 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Space Invaders Extreme
- Nintendo DS, PSP
- Price: $19.99
- Genre: Arcade
Common Sense Media says
Dazzling remake of classic arcade franchise.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a remake of the classic Space Invaders arcade game first released in 1978. The action is more fast-paced than the original, but remains a simple, fun experience.
What's it about?
Developer Taito tackles one of gaming's classics in SPACE INVADERS EXTREME, a fresh and thrilling reinvention of the 30-year-old arcade icon. The objective is as straightforward as it was when it debuted in 1978: Destroy the hordes of invading aliens. Controls are equally simple. Players just move their ship side to side while pressing a button to fire their cannons.
The greatest change is in both the pace and variety of enemies and weapons. Instead of levels where you shoot aliens one at a time, you enter stages where waves of enemies are sent at you. Aliens vary in size, color, and type. Some may carry shields, while others are so tiny they're almost impossible to shoot. At the end of each stage, you'll battle large bosses that require specific tactics to thwart. The pace is made more frenetic when you add bright visuals with bursts of color and thumping techno music.
Is it any good?
Your ship no longer comes equipped with a simple cannon. By shooting the right combination of aliens, you can acquire lasers, bombs, and multi-shot cannons for a brief period to wipe out multiple foes. You'll also encounter 'bonus rounds' where you can rack up additional points or bonuses like an extra life. While each arcade adventure ends after five stages -- there are 11 stages total between the difficulty levels -- it's easy to hop back in and play again to improve your score. The game also offers the option of two-player wireless competition. Overall, Extreme adds plenty of novel, fun concepts while still managing to evoke some arcade nostalgia.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about some of the video games released in that era, like Space Invaders and Pac-Man. In an era of high-end graphics and complex controls, is there still room for games of this level of simplicity? Did you find it refreshing to play?
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| Platforms: | Nintendo DS, PSP |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Arcade |
| Developer: | Square Enix |
| Release date: | June 17, 2008 |
| Price: | $19.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for Everyone |
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