Space Invaders Extreme 2

Game review by Jeff Paramchuk, Common Sense Media
Space Invaders Extreme 2 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Old-school arcade shooter game with added glitz.

Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi 2009
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Kids say

age 6+

Based on 2 reviews

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  • Space Invaders Extreme 2 Game: Screenshot #1
  • Space Invaders Extreme 2 Game: Screenshot #2

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is an enhanced version of the classic Space Invaders game that has been popular for over 20 years. It still has the same classic Space Invaders appeal of shooting pixelated aliens that appear on the screen. Aliens march across and then down the screen all while dropping bullets on you while your ship systematically takes them out. Sure it's got a fresh coat of paint and quicker action than it used to, but it has retained its core popular game mechanic.

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What’s It About?

The old has become new again with SPACE INVADERS EXTREME 2 now available on the Nintendo DS. This title is a remix of the classic Space Invaders title in which you control a small ship that can move along the bottom of the screen while an armada of aliens march back and forth the top of the screen. As the aliens march, they inch closer to your position, all the while firing back at your with pixilated bombs. The goal is simple, shoot the aliens before they can reach you and you clear the level. As with the classic title, various UFOs will buzz the screen and shooting them provides bonus points. With the Extreme series, the game takes on a very vibrant and chaotic tone with a lot of flashing lights and animation happening in the background, but all the old aliens and UFOs are back to be shot down.

Is It Any Good?

Parents weaned on the original Space Invaders may cry foul when seeing this, but the effort to update the game to today's faster paced and more visual world didn't wreck the core of the game at all. Controls are simple and spot-on, and all the classic character shapes are nicely intact. The moving and highly visual backgrounds can be distracting from the main game play, but that's part of the Extreme brand of the games. One nice upgrade to the title is that the sound effects no longer just exist, they are a part of the game as much as the visuals with the chimes and explosions incorporated right into the musical score. With a couple difficultly levels for each level, young and older gamers can enjoy the title for what it is -- a fun little throwback to the days when the arcade ruled.

Online interaction: Wireless single card and multiple card required modes are included.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the impact of video game violence on kids. Does it make a difference when the violence is fantasy-based?

  • Families can also talk about setting time limits when it comes to gaming times.

Game Details

  • Platforms: Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
  • Available online?: Available online
  • Publisher: Square Enix
  • Release date: October 20, 2009
  • Genre: Arcade
  • ESRB rating: E for (No Descriptors)
  • Last updated: August 31, 2016

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love fast moving games

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