Space Invaders Extreme

The game runs smoothly in single or two-player mode. It manages to use the PSP's screen to good effect so that everything is easy to see. However, you may want to turn off the distracting, undulating background.

Extreme's wonderfully remixed gameplay comes at you in fluid, seamless waves that offer a surprising amount of freedom and replay value.

This isn't just a fun retro resurrection, it's a phenomenal action game that should be in everybody's collection. At $20 there's no reason to be without Space Invaders Extreme.

Like Pac-Man: Championship Edition, this budget-priced handheld shooter stays true to the core gameplay and aesthetic of the arcade innovator it seeks to update.

Space Invaders Extreme shows what can happen when a classic receives the kind of attention needed for rejuvenation, without sacrificing its core. If you’ve never played Space Invaders before, or simply want to rekindle that old arcade flame, you can’t go wrong with this portable invasion.

No matter what kind of gamer you are, you need this in your PSP library.

Space Invaders Extreme is an addictive trance-like experience, and no PSP or DS owner should be without it. Even if you've never heard of Space Invaders, missing this game would be a tragedy.

As a modern update to a classic and as an example of neo retro presentation, Space Invaders Extreme works and it works well. Taito has walked a tightrope between faithful and contemporary gameplay without the need for a safety net.

For once, it's a brilliant update of a genuine classic. [Sept 2008, p.104]

"Groovy," "trippy"...however you want to describe it, Extreme does right by the classic. [July 2008, p.84]

Space Invaders Extreme is a certified hit and easily the company’s best effort in contemporizing its classic property. The game’s an absolute steal at 20 bucks on either the Nintendo DS or the PlayStation Portable, but if you want the definitive version of this fantastic classic revisit, the Nintendo DS version is it.

Space Invaders Extreme is a great retro redux of the original, bringing memories flooding back front and center to the conscious of those old enough to remember throwing many, many coins into Space Invaders cabinets back when arcades were where all the hardcore gamers fed their gaming addiction.

It takes some clever thinking to take something this old and make it feel new again. Square Enix has done exactly that by maintaining the core "shoot the aliens" gameplay while dramatically expanding the strategy and skill required to succeed in the endeavor. [July 2008, p.95]

Simplicity incarnate, but, amazingly, turns the age old concept of left, right and fire into a strategic masterclass. [Sept 2008, p.78]

If you're going to be playing it alone all the time, the PSP version is the way to go because of its wide screen and superior sound quality.

Its minimalism, but just because something’s minimal doesn’t mean it is without soul and anyway, the graphical updates mean it’s awash with garish colour and this just about does enough to bring the title up to date – albeit to that of a modern doujin homebrew game.

It reinvents a gaming classic, and proves that the nuts-and-bolts mechanics of yesteryear can still captivate. It’s engrossing, a stiff challenge and a fine addition to a venerable history. [Apr 2008, p.97]

Somehow, Taito and Square Enix managed to take a 30-year old formula and inject new life into the classic shooter to make this one seriously addictive game for gamers both young and old school.

The fact that I even want more levels in a "Space Invaders" game is testament enough to how much fun this one is. [Aug 2008, p.77]

Far better than it has any right to be after all these years - but just lacking that killer flair that would have made it a new age classic.

A brilliant little gem to help while away a sweaty Summer.

It feels equal parts fresh and classic - although it could indeed be too hyperactive for stout historians.

A very good example of how to update a classic game. The gameplay has been improved, and multiplayer adds a whole new dynamic to the experience. It's a shame that the PSP version of the game lacks online functionality.

For its budget $20 price, this is a great introduction for those who missed the glory days of gaming or a pleasant welcome back to those who loved the original.

Space Invaders Extreme is perfect for the portable platform, providing pacey gameplay and enough touches to make the experience pretty fresh.

The high-score hunting gameplay makes for an incredibly addictive retro gaming experience, and the sleek presentation gives it a modern appearance and feel. If you can choose between PSP and DS versions then the DS game is clearly the best choice.

This is definitely a worthy salutation to the original Space Invaders, celebrating it's 30th anniversary. Like it's predecessor this game delivers fun and addictive yet challenging gameplay mechanics. Great presentation and a fitting soundtrack combine to create an intense experience. A great buy for fans of the original game and newcomers alike.