Game: Super Space Invaders
Console: Sega Master System
Developer: Domark
Release Date: 1991
While Space Invaders had practically been around forever by the time this game was released, there's plenty of fresh stuff to keep players somewhat entertained. For a start the visuals behind gameplay are more interesting than ever, and the invaders don't move in a uniform way anymore. Elements of other shoot 'em ups have been added to revitalise gameplay and bring the series up to date. Players also have shields so as to avoid instant deaths from being hit by enemy fire, and power-ups which drop from the UFOs racing across the top of the screen, once hit.
There are a variety of levels to progress through, each a little different, and some featuring bosses or interesting variants on regular gameplay. Although some elements are taken from other shoot 'em ups, the screen doesn't scroll at any point and this is somewhat of a missed opportunity, given the calibre of similar games out in 1991. Retro games looking to sell using only their franchise name should instead be looking to move with the times and sell on the merit of their features and gameplay.
Visually the game looks good for master system with some nice colour gradients and boss designs, but the audio and regular enemies let it down a little. With the audio especially there's a complete lack of soundtrack, and the sound effects are pretty weak on their own. Considering that this is the accompaniment to the Mega Drive "Space Invaders '91" though this is to be expected.
Overall there's some fun to be had with Super Space Invaders, it breathes a little life into what was a dead franchise, and it's certainly better than Space Invaders Anniversary for PS2. Sometimes there's only so much you can do with an existing franchise; sometimes you can change things up a little too much (like in the case of Space Invaders: Invasion Day for PS2). With an Atari 2600 Flashback game out on PS4, it's inevitable that nostalgia for these games will continue, this one is just alright though.
Rating: 54/100
Grade: D
Grade: D
I do enjoy a good Space Invaders bashing! Have to say I've never liked the base Space Invaders game. And yet I did get Invasion Day based on the box alone and Space Invaders Anniversary as a favour for someone else. Invasion Day was worth it for that magnificent CG opening cutscene, and the rest was terrible. I've heard good things about Space Invaders Get Even for Wiiware, and Space Invaders on the PS1... and that's about it as far as modern updates go.
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