic multiplayer modes in graphically rich space worlds. Classic Arcade Action! Brave 100 levels of classic shoot-and-dodge-style gameplay--now in 3-D and updated with a host of innovative features! Visit a variety of space worlds, including Pluto, Saturn, Mars, and Earth--each with dynamic terrain and interactive background elements. Explosive weapons and sound effects! Your arsenal includes an infrared laser beam, flame throwers and a neutron blast, plus bonus power-ups and special weapons unique to each world. Be abducted by awesome 3-D graphics, high-resolution cinematics, an engaging single-player storyline, and intense sound effects. Take on alien invaders cooperatively, or go head-to-head against a friend in a two-player race to annihilate aliens for points. Battle 18 species of aliens and 10 huge bosses, including Crunchers, Dodgers, Ic Invaders, and Invisible Invaders--each with unique attacks and advaced strategies. Hidden bonuses include a replica of the original arcade game, plus two bonus worlds with 20 additional hidden levels.
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