Space Invaders Forever Review

Developer: TAITO

Platforms: PS4, PS5 (Reviewed via backwards compatibility), Nintendo Switch

Genre: Action

Publisher: ININ Games

I’d like to say I’m revisiting the nostalgia of Space Invaders when I played Space Invaders but it was before my time. I’m familiar with the series and the gameplay though. Space Invaders Forever contains three games Space Invaders Extreme, Arkanoid vs Space Invaders and Space Invaders Gigamax 4 SE.

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Space Invaders Gigamax 4 SE is a revisiting classic 1978 version of the game that boasts four-player gameplay too. The game is a loving rendition of the classic game. A little blocky spaceship at the bottom of the screen that has to survive the onslaught of the invaders. The graphics and gameplay are stripped and basic. Sound effects are of the 70’s era, it’s relatively slow-paced compared to the other two games. As you progress through the game you get to experience the modern version of Space Invaders with enhanced graphics and sounds.

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Arkanoid vs Space Invaders hits differently as it’s Arkanoid in the Space Invaders theme world. The music is loud, brash and full of dance beats. The game is more strategy as opposed to the shooter like the classic game. It has a real modern arcade game feel with the all-important boss levels. It has a real sense of satisfaction as you progress through the levels.

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Space Invaders Extreme is the updated version of Space Invaders that is my favourite of three games. The game is a mixture of psychedelic madness mixed with a dance soundtrack which is awesome, the gameplay has the classic downward scrolling invaders but in this game, you get an upgrade of powers and bonus levels too. The visuals are euphoric and the gameplay matches it with its frenetic pace. Gameplay-wise, I can’t fault, it’s just tons of fun, It’s a throwback to old school arcade games. This game is also available in multiplayer too.

I was surprised how much the updated versions of the games hit the spot. The games are fun, bright and the soundtracks are fantastic. All three retro games are worth playing. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. It’s nice to revisit a game with such great gameplay that’s stripped back and super fun.

Overall: 9/10