Summary
- Release Year: 1979
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Odyssey 2 / Videopac G7000
- Developers: Magnavox
- Publishers: Magnavox, Philips
Invaders from Hyperspace! (1979): A Classic Arcade Shoot-Em-Up
Invaders from Hyperspace! is a classic arcade shoot-em-up game released in 1979 by Taito. The game is set in a space setting, where the player controls a spaceship and must battle against waves of alien invaders. Invaders from Hyperspace! was one of the first games to use a trackball for player control, and its simple but addictive gameplay made it a popular hit in arcades.
Gameplay
The goal of Invaders from Hyperspace! is to shoot down as many alien invaders as possible before they reach the bottom of the screen and destroy the player’s spaceship. The player controls their spaceship using a trackball, and can move it left, right, up, and down to avoid enemy fire and position themselves for shots. The player’s spaceship is equipped with a laser cannon that can be fired by pressing the fire button.
The alien invaders come in three different types: small, medium, and large. The small invaders are worth 1 point, the medium invaders are worth 2 points, and the large invaders are worth 3 points. The invaders move in formation, and will gradually descend towards the bottom of the screen. If an invader reaches the bottom of the screen, it will fire a shot at the player’s spaceship.
The player can destroy the invaders by shooting them with their laser cannon. When an invader is destroyed, it will explode and release a power-up. The power-ups can be collected by the player’s spaceship to give it special abilities, such as increased firepower or speed.
Features
In addition to its simple but addictive gameplay, Invaders from Hyperspace! also includes a number of features that make it stand out from other shoot-em-up games. These features include:
- Trackball controls: Invaders from Hyperspace! is one of the first games to use a trackball for player control. The trackball gives the player a greater degree of control over their spaceship, making it easier to avoid enemy fire and position themselves for shots.
- Power-ups: The power-ups in Invaders from Hyperspace! give the player a variety of special abilities, such as increased firepower, speed, and invincibility. The power-ups can be collected by the player’s spaceship by flying over them.
- Boss battles: Invaders from Hyperspace! features a number of boss battles, where the player must defeat a large and powerful enemy spaceship. The boss battles are challenging, but they also provide a great sense of satisfaction when they are completed.
Legacy
Invaders from Hyperspace! was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the most influential shoot-em-up games of all time. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today. Invaders from Hyperspace! has also been cited as an inspiration for many other shoot-em-up games, including the popular Gradius series.
Conclusion
Invaders from Hyperspace! is a classic arcade shoot-em-up game that is still fun to play today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, retro graphics, and catchy sound effects make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding shoot-em-up game, then Invaders from Hyperspace! is definitely worth checking out.
Additional Information
- Developer: Taito
- Publisher: Taito
- Release date: 1979
- Genre: Shoot-em-up
- Platforms: Arcade, Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 8-bit family, Commodore 64, MSX, Nintendo Entertainment System, PC Engine, Sega Master System, ZX Spectrum
- Number of players: 1-2
- Control method: Trackball
Tips for Playing Invaders from Hyperspace!
- Use the trackball to move your spaceship quickly and accurately.
- Position yourself so that you can shoot down multiple invaders at once.
- Collect the power-ups to give your spaceship special abilities.
- Be careful of the boss battles, as they can be very challenging.
- Don’t give up if you lose a few lives. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually be able to beat the game.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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