Space Invaders is a Japanese shooting video game released in 1978 by Taito. It was developed by Tomohiro Nishikado, who was inspired by other media: Breakout, The War of the Worlds, and Star Wars.[1] It is one of the forerunners of modern video gaming and helped expand the video game industry from a novelty to a global industry.[2][3] It was first released as an arcade game and later remade on different platforms; re-releases include ported and updated versions. Ported versions generally feature different graphics and additional gameplay options, including moving defense bunkers, zigzag shots, invisible aliens, and two-player modes.[4]Space Invaders is one of the highest-grossing video game franchises of all time.
Series logoEpoch released the Japan-exclusive TV Vader in 1980, which was a Space Invaders clone that could be played at home.
Taito released numerous sequels and spin-offs, many of which have also been remade on multiple platforms, including home consoles and handheld devices. Follow up titles are typically released in celebration of the original's anniversary. The first sequels were primarily released in arcades, while later titles were released on portable devices. Sequels often added power-ups and incorporated new gameplay mechanics—like three-dimensional playing fields, bosses, and rhythm-action—to the original's design.[5] Most titles were released internationally, though some are exclusive to select regions. The games have received different receptions: the Atari 2600 port of the original became the video game industry's first "killer app", while some sequels were regarded as insignificant updates.[4][6]Space Invaders and several of its arcade sequels are often included in video game compilations released by Taito.
It inspired numerous other games.[7] Many companies created clones that copied its gameplay, with more than a hundred Space Invaders clones released for various platforms (such as Super Invader and TI Invaders).[8] Others built upon the original's gameplay (such as Galaxian and Galaga).
Release years by system: 1978 – Arcade[9] 1980 – Atari 2600, Atari 400 and 800[4] 1982 – Atari 5200, Handheld electronic games[4][10] 1985 – Nintendo Entertainment System,[4] SG-1000[11] 1999 – WonderSwan[12] 2002 – VG Pocket Caplet[13] 2007 – Mobile phone[14] 2009 – iOS[15]
Notes:
An urban legend blames the game for causing a shortage of yen in Japan, which led to an increase in production of 100-yen coins;[2][16] however, 100-yen coin production was lower in 1978 and 1979 than in previous or subsequent years.[17][18] The claim also doesn't hold up to logical scrutiny: arcade operators would have emptied out their machines and taken the money to the bank, thus keeping the coins in circulation.[18] Reports from those living in Japan at the time indicate "nothing out of the ordinary ... during the height of the Space Invaders invasion."[18]
By 2007, it had generated almost US$500 million in revenue.[16]
Several publications attribute the expansion of the video game industry from a novelty into a global industry to the success of the game.[2][3][19][20][21]
The Atari 2600 version was the first official licensing of an arcade game and became the first "killer app" by quadrupling the system's sales.[4][22]
The Atari versions feature different sets of gameplay variants.[4]
The handheld electronic games include LCD and VFD versions developed by Tiger Electronics and Ramtex. Clones were also created by other companies.
Early 1980s handheld electronic versions are considered collectables.[10]
Release years by system: 1990 – Arcade[30] 1991 – Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, PC, Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System, and Sinclair ZX Spectrum[6][31]
Notes:
Known as Majestic Twelve: The Space Invaders Part IV in Japan and in the USA.
The game features new graphics and gameplay elements, as well as a two-player mode.[4][30][32]
The home versions are titled Super Space Invaders.[6][31]
The Sega Master System manual for the game included a comprehensive history of the Space Invaders franchise.
The original arcade version Majestic Twelve was reviewed in 1990, with David Wilson of Zero rating it 4.5 out of 5,[34] and Your Sinclair giving it an 89% score.[35]
The PC version of Super Space Invaders was reviewed by Hartley, Patricia and Kirk Lesser of Dragon magazine in 1992, rating it 2 out of 5 stars.[36]
Release years by system: 1993 – Arcade 1994 – Game Boy and Super Nintendo Entertainment System 1995 – TurboGrafx-CD 1996 – Sega Saturn[38] 1997 – PlayStation 2001 – Nuon[6]
Notes:
A remake of the original with several new options and gameplay elements, including a competitive two-player mode.[33][37]
Early versions use Taito's B system hardware, while later ones use Taito's F3 system hardware.[6][33]
The home versions were released as Space Invaders - The Original Game. Other names include: Space Invaders XL on the Nuon, simply Space Invaders on the Game Boy and Sega Saturn, and Space Invaders 2000 and Space Invaders 1500 on two PlayStation re-releases.
The home releases feature variants of the two-player mode.
The Game Boy release was an update to the 1990 version of Space Invaders Part II. Extra options similar to Space Invaders DX are available when played via Nintendo's Super Game Boy.
The first PlayStation release lacked the two-player mode. Subsequent PlayStation re-releases in 1998 and 2001 restored it. The 2001 release, known as The Invaders and Space Invaders 1500, includes a 3D version, and was part of D3 Publisher's Simple series of budget games that sell for ¥1500.[6]
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System version was also released on Nintendo's Virtual Console.[39]
In a similar vein to the Parodius games, it is an updated, parody version of the original arcade game that features colorful, super deformed designs.[33][40]
The title features 2D and 3D graphics, as well as co-operative and competitive modes for two players.[46]
The Game Boy Color version features different graphics and uses a password system to access levels.[6]
The PC version is included in the PC compilation pack Weekend Play Pack.[47]
Crawfish Interactive developed the Game Boy Color release, while the other versions were developed by Z-Axis. Activision published the four versions.[48]
The game features two modes of play: a classic version that emulates the original arcade game, and an updated version with different stages and aliens.[59][60]
Tomohiro Nishikado oversaw the game's development.[60]
Release years by system: 2005 – PlayStation Portable
Notes:
The game is known in Japan as Space Invaders: Galaxy Beat.[61]
It features the original arcade version of the game, a "match-up" mode (similar to Midway's cocktail-only arcade game Space Invaders II, but with a different gameplay) and a new remake with new graphics, sounds and gameplay.
It features 3D graphics and new modes of play including multiplayer.[62]
Elements of rhythm-action gameplay are incorporated.[6]
Release years by system: 2003 – Arcade, PlayStation 2, and PC[6][79]
Notes:
The compilation includes four variants of the original Space Invaders (Monochrome, Cellophane, Color, and Upright), Space Invaders Part II with the option to play an Upright variant of it, and three new games (Space Invaders Doubles, Space Invaders 3D, and Space Invaders VS)[41]
It was released as part of the original's 25th anniversary and Taito's 50th anniversary.[6][41]
Though Empire Interactive obtained the North American and European distribution rights of the PlayStation 2 version, the company only released the game in Europe.[41][81]
Release years by system: 2005 – PlayStation Portable
Notes:
The compilation includes four variants of the original title (Black & White, Cellophane, Upright, and Color), Space Invaders Part II, Return of the Invaders, Super Space Invaders '91, and Space Invaders '95.
Super Space Invaders '91 includes new content intended for its arcade release.[6]
It was the first Universal Media Disc released in Japan to include a BIOS version checker for the PlayStation Portable.[83]
The developers purposely reproduced programming errors present in the original Space Invaders.[84]
The title is a compilation of Taito's classic arcade games.
It features the original Space Invaders with color graphics, Super Space Invaders '91, and Space Invaders DX.[86]
An earlier version was planned for the Nokia N-Gage in 2003; Super Space Invaders was one of the three games planned to be included. The title was canceled.[87][88]
The game is a plug & play game controller that plays Space Invaders and four other classic Taito arcade games.[108] The version of Space Invaders included in this plug & play is based on the Famicom version, instead of the original arcade version.
A later plug & play called Space Invaders TV Game has Space Invaders with nine other Taito arcade games that are different from the other four in the previous version.[109]
A Space Invaders themed plug & play released in 2017 was created by WinFun and distributed by MSI Entertainment. It only includes the Famicom version of Space Invaders.[110]
Space Invaders is also the main game of the Legends Flash Blast! released in 2018 by AtGames. The eleven other games included are Atari 2600 ports of other Taito and Data East arcade games.[111]
Re-released on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 as part of Space Invaders Invincible Collection and Space Invaders Forever.
The Nintendo Switch version is presented as a separate download and only plays in handheld mode.
Space Invaders Gigamax
Original release date(s): January 12, 2018
Release years by system: 2018 – Event 2020 – Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
Notes:
Space Invaders Gigamax marks the first Space Invaders game to be playable with up to 10 players.[121]
Released to celebrate Space Invaders' 40th Anniversary
Distributed by Live Interactive Works
Playable at certain events
Known as Space Invaders Gigamax 20 when playable at Huis Ten Bosch, and was playable up to 20 players.
Re-released on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 as Space Invaders Gigamax 4 SE, as part of Space Invaders Invincible Collection and Space Invaders Forever.
Reduces the player amount to 4 players in Gigamax 4 SE
See also
Video games portal
Galaxian, a successful shooting game based on Space Invaders, and released by Namco in 1979.[122]
Defender, a successful shooting game partially based on Space Invaders, and released by Williams Electronics in 1980.[123]
References
"Classic GI: Space Invaders". Game Informer. No.177. Cathy Preston. January 2008. pp.108–109.
Richards, Giles (2005-07-24). "A life through video games". The Observer. London: Guardian Media Group. Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
Fox, Mark (2012). "Space Invaders targets coins". World Coin News. Krause Publications. 39 (2): 35–37. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
"Best Hit Games 25"(PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No.258. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 April 1985. p.19. Archived(PDF) from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
Your Sinclair. Dennis Publishing (60): 71. December 1990. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
"Arcade Inspection: Taito's 'F' Series Jamma Hardware". Retro Gamer. Imagine Publishing (45): 43. January 2008.
Wilson, David (December 1990). "Dosh Eaters". Zero. No.14. pp.85–6.
"Slots of Fun". Your Sinclair. No.60 (December 1990). United Kingdom: Future plc. 1 November 1990. pp.70–1. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
Lesser, Hartley; Lesser, Patricia & Lesser, Kirk (November 1992). "The Role of Computers"(PDF). Dragon (187): 59–64 (62). Archived(PDF) from the original on 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
"Space Invaders DX". Killer List of Videogames. Archived from the original on 2009-07-14. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
Rico Komanoya, ed. (2004). "Space Raiders". Japanese Game Graphics: Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Games. New York, NY: Harper Design International. pp.116–121. ISBN0-06-056772-4.
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