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NMS08: Square Enix talks Space Invaders Extreme
Gamespot got a chance to talk with Square Enix PR guy Klee Kuo about Space Invaders Extreme back at the Nintendo Media Summit, taking care to film the whole thing so that we may all watch. Included in the interview (if people talking isn't your sort of thing) is footage from both the DS and PSP versions of the game. We don't have to tell you all which one looks superior, of course.There's also a few other trailers up of just gameplay, which we've gone ahead and embedded past the break.%Gallery-14613%
Joystiq hands-on: Space Invaders Extreme (DS/PSP)
My surprise of the week: Space Invaders Extreme. I played a few rounds at the Nintendo Media Summit since there was no line for the lonely kiosk. (Its PR handlers had even abandoned it, working double-duty at the Crystal Chronicles station across the room.) But as soon as I began tapping the buttons, I was hooked; this update borrows the basic idea of Space Invaders and remixes it into a wild, fast-paced shooter. Like the classic, enemy ships make formations above you, raining shots down the screen. Otherwise, nearly everything else has been squeezed, twisted, and stretched into a modern game. The transition deserves comparison to our lauded Pac-Man Championship Edition, but I haven't yet decided if its as elegant an update. Regardless, an update is an update, and Space Invaders Extreme betters nearly every other current shooter. %Gallery-20559%
Space Invaders invade your fridge
You know that we love Space Invaders junk paraphernalia. If it were up to us (and not roommates, money, and social acceptance), everything we own would probably relate to the awesome alienoids in some way. Magnets are harmless enough, though, and we really want a pack of these to play around with.Since we're almost gnawing off our own fingers in anticipation for Space Invaders Extreme to mosey on over to North America, we could see ourselves sitting in front of the fridge until the early hours of the A.M., moving the magnets around to simulate playing the game. Fortunately for us and our dignity, we haven't found a place to import these magnets from yet, although they'll be available in Japan by April 22nd.
DS Daily: Tough choices
The next few months will be filled with a lot a great releases -- perhaps too many. Super Dodgeball Brawlers, Bangai-O Spirits, Final Fantasy Tactics A2, Etrian Odyssey II, Space Invaders Extreme, Arkanoid DS, Rondo of Swords, Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles, Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness, and The World Ends With You are just a few that we can name on the spot, and all of these will be out before July starts. Unless you have abundant amounts of currency, though, you probably can't afford to buy that many games in such a short period of time. Also, money isn't the only problem. Supposing that you could afford everything you wanted, you wouldn't even have the time to play them all. Narrowing down the field is tough, but necessary. What games that are coming out in the next three months do you consider must gets? And they don't have to be chosen from the games listed above, so go nuts.
Arkanoid DS headed up North American creek without a paddle
The thrill of pinching that tiny, twisty knob between your thumb and forefinger, guiding your sliver of a "space vessel" as you protect its only companion, a dot, capable of utmost destruction, but ultimately helpless, has been lost, abandoned. Taito will ship Arkanoid DS to North America on June 17 without its protruding peripheral, banking on a $19.99 budget price to sell the antiquated, breakout formula. True 'Noidians will have to double the investment and turn to import retailers to assemble the authentic experience -- currently, only available in pink.More promising is Taito's Space Invaders Extreme, a "re-imaged" version of the original, which reminds us a lot of last year's excellent Pac-Man CE for XBLA -- both touching up fundamental elements with a contemporary aesthetic. Space Invaders Extreme will be released alongside Arkanoid DS on June 17 for $19.99, and will be available for DS and PSP. Gallery: Arkanoid DS Gallery: Space Invaders Extreme
Space Invaders goes Extreme in June
Ever wonder how the classic Space Invaders could make a return? Make it faster, brighter, and add the word Extreme to it. Yep, Space Invaders Extreme is slated to hit the PSP on June 17, 2008. Taito has given us a list of features for the game, which should excite those who remember playing the original just to see how far it's evolved. The design is the same, but with revamped graphics and new background movies, while up-beat techno music plays in synch with the gameplay. In the middle of the normal game, mini-games might launch that allow you to rack up the points, though what sorts of mini-games are available aren't described. Also vaguely introduced are new "twists" that add to the new faster pace of play. A multi-player element is available as well. If you're into these old-school revivals, this one might be worth a look.
So the paddle isn't coming to North America?
Okay, we're confused. It looks like, based on a press release that got sent out today, that the paddle controller that came bundled with Arkanoid DS in Japan won't be seeing a release in North America. That is, basically, an unforgiveable crime. Seriously, why would you even want to try to play the game without it?Another notable tidbit of info from the press release is a confirmation that both games will be budget priced at $19.99, which will help shoulder some of the cost of having to import the paddle controller (sadly, Play Asia only has pink paddles in stock anymore, so you'll have to wait or settle for that color). Both games are slated for a June 17th release this year.%Gallery-14613%%Gallery-19376%
Celebrate 30 years of Space Invaders with snuggle pillows
Has it already been 30 years since Space Invaders first conquered the hearts of gamers everywhere? It seems like such a long time ago. We're happy though, make no mistake. We want to get in on the celebration, and one way that we can is with these Space Invader pillows. These little 45 cm pillows are priced at $29.90 each at NCSX. They should be available by mid-late July; that's probably right in line with Europe's summer release of Space Invaders Extreme. [Via DS Fanboy]
Downtrodden Taito U.S. employee confirms Arkanoid and Space Invaders
With the boxarts, prices, and release dates on Gamestop's website, it seems like a pretty sure bet that Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid DS will indeed be published by Square Enix in North America. However, in the absence of an official press release like the one that just came out for Europe, we could use all the confirmation we can get. Two recent bits of information help cement the notion that these games really will come out.First, Arkanoid has finally joined Invaders as a game rated by the ESRB. The E rating has finally shown up on the ratings board's website, indicating that it is planned for release. Second, Keiji Fujita, the sole Taito rep in the U.S., confirmed it directly in a Gamasutra interview. "Arkanoid was released last year in Japan, and Space Invaders Extreme [was released in February]. In fact, these two games will be published by Square Enix in the United States." Since they're being published by Square Enix, though, Fujita has nothing to do with them -- with the only Taito console games to come out this year.If we want more Taito games (and we do), then we should maybe consider buying at least one of these two. Fujita said that the future of Taito games, at least as published by Square Enix, hinges on the success of Invaders and Arkanoid.
Space Invaders Extreme hits Europe this summer
Aliens from outer space are set to invade Europe sometime this Summer. Well, not real aliens, but Space Invaders Extreme aliens. So don't worry folks, there's no need to flee for your lives in War of the Worlds-like fashion. This is good news; it means one more delightfully entertaining game for that good old PSP of yours.Space Invaders Extreme on the PSP is a re-vamped, wide screen version of the classic arcade shooter. Does it live up to the classic of yesteryears? Give this previously posted demo a go and see for yourself.[Via press release]
Square Enix confirms awesome trio for Europe [update 2]
Update 2: And now any mention of the paddle peripheral has disappeared again from our press release! We're confused as can be at the moment, but we're contacting Square Enix for clarification ... now. Stay tuned!Update: Silly us, we totally overlooked some critical parts of the press release. It mentions an "optional paddle controller" for Arkanoid DS, which causes us to think the game could release in a bundle including the peripheral. We've also included the full press release past the post break.Oh, happy days!Square Enix just confirmed a tremendous triumvirate of releases for Europe, with Space Invaders Extreme, Arkanoid, and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift all due in the region this summer.Fantastic news, but there are two questions we urgently need answering. One: will the two Taito titles enjoy the same budget price that looks likely for the U.S. release? And two: will we be getting the wonderful paddle controller for said games? We can't think of any reason why we shouldn't receive such a peripheral, but the lack of an announcement is concerning.%Gallery-5422%%Gallery-14613%[Via press release]
Space Invaders Extreme shows up on ESRB database along with miscellaneous game
The latest ESRB rating update fuels the pretty believable rumor that Square Enix will be releasing Space Invaders Extreme in the U.S. The Rez-like shooter has shown up in the database, with the same E rating seen on the boxart. Wait, did they release that boxart before the ESRB issued their rating? While we're (very) happy to see Space Invaders Extreme, we find the listing for Docomodake more interesting. Why would Ignition Entertainment choose to localize a game about the mascot for Japan's NTT DoCoMo cell phone company? The game sounds vaguely interesting, but will they have to pay NTT DoCoMo for the rights to the character? Or will DoCoMo be happy to advertise in a country where they don't offer services?Also seen on the ESRB page: Chronos Twin, the bizarre time-travel sidescroller that occurs simultaneously in two time periods.See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Space Invaders Extreme[Via Siliconera]
Space Invaders previewed to the Extreme
IGN's Craig Harris has posted some impressions of Space Invaders Extreme that are worth reading because they're impressions of Space Invaders Extreme. Oh, and they're quite positive: Craig says that Extreme "looks like it could be the best remake the franchise has ever seen." Wonder if he's played Akkanvader? Or if that's considered a sequel?Thankfully, he explains the powerup system: shooting four Invaders of the same color imparts a powerup item, as we know, but the exact identity of each powerup was not. According to the article, "Red drops cluster bombs, green drops a wide spread gun, and blue unleashes a devastating laserbeam that can cut through the grouping in a single stream."While we're examining Space Invaders, take a look at the lovely boxart found on the Gamestop listing for the game. Specifically, notice how it's different from the Japanese version in placement of Taito and Wi-Fi logos. There's also that ESRB rating, which doesn't show up on the ratings board's search page. In any case, this boxart and the listed publisher, Square Enix (who owns Taito) make us believe that Gamestop is not lying and the U.S. release of this game is for real.%Gallery-14613%
There's a party in your pants, and Space Invaders are invited
Space Invaders have now gotten as invasive as they can possible get. If you want the little alienoids on your underwear -- and, let's be honest, who doesn't? -- you might want to consider getting these Space Invaders boxer briefs. Made by Ted Baker (we're not fashion conscious enough to know if that's a big deal), these undies cost a whopping £18 ($35 USD).So, what do you think about these? Geek chic or geek freak?[Via Technabob]
Arkanoid and Space Invaders Extreme are likely to be localized
If you've already imported Arkanoid and Space Invaders Extreme, there's a good chance you might be kicking yourself in the near future. While it hardly counts as official confirmation, Gamestop recently listed the two games on the company's website. As you've probably guessed, this means you can preorder the items online, which cost a (relatively) cheap $20 each.According to Gamestop, Space Invaders will be available on June 10th, while Arkanoid's release date is July 1st. Unfortunately, the game seller has yet to list the paddle peripheral, but we bet it's only a matter of time.See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Space Invaders Extreme[Via GoNintendo]Read: Space Invaders Extreme at GamestopRead: Arkanoid at Gamestop
Space Invaders Extreme downloadable demo
Slow news day? Don't worry. It was worth it. Here's a new demo for you to enjoy. Space Invaders Extreme.1. Download the demo zip file.2. Extract the contents of the zip file.3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.5. Copy UJLM05315 folder into the GAME directory. Make sure there are no sub-directories in this folder. Check out our demos site:demos.pspfanboy.com
Do you know where your Space Invaders towel is?
Somehow a second set of Space Invaders-themed towels has been designed, for direct sale this time rather than Space Invaders Extreme preorders. This set is part of the rush of merchandise celebrating the original games' 30-year anniversary -- maybe our favorite Space Invaders anniversary merchandise yet. We'd love to have any or all of these on our wall. It's amazing how what was once a technical necessity now looks like an artistic statement.We don't know if it would be too weird to hang a towel on our wall, though. It would be equally weird to pay $20 to import a Space Invaders towel to dry off with, at least.
DS releases for the week of February 18th
It's a good week to be a DS gamer in pretty much any region. Europe is a possible exception, but we happen to think Paint by DS is a neat-looking product. Outside of Europe and its possibly compelling coloring game, quality abounds this week, with Capcom's Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney as the flagship release in the U.S. Whenever an Ace Attorney game comes out, it's a Big Deal in DS-land, and this one is especially noteworthy!Japan is flooded with cool games this week, including Space Invaders Extreme, the remake, J.B. Harold Murder ClubPopulous DS, and even a new Harvest Moon. And Australia gets a shot at both Advance Wars and Cooking Mama 2! There's a pretty good chance you'll have something to buy this week. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of the Ancient Arts FIFA Street 3
Invade your friends' space
In an interesting turn of events, the DS version of Space Invaders Extreme will play host to several online features, while the PSP experience will only have local play. Maybe our unchecked pessimism is at fault here, but whenever we see a multiplatform title announced, we automatically assume that the dual-screen edition will be an afterthought, a slipshod product adjoined with ill-conceived touchscreen controls and minigames in the same way a madman engineer might weld iron limbs to human flesh. We're thrilled to see that isn't the case this time!Space Invaders Extreme's multiplayer versus mode (local and online) will have you racing against another player to destroy advancing aliens. You can follow your opponent's progress on the top display while fighting your own battle on the bottom screen. You'll also be able to compare your record with other players on the game's world ranking system. If only Taito implemented some sort of voice chat -- that way, you could annoy your online adversary by singing Genesis's "Invisible Touch" along with Extreme's synth soundtrack.See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Space Invaders Extreme
Mario Kart cheat adds paddle controller support
As fun as Taito's paddle controller might be, the peripheral's limited compatibility restricts experimentation with any games outside of Arkanoid DS or Space Invaders Extreme. What about the other Breakout DS clones or all the titles packed in Retro Atari Classics? Will they ever know the wheeled affection they desperately pine for? Or will their love go unrequited, the spinner playing the part of the "little red-haired girl?"Yasu's Action Replay "cheat string" doesn't unlock universal support for the paddle, providing us with a Valentine's Day miracle, but it does allow the controller to be used with an unexpected title -- Mario Kart DS. It's an important first step towards the greater goal! As you can see in the demonstration video above, it's not the most effective control scheme. We're sure that won't stop the jerks "snakers" out there from finding a way to exploit the setup.
