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 Space
invaders Extreme 2 (DS)
Space Invaders Extreme 2 for the
Nintendo DS is much more than a hyper-nostalgia trip. While it bears some
superficial resemblance to the classic game, this new updates adds so many
layers as to feel almost completely new. Its thumping techno score,
raved-up backgrounds and kinetic pacing are sure to please those gamers
used to the likes of Geometry Wars. However, the classic shoot and dodge
gameplay is very much evident and has been enhanced with bonuses,
power-ups and additional modes that mean these new features are more than
window-dressing. |
Taito's first Space Invaders Extreme title
was a textbook example of how to update a classic game successfully
without losing its essential appeal. The newest installment continues the
feel of this updated franchise with a similar look and play-mechanics. As
in the first game, its basic parameters revolve around shooting waves of
approaching invaders with your cannon. Its basic layout is the same, but
there are many new elements that assault the player. The first thing that
you'll notice is that the invaders no longer move in predictable patterns
and instead can split their formations apart, move at different speeds and
change directions. The smaller invaders can also shield themselves, which
requires more shots to destroy them. In addition to dodging the smaller
ones on the bottom screen, players will also have to look out for larger
invaders at the top of the screen, some of which dance around deceptively
and also take many shots to destroy. These are actually your main targets
in this installment, and destroying all of them is what helps you clear
the stage. While the invaders have been given some new weapons, the player
isn't left defenseless against their renewed assault. There are numerous
new weapons and upgrades that compliment standard shots including laser
guns, cluster shots that wipe out entire rows of enemies and more extras.
These are collected by shooting down the UFO's that still randomly appear
at the top of the screen. All of these elements combine to create a much
more intense shooting game than the original, and since it moves at a much
faster pace, the game can be a little confusing at points. Your first
impression is probably going to be that Space Invaders Extreme throws a
lot of random enemies at you with no rhyme of reason. However, those who
stand back a little and think about what's happening will discover some
very definite patterns that emerge as you play through each level.
 Once
you've completed a stage by defeating the upper screen foes, things really
begin to pick up in intensity. At this point, the game switches to Fever
Time, where you zap through dozens of enemies at once, collecting tons of
bonus points by collecting the golden bars they drop. This lets you
collect a huge score bonus for the end of that stage. This addictive mode
carries over from the first game, but there are now two more layers added.
The first of these is called Bingo Chance, where you can complete a bingo
card by shooting down colored-enemies in sequence. This is trickier than
it sounds since you have to do this before the timer runs out. If you do
this successfully, you'll then unlock Super Fever Time, which is like the
original but with even more enemies to destroy. Finally, once you've
completed destroying all the enemies on a stage, you'll face off against a
massive boss character in a one-on-one battle that will take a lot of
skill to defeat. This makes things a bit clearer and gives the game more
sense in terms of progression. As you complete stages in the standard
score mode, you'll be able to go back and select them later on and play
them in other modes. Extreme 2 includes a new Time Attack mode, which
gives you a new challenge where you have to clear a stage and try and beat
the best time. The first stages are relatively easy to win, but things
become progressively more difficult as you go deeper in, where mistakes
are magnified and survival becomes increasingly tenuous as they attacks
become more intense. Knowing when to use your power-ups and which ones are
the most effective becomes more important at these incredibly fast later
stages, so you'll need to use a lot more concentration and skill. The game
also allows you to play with other gamers in battle or co-op mode using a
wi-fi connection, which is a pretty cool idea that's been implemented
nicely. It's multiplayer mode gives the game more depth and enhances its
replay value significantly.
The game's presentation is solid in most
departments and does an excellent job in creating an immersive experience.
While the moving backgrounds can get annoying and distracting after
awhile, these can be turned off. The game's visuals are very impressive
and force a good compromise between the traditional Space Invaders look
and more modern elements. One of the coolest parts of the game is its
retro-chic, where even the larger enemies retain the original pixilated
look of the 1978 original. As you'd expect the animations are a bit clunky
by today's standards, but that's actually part of the game's charm. Using
both screens can get annoying, but there are boundaries that make it
easier to understand what's going on. As you might have guessed, the
techno music soundtrack fits the game perfectly, with the primitive
computer beats and music helping to get you into things. The fast BPM of
its music isn't nearly as distracting as you think it might be and
actually helps to keep you in the rhythm of the gameplay, complimenting
and pacing the action. Overall, the game's aesthetics are excellent and
strike an effective balance between old and new elements. Space Invaders
Extreme 2 itself is a fine title, and one that should please veterans
who've followed the franchise through the years and want to see the
updates along with younger players who will probably find enough hooks and
twists to keep them coming back for more.
- M. Palisano |
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