Are you old (ancient?) enough to remember playing Space Invaders? Sadly, I am – it was the first (and one of the only) arcade game that I really got into. So I was happy to spot the Invaders app for the iPhone (and iPod Touch) a few days back, and have been happily playing it a couple times per day ever since.
Here’s a slice of its App Store description:
Invaders is a classic arcade game that will take you back in time. Use your laser cannon to blast apart an alien invasion from outer space. FEATURES: – Retro graphics and sound – Accelerometer controls ship movement (optional) – High score and other settings remembered – Presently 3 themes to choose from
The game also promises ‘nostalgic gameplay’ – and for me it definitely delivers on that. There are a few themes to choose from, but I’m quite happy with the default, retro look – and love the sound effects that are definite blasts from the past.
Oh, and it’s easy and fun to play. If you’ve ever played Space Invaders (or any of the many recreations of it) you’ll know exactly what to do in this game. Even if you haven’t, it’s a basic game and easy to pick up. Rows of aliens advance at you (8 rows of them, with 5 aliens in each) and you try to gun them down with your missile firing turret before they hit you. When you wipe out all the aliens, you move to the next level. Each level pumps up the speed (and rate of fire) of the aliens a bit, and you’ve got 5 lives to work with before it’s game over.
You can use standard controls (Left and Right arrow buttons) or the accelerometer to move. I find the accelerometer better to use, as this makes it easier to keep a thumb or finger constantly on the firing button.
One thing that is missing from the program and would be nice to see in a future update is the ability to remember your place in the game (currently if you close out of it, your only choice is a new game when you relaunch it).
If you were ever a Space Invaders fan, or if you just like retro arcade games, Invaders is well worth a look. It’s available in the App Store now, and costs $0.99.
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TAGS: iphone apps
