Space Invasion Review

Space Invasion is a classic arcade style game which is very similar to the old arcade classic, Space Invaders. The game was released by StarByte and is retailing for $3.99 at the iTunes App Store.

In Space Invasion players take control of a movable base which must defend its planet by shooting the progressing waves of alien invaders. Just like in the classic arcade version of the game, each level of Space Invasion, features a slightly different layout of enemy invaders who gradually make their way down to your planet while trying to destroy you and your sheilds. Unlike it’s classic inspiration, Space invasion lets you collect power ups which may add various effects to your base.

Space Invasion Graphics

Space Invasion looks like a slightly smoother version of Space Invaders. The whole game has a very nice retro feel to it and does a good job mimicking its predecessor. My only complaint is that the game background and loading screen, which look great, don’t really match the retro feeling of the game. Additionally, everything in the game feels a little small and cramped.

Space Invasion Sound

The sound in Space Invasion is a great throwback to classic arcade gaming. The squawks and squeaks sound just right as do the advancing aliens sounds. All I’m missing here is some coin drop sounds to start the game.

Space Invasion Gameplay

Space Invasion is played by tapping the on-screen left, right and fire buttons. Two other buttons located below the movement arrows control 1 player and 2 player select. For the most part moving the base works well. While it would have been interesting to see accelerometer support or finger drag support added as control options, the on screen buttons worked just fine. The firing was the only thing that really bugged me about Space Invasion. The firing rate seems a little slow and players must tap the screen every time they want to fire. A hold to fire option would be a welcome addition to the game.

Space Invasion has just one game play mode and no way to save. While the game does save the high score, Space Invasion is missing both online and offline high score name entry. This seems like a pretty big omission given that obtaining the high score is pretty much the only objective to the game. Additionally, I found the power ups hard to collect and understand. When a power up falls it should stay on the game board’s base for a few seconds, flash and then be removed instead of just falling straight off the screen.

Space Invasion Price

Space Invasion is priced at $3.99 which feels quite high to me. Given the lack of features, game play modes and high score entry I think this game would be better priced in the $.99 range.

Space Invasion Summary

Space Invasion is an adequate throw back to the classic Space Invaders arcade game. Currently, the game is missing quite a few features and lacks replay value. With a slight price drop, online and offline score entry and better implementation of the power ups this could be the classic arcade fix your looking for. As it stands, I’d say all but the most die hard space invader fans should pass.

By: Aaron Robbins