Space Invaders Extreme (Nintendo DS, PSP)

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.

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.