Space Invaders Extreme

Basically, it's Space Invaders with Lumines aesthetics and a combo system. It just came out in Japan. According to Gamestop, both the DS and PSP versions (and, incidentally, Arkanoid DS) will be available here in the summer for $20 each. At that price, I suspect that the paddle included in Arkanoid DS and supported by the DS version of Space Invaders Extreme will not be making an appearance.

Here are two trailers:




If you have a PSP, you can also get a demo here.

I have just played a couple of games and am very impressed. I think the DS version is a little better. The boss shots in the PSP version travel at half the speed of normal shots - something not present in the DS version, as the boss fights (and the bonus rounds) use both screens. On the other hand, if you hate dual-screen displays, you'll probably prefer the PSP version.

The scoring system is fairly basic, but there's a combo system based upon shooting down a series of identical enemies, a column of enemies, or a row of enemies. If you rack up a chain of 4 twice in a row, a special ship zooms across the top of the screen. If you shoot that ship, you get taken to a bonus round where you're given a goal (typically shooting a certain number of a specific enemy) to accomplish. If you succeed, you enter a "fever mode" where everything is worth massive amounts of points and you have tons of firepower.

The presentation is astonishingly good. If any of you played Arkanoid DS, you'll know that Taito has been trying to copy the synaesthetics of Q Entertainment's games. They failed miserably with Space Invaders: Galaxy Beat and didn't quite succeed in Arkanoid DS, but Space Invaders Extreme is actually better than some of Q Entertainment's efforts. The graphics are trippy and reminiscent of Tempest 2000 or Space Giraffe and the music is fantastic. The sound effects are carefully integrated, always in time with the beat and changing based upon the song (and the section of the song playing).

Definitely give this game a try, even if you think Space Invaders is incredibly dated in this day and age.

Neato. Might import Arkanoid at some point (it's not out til what, August?), this would work just fine with that plan.

I still have Space Raiders.

How was there not already a thread for this?

I like the HUGE score display.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

How was there not already a thread for this?

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I thought there was actually. *-neo

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Originally Posted by g0zen

I still have Space Raiders.

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Lol, me too.

It looks really fun.

xbla or go home

Doesn't Square own Taito these days? They're traditionally not really "in to" downloadable games, I didn't think. Unless it's some god-awful RPG on a Japanese supercomputer cell phone.

Here's hoping anyway, Pac Man CE was fucking brilliant.

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Originally Posted by YellerDog

Doesn't Square own Taito these days?

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Yeah. :(

So it's Space Invaders with a bunch of extraneous, distracting, flashing shit in the background, then?

Just like back at the skating rink!

Also, and most importantly, a combo system.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Yeah. :(

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When did that happen, anyway?

05, methinks.

I'm honestly surprised at how fun this game is. This is seriously great.

Think Space Invaders mixed with Rez.

Sounds awesome!

Looks awesome. I'm in.










The Japanese love not really understanding the meaning of the word "fever", don't they?

I just noticed a few more things. Powerups drop if you complete "features" - specific goals that are highlighted, like shooting down a column or a set of the same type or colour of invaders.

The DS version has online (and local) VS play and online leaderboards. The PSP version only has local VS play, and no online leaderboards. I couldn't find any games and was thus unable to test the VS play, but the leaderboards definitely work. And I'm definitely nowhere near the top.

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Originally Posted by Josh

xbla or go home

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I agree, Taito would be doing much better with these remakes through DD than they are with portable releases.

Space Invaders became irrelevant as soon as Galaxian/Galaga came out. The problem with SI updates are that they can't deviate from the move to the edge and then bump down formula, and that formula is obsolete.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Space Invaders became irrelevant as soon as Galaxian/Galaga came out. The problem with SI updates are that they can't deviate from the move to the edge and then bump down formula, and that formula is obsolete.

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I disagree entirely. I feel Galaga is irrelevant because there are many games with the same design sensibility that have progressed in many different directions, but Space Invaders using a slower single-screen focus retains its own sense of style even today.

That said, the pretty lights in those videos entrance me and make me want to play this.

But this looks more like Galaga than Space Invaders.

It still looks to me like it's more in the vein of a crazy Breakout variant (now with bosses!) as opposed to a vertical shooter. But whatever, they all entertain me.

Can you play DS games via Wifi even if they are a Japanese release? Most Taito games seem to be coming out in the US through budget releases from small software publishers, I can see this getting the axe even though Gamestop shows off the Japanese package with Wifi logo.

Anyone use the paddle controller on it? *-neo

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Space Invaders became irrelevant as soon as Galaxian/Galaga came out. The problem with SI updates are that they can't deviate from the move to the edge and then bump down formula, and that formula is obsolete.

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This game does though. The enemies have a bunch of different patterns.

Anyone who thinks Space Invaders hasn't evolved hasn't bothered playing Return of the Invaders, Majestic 12, or Akkanvader. RotI has a scoring system that's beyond any of its contemporaries, with bonuses based on proximity of enemies shot and a boss round if you manage to leave a specific type of enemy alive. Majestic 12 has a bunch of different power-ups and a ton of varied waves. Akkanvader is insane. It's the closest thing to a vertical Parodius.

I might have to re-pick up one of these portable things ;(

I hate Japan.

You should pick up a Wii for Geometry Wars Galaxies at the same time you buy the DS.

James

dbtn

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Originally Posted by James

You should pick up a Wii for Geometry Wars Galaxies at the same time you buy the DS.

James

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Galaxies on DS is amazing, I love that game.

I'm not sure about "amazing" but it's definitely good. It's funny that it shares its flaws with the Wii version, but they're more forgivable on a handheld.

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Originally Posted by bVork

I'm not sure about "amazing" but it's definitely good. It's funny that it shares its flaws with the Wii version, but they're more forgivable on a handheld.

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Geometry Wars seems better to me on a portable, it's the best on DS since PPL.

I should preface this by admitting that I was never a big fan of Space Invaders. Always found it slow and kinda dull, though admittedly never played it a whole lot.

I'd never heard of Extreme until today when I walked in on Craig Harris playing it with the DS paddle attachment. After just five minutes of playing, I felt compelled to immediately logged onto Play-Asia and ordered it.

The game really is Space Invaders meets Galaga meets Rez meets WarioWare. I love it. The presentation is absolutely phenomenal, and I can't believe it came from Taito. Love the way the shots are timed with the music, love how it quickly toggles between stages that are different enough to make it feel fresh and very addictive.

The paddle attachment is also very, very good--it's weighted and spins freely with a nice, just barely noticeable click and it carries momentum when you flick it. I had to order it with the game ($20).

If it ends up coming out in the US, I'll pick up the PSP version.

Sounds great!

Playing the PSP demo and it's not nearly as cool as the DS one with the paddle. The paddle lets you move around so much faster, which you need for chasing down the UFOs 'n' shit. Maybe I won't pick up this version.

Sounds like it'll make a good summer time killer when the US version drops. I'm in.

Playing a handheld with a paddle will totally bring back warm fuzzy childhood memories of Microvision.

By the way, just a nitpick - even though Taito calls it a paddle, the controller is technically a spinner. There's no limit to the movement.

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Originally Posted by g0zen

I still have Space Raiders.

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It actually had a pretty cool scoring system, the problem was that the system itself was too easy to exploit, and the game as a whole was just way too long for an arcade shooter.

That, and the two-player mode was completely broken because the playing field was wider than the screen, which meant that one player would often run into an invisible wall when the other player was over on the other side of the screen.

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Originally Posted by bVork

By the way, just a nitpick - even though Taito calls it a paddle, the controller is technically a spinner. There's no limit to the movement.

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There never is, ridin' spinners. Allegedly.

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Originally Posted by bVork

By the way, just a nitpick - even though Taito calls it a paddle, the controller is technically a spinner. There's no limit to the movement.

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Tempest port now plz!

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Tempest port now plz!

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That's the first thing I thought when I saw how awesome the peripheral is. My dad's favorite arcade game is Tempest and I've always wanted to get him a home version of the game but without the paddle spinner it's no good.

I'm tempted to get the DS version with the paddle now.

And what's up with this Arkanoid game?

Space Invaders Extreme is pretty sweet. Games like it and Pac-Man CE are proof that there can be plenty of life left in '70s/early '80s franchises. I really hope the paddle makes it here, and gets supported by other games.

Majestic 12 does not suck, that much is certain. Neither does RotI. Never bothered with Akkanvader (I am lame)

Tempest port? More like Tempest DS. Odd as it may seem, the "remakes" (read:fullblown sequels) are possibly the best things for old games like Space Invaders and Galaga, because they sell like mad when executed properly, and most of the official ones have been exeucted properly.

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Originally Posted by bVork

I'm not sure about "amazing" but it's definitely good. It's funny that it shares its flaws with the Wii version, but they're more forgivable on a handheld.

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Sheer quantity balances negatives of Wii Geometry Wars. Can't get into the DS version, the control is great but even for a simple game the graphics are horrid, there's slowdown, and soundtrack suffers more than expected. *-neo

I am wanting both of these and I'm wanting the paddle attachment too.

Old games are fun (again).

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Originally Posted by neoalphazero

Sheer quantity balances negatives of Wii Geometry Wars. Can't get into the DS version, the control is great but even for a simple game the graphics are horrid, there's slowdown, and soundtrack suffers more than expected. *-neo

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Oh good, it's not just me then. I don't get the fondness for the DS GWG, I just didn't enjoy it at all. If it wasn't for unlocking the extra galaxy in the Wii version, it would have been a total waste of cash rather than near-total.

More on topic, I think I may have some importing to do. DS version with spinner sounds too good to pass up.

James

Gushing +1

The paddle is very well-made, can't wait to try out Wi-Fi at some point.

BTW Taito just announced another DS Space Invaders, this one entitled "Get Even", looks like they're aiming for a more realistically rendered look ala Space Raiders. *-neo

Yep. I'm not really fond of the more realistic approaches to Space Invaders. I think Extreme has the right approach: total abstractionism. Here's the blur-o-vision magazine announcement and the single screen released thus far, by the way:
http://the-nextlevel.com/board/attac...1&d=1204729320

That looks horrible and boring.

Eh, I'm curious. Still prerendered backgrounds, I'm guessing.

It comes out this week, and IGN confirmed that the paddle support is still in the US version. I feel money being spent in my future.

http://ds.ign.com/articles/881/881707p1.html

James

Paddle support = an instant buy from me.

[edit]

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Granted players who have the knob have the upperhand against those that do not, so the designers smartly limited the support to the normal single player progression; you won't be able to use it for the Worldwide Rankings Mode or in multiplayer competition, and any high score you earn will be noted with a "P" next to it.

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I guess I understand this but I still don't like it.

So does this mean the paddle will come here too? That'd be great

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Originally Posted by Joust Williams

So does this mean the paddle will come here too? That'd be great

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I'd really like arkanoid and the paddle... not enough to import the paddle I don't think, 'cause I'm lazy.

But if I saw it here on the cheap... :D

The paddles have went up since I got my Arkanoid. Just a couple of months back you could get the paddle alone shipped for about $25, now it looks like the cheapest on eBay is around $40.

Last I checked you could still get Arkanoid with paddle for about $50-ish from Play Asia. If single paddles are $40 by themselves, might as well get them with a game for a bit more.

James

I bought my paddle from Play-Asia for $19 about four months ago.

Ooh, someone's Mr Special!

*insert appropriate smiley here*

James

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Originally Posted by James

Ooh, someone's Mr Special!

*insert appropriate smiley here*

James

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?

It was a suggestion to check Play-Asia.

You catch shit for the strangest posts sometimes.

That wasn't shit, that was ragging on him for the fun of it. No annoyance involved. Seeing as I'm ordering Arkanoid, a game I'm not much interested in, solely for the purpose of having more than one game that uses the stupid paddle, I really don't have any room to make fun of anyone for importing anything.

James

They better make more of those damn standalone paddles because I need a pink one to go with my pretty DS. :(

This looks awesome. Mind you an old fart like me can look at a game like this and remember those simple graphic icons of yesteryear with fond memories.

Going to pick this up seeing as I don't have a choice this time. :(

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Originally Posted by MarkRyan

I bought my paddle from Play-Asia for $19 about four months ago.

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Out of stock.

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Originally Posted by Grave

They better make more of those damn standalone paddles because I need a pink one to go with my pretty DS. :(

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http://cgi.ebay.com/PINK-ARKANOID-Ga...2em118Q2el1247

I have a Space Invaders cabinet. You guys are all a bunch of bustas.
Have fun with your little paddles and faggot shit.

The original Space Invaders was pretty boring. I'd always gravitate towards the Asteroids machine instead, then wish it had a joystick because my young hands couldn't quite work out how to use that many buttons at once.

James

We used to have a Ms. Pac Man cabinet that I spent something around two years mastering. I still liked Pac Man CE a lot. If Space Invaders DS is the "Championship Edition" of the series, it should be good.

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Originally Posted by YellerDog

http://cgi.ebay.com/PINK-ARKANOID-Ga...2em118Q2el1247

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Sorry Grave, I had to snag it.

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Originally Posted by kbuchanan

Sorry Grave, I had to snag it.

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CURSES, FOILED AGAIN

I TRIED.

http://www.ncsx.com/2008/061608/ncs0616m.htm

NCSX is restocking the paddles in a few days at $26.90. Fine by me, I just don't think I care enough about Arkanoid to justify it after all.

James

When and why did paddles and Space Invaders decide to cross paths? Aside from Taito wanting to squeeze a little more use out of a one-game peripheral.

NCS didn't say anything about pink. They did give me a nice Persona 3 spoiler, though! Assholes.

edit: hooray got one from that eBay seller linked above

Bought the white paddle attachment. Going to get Arkanoid and Space Invaders DS soon.

I don't really feel like making a new thread for this, but more details about Space Invaders: Get Even have been revealed. It's a Wiiware title where you control a UFO and use the classic invaders to attack human cities. No word on a NA release date yet.

http://www.inside-games.jp/media/218...06175691_2.jpg

FYI, the reviews for Arkanoid DS have been average to poor, which is a shame because I had a blast playing the original arcade in Barcade. Good thing I bought the paddle controller separately. At least I can still enjoy Space Invaders Extreme with it.

UH YES

I really like this idea!

Eh, my opinion of Arkanoid DS is higher than that of IGN's. It isn't great, but it's more than decent. I never had a problem with the screen gap because the bricks are always on the top screen. The optional barrier system makes you trade safety for higher scores. The skin/music unlocking and customization is addictive.

What drags Arkanoid DS down is that it, well, isn't really Arkanoid. There are no enemies and the powerups are all really basic things like a larger paddle or three balls. It's closer to Breakout than Arkanoid, which is a shame. The gameplay also only deviates from the usual break-all-bricks formula in the quest mode, where you get specific missions (like hitting a specific brick under a certain time) once you have cleared the applicable stage.

Nervous Brickdown is far more creative, but the stylus control can be a little wonky and the complete lack of any in-game gap between the screens can throw you off. Thanks to the better control, I'd say Arkanoid DS - despite the lack of innovation - is about equal to Nervous Brickdown. For what it's worth, I imported Arkanoid DS along with my paddle controller and don't regret doing so.

Paddles are now in, for those who care-

http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/TCPP-20018.html

And so far I can't believe how much fun this is. I'm having a great time working through the levels and enemy patterns so far, learning which weapons work best in what situation, and when to just stick with the level 1 pea shooter for precise shooting.

James

Paddle's here, but no game yet. Looking forward to this a lot. The paddle seems like a well-constructed accessory, here's hoping it works just as well.

So how's the difficulty? Any reason to play for score? I want to pick this up today (won't have a paddle yet, but that's OK)

There are lots of chaining and combo opportunities requiring precision shooting, and as nice as the powerups are it might be better to stick with the pea-shooter to pick off specific aliens of either the right type or color. You should love the scoring system.

James

This game is the bee's knees. Perhaps even the ant's pants.

The online vs. mode is even pretty cool! It works sort of like some puzzle games, doing certain things will send more rows of invaders over to your opponent.

Yeah, the versus mode reminds me of Twinkle Star Sprites than anything. It isn't quite as refined, but it's still excellent.

It's the closest thing you'll get to legit online TSS. Everytime I connect, there's always someone playing too. Unlike Arkanoid, where they might as well have animations of tumbleweeds rolling when looking for a match.

Fuck everything, really? I love TSS.

I bought the DS version and played the PSP version. So, pre-paddle, I like certain things better on each but give the nod to the PSP so far because o the two screen stuff. Note that I didn't try multiplayer.

I could sorta overlook the lack of online multiplayer on PSP, but no leaderboards is a total dealbreaker imo. Ranking mode is the only way to play.

237 on the DS leaderboard so far, with about 4.5 mil.

I'll probably end up getting the PSP version anyway. This game deserves to be bought twice.

Portable game of the gen so far, easily.

I picked it up last night. I'm not very good, but I'd be down for some multiplayer if anyone wants some easy rankups.

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Originally Posted by Bacon McShig

I could sorta overlook the lack of online multiplayer on PSP, but no leaderboards is a total dealbreaker imo. Ranking mode is the only way to play.

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The only thing I hate about Ranking Mode is that you can't use the paddle. I understand why they did it, but I love using the paddle.

Are there cheaters on DS leaderboards yet. Thats the only thing I hate about leaderboards on the DS.

This game is fantastic though everyone buy it twice.

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Originally Posted by not Anal Kaboom

Are there cheaters on DS leaderboards yet. Thats the only thing I hate about leaderboards on the DS.

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There was one or two on the top a few days ago that had nutty high scores way beyond the realm of possibility, but when I checked last night those were gone and everything seemed legit. So it seems it's being moderated pretty well.

Any idea if the Japanese version can play online versus mode against players with the domestic version? I want this game badly, but I also want full paddle support on all modes if it doesn't come at the expense of multiplayer.

What? The NA version does have full paddle support.

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Originally Posted by bVork

What? The NA version does have full paddle support.

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You can play with the paddle in Arcade and Stage mode, but it will not let you play Ranking or Versus mode without disabling the Paddle in the Options menu.

The Japanese version works exactly the same way.

Wow, this looks one of those games that could end up like Tetris or WarioWare on the DS... buy it now or pay double for it on eBay later. I have both Taito Legends for PS2 and this looks to trump every version of SI in those compilations.


ps cleopatra extreme plz


Also has anyone here played SI: Revolution for the DS? I haven't but this looks to beat the pants off it.

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Originally Posted by TODE

Also has anyone here played SI: Revolution for the DS? I haven't but this looks to beat the pants off it.

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I haven't, but I've read that Extreme is the definitive remake to Space Invaders. It's this year's Pac-Man: Championship Edition.

It's too bad that the paddle cannot be used in Versus mode if both players have it.