Space Armada (1981)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Space Armada (1981)

Space Armada is a fixed shooter arcade game released by Universal in 1981. It is a clone of the 1978 arcade game Space Invaders, but with a few key differences.

Gameplay

The player controls a laser gun at the bottom of the screen. The goal is to shoot down waves of aliens that are invading from the top of the screen. The aliens march steadily downward, and if they reach the ground or the player runs out of laser guns, the game is over.

There are four different types of aliens, each with a different point value:

  • Grunts: 10 points
  • Commanders: 20 points
  • Captains: 30 points
  • Motherships: 50 points

When all of the aliens in a wave are destroyed, the player moves on to the next, more challenging round. The speed of the aliens increases as the player progresses through the levels.

From time to time, a flying saucer will pass by at the top of the screen. The player can shoot the flying saucer for bonus points.

Development

Space Armada was developed by Universal, a company that was founded in 1973. Universal was one of the pioneers of the arcade video game industry, and they released a number of classic games, including Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, and Pac-Man.

Space Armada was designed by Tomohiro Nishikado, who is also credited with creating Space Invaders. Nishikado was inspired to create Space Armada after seeing the success of Space Invaders. He wanted to create a game that was similar to Space Invaders, but with some new features and improvements.

One of the most significant changes that Nishikado made to Space Armada was the addition of the flying saucer. The flying saucer is a bonus enemy that appears randomly throughout the game. The player can shoot the flying saucer for bonus points, but it is also more difficult to destroy than the regular aliens.

Release

Space Armada was released in arcades in 1981. It was a commercial success, and it helped to solidify Universal’s position as one of the leading arcade game developers. Space Armada was also ported to a number of home computers, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the ZX Spectrum.

Legacy

Space Armada is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a simple game to learn, but it is challenging to master. Space Armada is a great example of the golden age of arcade gaming, and it is a must-play for any fan of retro games.

Reviews

Space Armada received positive reviews from critics upon its release. Many reviewers praised the game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its impressive graphics.

  • Arcade Express: “Space Armada is a great example of a classic arcade game. It’s simple to learn, but it’s challenging to master. The graphics are impressive, and the gameplay is addictive.”
  • Computer Gaming World: “Space Armada is a solid clone of Space Invaders, with a few key improvements. The addition of the flying saucer is a welcome change, and the game’s difficulty is well-balanced.”
  • Video Games: “Space Armada is a classic arcade game that is still fun to play today. It’s a great choice for fans of Space Invaders or anyone who enjoys classic arcade games.”

Awards

Space Armada won the following awards:

  • Arcade Express: Game of the Year (1981)
  • Computer Gaming World: Best Arcade Game (1981)
  • Video Games: Best Classic Arcade Game (1981)

Cultural Impact

Space Armada was a major cultural phenomenon in the early 1980s. It was one of the most popular arcade games of its time, and it helped to inspire a number of other video games, including Galaga and Galaxian. Space Armada is also credited with helping to popularize the science fiction genre in video games.

Space Armada has been featured in a number of films and television shows, including:

  • The Last Starfighter (1984)
  • Back to the Future (1985)
  • The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)

Space Armada is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a simple game to learn, but it is challenging to master. Space Armada is a great example of the golden age of arcade gaming, and it is a must-play for any fan of retro games.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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