Space Invaders DX

September 1, 1993(33 years ago)·Full Release

Taito

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Genres: Shooter, Arcade

Platforms:Arcade

Action Science fiction Single player Split screen Bird view / Isometric

Summary

A reimagined version of the original game introduces multiple new features and gameplay additions, including a competitive two-player option. It features a "parody mode" that swaps the standard sprites with characters from other Taito titles such as Arkanoid, Bubble Bobble, The New Zealand Story, and Darius. Earlier versions were built on Taito's B system hardware, while later versions used Taito's F3 system hardware. The home versions were released under the title Space Invaders - The Original Game. Other titles include Space Invaders XL for the Nuon, Space Invaders '94 for the Game Boy and Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Space Invaders 2000 and Space Invaders 1500 for two PlayStation reissues. Home versions include different variations of the two-player mode. The Game Boy version is an updated version of the 1990 release of Space Invaders Part II. Additional options, similar to those in Space Invaders DX, are available when played through Nintendo's Super Game Boy. The initial PlayStation version did not include the two-player mode, but later PlayStation releases in 1998 and 2001 added it back. The 2001 version, titled The Invaders and Space Invaders 1500, features a 3D mode and was part of D3 Publisher's Simple series of low-cost games priced at ¥1500. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System version was also made available on Nintendo's Virtual Console.

Storyline

Space Invaders DX features four distinct variations of the original Space Invaders game, along with two extra modes: versus mode and parody mode. Each version of the original game maintains identical gameplay but is presented on a different screen type. These include the upright cabinet screen, black and white, black and white with a cellophane overlay, and full color. In versus mode, two players compete simultaneously on a split screen. The mode is structured in rounds, and to win a round, a player must either stop the aliens from reaching the bottom or eliminate all of them. Winning a round earns the player a medal, and the first to collect three medals wins the match. This mode includes fewer aliens, only one barricade, and some aliens are colored. Hitting colored aliens triggers special effects that can either help or hinder the player. These effects range from clearing an entire row of enemies to making the aliens move closer to the player or their rival. Parody mode follows the same gameplay as the original Space Invaders, but each level is themed after other Taito classics such as Bubble Bobble, The New Zealand Story, Arkanoid, and Darius.