Considering we have been shooting them out of our virtual skies for entertainment over the past forty-two years, any sentient extra-terrestrial life form might not be too keen to drop in to say “Hello!” these days, and with good reason – Tomohiro Nishikado's original 1978 Space Invaders didn't just kickstart a cultural phenomenon, it established one of the most prolific and enduring genres in gaming, and one that happens to be very well represented on Switch: the humble shoot 'em up.
While Taito ignored the Nintendo Switch for the franchise’s 40th anniversary back in 2018, it seems determined to redress the balance with Space Invaders Invincible Collection, a compilation of both old and new titles that, at the time of writing, remains a Japanese exclusive. This review is based on the contents of the Regular Edition, but we will also briefly touch upon on the extra contents of the highly-priced Special Edition.
Despite the lack of in-game English text support (an issue which fortunately presents no real impediment for the enjoyment of this package), you will find a choice of seven titles that will cater differently for each generation of gamers. The arcade games all include customisation options such as screen filters, screen orientation, DIP switch controls and even online leaderboards. Luckily, the in-game menu to access these options is in English, so you will have little trouble customising the experience to your liking.
The title at the top of the list is, unsurprisingly, the 1978 monochrome arcade game that started it all. Its template has been repeatedly cloned by rival companies and even built upon to create other classics, like Namco’s Galaga or Nintendo’s not-so-classic Radar Scope; the purity of gameplay remains undeniably alluring, even after 40 years. A gamer of any age can look at the screen and immediately discern what to do – pick up a controller and use Earth’s last line of defence against a descending swarm of alien invaders.
It will no more than a curio slice of video game history for younger generations that will understandably quickly tire of dodging enemy bullets while trying to bag a few kills of their own, but for more veteran players, those iconic polyphonic sounds will instantly teleport them to a youth spent at the arcades, dropping coins onto the machines, using skill and endurance in pursuit of the highest possible score.
Nostalgia is a powerful motivator, and Taito was not shy in dropping in the colour version of the original and the tiny incremental sequel, Space Invaders II (which is more like a revised edition than a true sequel). They may feel like filler, but if you’re going to put a compilation out, you might as well ensure that everyone gets to cherry-pick their favourite version of the series' humble but revolutionary origin points.
Jumping from the late ’70s to the ’90s, the fourth title available brings true 16-bit grit to the series. Majestic Twelve: Space Invaders Part IV not only gives the series a welcome graphic overhaul but all sorts of gameplay upgrades as well. Weapon power-ups, different invaders with distinct attack patterns, level-specific backgrounds, branching paths, scrolling stages and even boss fights make this the most compelling of the classic titles available in the collection. It is also the first title that allows for two-player co-op play, improving the odds of success for Earth’s side of the conflict. You may have stumbled upon this game during your youth since the Western version found itself onto several home formats under the name Super Space Invaders ‘91.
The sixth game on the list is none other than the incredible Space Invaders Extreme. If the original game was a masterpiece of minimal design imposed by the tyranny of available technology, this 30th-anniversary celebration is a no-holds-barred, relentless audio-visual assault on the senses. The original core gameplay is enhanced with an interactive electronic soundtrack that mimics on-screen proceedings, presenting the player with ample opportunities to get that vital “fever mode” bonus as well as battle tricky end-of-level bosses that will push your shooting skills to the absolute limit. Like the original outings on Nintendo DS and Playstation Portable (and eventual HD releases on Xbox Live and Steam), the continuous strobe light effects and screen flashes could prove uncomfortable for extended periods of play. If that is a non-issue for you, we consider this single addition more than enough validation to grab this whole compilation; it's that good.
Last but not least in the regular edition is the four-player extravaganza Space Invaders Gigamax 4 SE. What better way to celebrate four decades of Space Invaders than making a game with four times the screen size (which makes up for quite an interesting screen aspect ratio), four times the number of invaders and four brave Earth tanks shooting at them all? It is not impossible to tackle this mission alone, but it often feels very overwhelming, even with your avatar levelling-up to better firepower every few thousand points. While the graphical stylings are not as aggressive as in Space Invaders Extreme, the soundtrack is simply otherworldly – a true aural treat for long-time Taito fans provided by none other than the company's legendary in-house band, Zuntata.
Surprisingly, we found a voucher inside our regular edition that seems to be a first print bonus for early adopters. Upon inputting the code on the Japanese eShop, we redeemed Arkanoid X Space Invaders, a mobile game from 2017 that mashes up both titles' gameplay to create something that is actually quite fun to play but also something of a wasted opportunity; you're restricted to the original mobile gameplay and it only supports TATE and touchscreen controls, making it unplayable in docked mode. Still, this was supposed to be a Special Edition exclusive, so despite its mobile roots, we were pleased to round-off the package with this stand-alone bonus download.
Taking a plunge into the rather expensive Special Edition will give you access to three extra games: Lunar Rescue, Space Cyclone and Space Invaders DX. While the first two titles are interesting yet non-essential spin-offs, it is the third game that becomes an itch we can’t scratch with our regular edition. Not only does it amusingly allow players to change up game graphics with other Taito franchises, but it also boasts a unique split-screen two-player versus mode. Note that the unusual price difference is not due to these exclusive titles, but the other collector items that are included within this version – the highlight being an exclusive Space Invaders board game. If you’re a huge fan or collector of Taito’s goodies, then the Special Edition might tempt you, but for most Switch owners the regular edition is far more sensibly-priced considering the content at hand, and thus the obvious choice.
Conclusion
Space Invaders: The Invincible Collection does a competent job in bringing in over four decades of alien shooting action to your Switch in a comfortable and accessible package. Solo players will relish the challenge of the online leaderboards, while fun multiplayer antics are provided by a couple of the available titles. The fact that there are no real emulation issues proves to be a relief, but there are also a few aspects that feel like missed opportunities: Space Invaders Extreme II is a no show and Arkanoid X Space Invaders is a straight-up mobile port with no Switch specific extras. While this is definitely an import to consider for genre fans, it slightly misses that essential purchase status thanks to the issues we mentioned. However, if you’re going for the complete Switch shmup library, you certainly won’t regret the investment.
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Comments 66
"Special Edition will invade your bank account"
I wish reviewers would say if a game is good value for money. The above comment suggests it's not.
It looks like cashing in on the Switch because the Switch is there to be used that way. Rather than producing a game package that reflects the work put into it, stringing seven games together and a good value package for fans.
Is this a budget game? Or a budget game at a high launch price with a pending discount in the months ahead.
An add for this game on PlayAsia, which appears in the adds between this topic has the price at $56.99.
42 years? 42?
When I were a nipper, my mum and dad used to go to a pub on Saturday nights to meet up with friends. After we'd finished playing on our bikes between the trees next to the pub, me and the friends kids would go inside to play on the tabletop version of Space Invaders. I can still remember the sounds of the game, and the smell of the room.
It was such a step up when Space Invaders got replaced with Donkey Kong... and here we are now, casually playing Witcher 3 and Doom...
This game never dies. And quite frankly, it never will, it’s more classic than Mario, or Donkey Kong, this game just MADE video games the way they are.
If I recall the PCE-CD had one thing really necessary in Space Invaders: a VS. Mode with screaming anime waifus.
A real missed opportunity leaving that out of the package.
(I think SI was one of those PCE games that got double-ported with separate versions on card and CD.)
“younger generations that will understandably quickly tire of dodging enemy bullets while trying to bag a few kills of their own” - That’s basically the entire gameplay hook of Fortnite 😂
Wow, I didn't know this even existed and got excited for a moment...but no SIE2 😔
I've never been a diehard SI fan, but I played Extreme 2 to death on my DSi, and I've been wishing for it to come to Switch for the longest time.
It's still one of the best arcade-style games of all time, if you ask me.
Why don't they make a third one?!
The fact that Space Invaders 95 and Space Invaders Extreme 2 aren't included in this Collection still makes me sad.
I also don't like how Taito is handeling their Retro Collections on Switch so far. They offer very litte Content and for additional Games you need to buy overpriced Special Editions.
@RadioHedgeFund not exactly.
I was tempted to import this, but the lack of English support (baffling considering the minimalistic nature of the package and the included ROMs) as well as the obscenely high price tag was a deal-breaker.
They did the same with Darius Cozmic Collection: putting some games after the huge paywall of the special edition. That's foul play. They should have made a collector's edition, of course, but it being called so because of the goodies, with the same games available in both versions.
So I will only buy it if there is an eventual release of a digital complete edition (like what happened with Darius) and not before a huge sale.
The standard edition is unusually -compared to other classics collections- pricey anyway, on top of all things.
Infinity gene is the greatest game this series has ever seen. it is a crime that it isn't included here.
Nearly perfect collection. It just needs Extreme 2 and Infinity Gene. And Space Invaders vs Arkanoid should just be natively included - that game rules.
@RadioHedgeFund Haha, brilliant comment. Made me smile.
Is this game available digitally? And is the 2-player coop gameplay online? Details.
@zool The special edition is $200. You decide.
@Damo Yikes!
@zool Well, I bought this regular edition right here you see reviewed before your eyes but never even considered the 200 bucks one. Hint, hint!
@SuperWeird Yes, you can grab this standard edition on the Japanese eShop. No online multiplayer except the online leaderboards.
I complained on this website about Hatsune Miku Project Diva Megamix being much more expensive in Japan than in the west(i bought the japanese version since its a game that doesnt really need localisation like this one),but at least that one was a port of a fairly recent 3D game with lots of content(including new one).This is a port of old games with simple graphics and it has the same price of the european version of Megamix.While the limited edition is double the price of the japanese version of the Vocaloid game.Wow,just wow.
I really want Space Invaders Extreme on Switch down here too. Used to play it on my DS, such a fun game.
Thank you for reminding me about Space Invaders Extreme on the DS. I'm going to dig out that gem today 👍
@KingMike Other versions, including the SNES stand alone cart version, the arcade Space Invaders DX, and the Saturn version also had a similar Vs. mode, though only the PCE CD version has the anime girls.
Edit: The Hucard SI is different from the PCE CD game. The latter is a port of Space Invaders DX like other versions named Space Invaders The Original Game. The former has a different, less accurate port of the original and a full updated version.
I'm not sure about Arkanoid vs. SI being a preorder bonus. It was listed as part of the lineup for the standard edition, despite being a separate download. It came with mine and I find it interesting how it has a full English localization, unlike the collection itself.
I definitely have a few problems with this collection's game output. Taito needs to stop putting extra games in additional games/special editions as the base collection could use more games since two of the games are basically duplicates with minor differences. I don't have a problem with Arkanoid Vs. Space Invaders being hand-held mode only, but I really don't like how it's a code voucher instead of put into the collection straight up. I'm still going to end up buying this in the end, but I still wish there was more games like Attack of the Looner Loonies, Infinity Gene, or maybe even Groove Coaster.
I imported the regular edition, pretty happy with it.
Space Invaders 95 would have made this a purchase. Oh well.
What ugly graphics! Could they not have used a competent art designer? Screenshot 1 and 4 are some of the ugliest I have ever seen; so much visual noise and way too blocky HUD text. It’s just... hideous!
It'd be worth it for Space Invaders Extreme alone. I have Extreme 2 and love it. Throw in Space invaders 95 and I'd say it's a great collection. With the way it is right now though, I don't think we're missing out on that much. I'd buy it though for a decent price just for an excuse to play Extreme.
@Shiryu ......and the price you paid was?
@zool The Play-Asia one. Considering there is a good possibility this won't make it to the West, I found it was acceptable trade-off to play Space Invaders Extreme on my 56" LCD.
No Space Invaders '95: Attack of the Lunar Loonies, no sale.
Should have included Space Invader infinity gene
No space invaders get even? Anyone remember that from the Wiiware days? One of the best hidden gems on the wii!
@Shiryu fair enough. Everyone is entitled to spend their money as they wish. For me it's always about value for money rather than cost. And at £46 I would feel I'd been mugged.🙃
@zool Space Invaders is a very special series for me because it is where my feverish, unending passion for mush began. To be able to have this ready to go anytime, anywhere is priceless.
I ordered the Special Edition when it was still available for a reasonable price, an i'm very happy i did, but i have to say that the regular edition contains all the most important games.
The only really cool thing the SE adds is the VS Mode of Space Invaders DX.
I have to say i really love this collection, it just oozes style, charme and polish.
@Shiryu :
I'm not sure if NL reviews can be edited, but it should be noted that the Arkanoid VS Space Invaders download code comes with every copy of the game and is not some kind of bonus. People who buy the digital version from the JP eShop get it, too.
@Zeldafan79 :
Yea, while i'm overall very happy with the collection and the decisions they made when it came to the question which games they included and which they left out make sense to me, the lack of Get Even is sad. It's such a great game, and now it's stuck on the closed Wii Shop Channel...
I like the concept behind this collection, but I hate the way they are selling it.
@Zeldafan79 Yeah I am still hoping some of those Wiiware games will get a re-release on the Switch.
@EmirParkreiner Thanks for clarifying that, I was surprised to find a coupon for it in my box since the initial news was that it was a bonus download of the Special Edition. I am unable to edit my own review once it has been posted, but if one of the senior staff members happens to read this, they might do so.
I love Space Invaders. I've been checking the eShop regularly since this was added to the JP shop just hoping to see it pop up in the Coming Soon section of the NA shop.
I have to imagine localization would take almost no effort.
I'll likely wait for a sale. I'm hoping that one day someone over at Taito will weave some magic and conjure up a port of SIE2, as that game alone would be worth any price they're asking for in this collection. Well, not the $200 version, but still worth a bit.
@Nagi @imgrowinglegs They left out "Space Invaders Get Even," as well, although that one would be somewhat awkward to port without an IR sensor.
The game’s fine, but that The Prodigy pun in the subheading is excellent.
"ports" of old arcade games like this have been getting released on every console for years and years. I remember Atari collections on Playstation. The original Playstation.
I'm just not that interested in buying another collection of these games.
Please bring this to the American eshop! May seem a simple game compared to today's standards, but this and pitfall were staples of my intro into gaming as a curtain-climber!
This is my most nostalgia-inducing game ever. I was around for the first wave of Space Invaders fever and probably sank a hundred bucks into it during its first arcade run. And SI Extreme is amazingly hardcore and beautiful to boot.
But $60 is a lot to ask for a collection like this.
They really should release this in the west.
Hopefully this reach the western shore someday, Space Invaders had been a classic I would still play on the go.
@Moroboshi876 I agree Taito has been incredibly greedy with these Special Editions.
In the case of the Darius collection, charging triple the price for essentially two additional games (the two SNES games) plus three ports of already included games (I do remember making the joke about how many versions of Darius II/Sagaia were including, remaking the GB Sagaia (which I think was a different game) was left out, only for like a week later Taito to announce that was an amazon JP exclusive third version or something. )
I see the Limited Run listed on ebay, and you'd think for the price it's going, they could've talked Taito into a more sensible pricing.
But I guess Taito sees what collectors were paying (I didn't bother importing a copy of PSP Darius Burst after seeing it was a $100+ game on the used market, a decade ago) and was content limiting themselves to that market sector.
I actually think this looks really good, so perhaps when a sale hits, I will pick it up.
Is 91 the one that was on the Master System? That's a great game. Despite all the incredible shmups that have been released over the years, there's still an addictive purity to that game. I also love Galaga 88 for the same reason. More recently I really enjoyed Titan Attacks!.
Will pick this up on sale if it ever comes west.
@BionicDodo Yep, it's the same game. But the original arcade version is as expected vastly superior to all the home conversions.
Looks like a great collection ... but no Infinity Gene, no buy.
They say they will add games later as add-ons. Maybe then...
Is there No North American release planned?? Even just digitally in the eshop??! Anyone??
Ah yes, a Space Invaders Game for $200, what I've always wanted.
@Shiryu Cool, thanks. Out of interest, what did you think of Titan Attacks? I really enjoyed it on Vita.
@joey302 Nothing official as of yet, but Darius was also not supposed to come out in the West initially.
@BionicDodo Never played it sadly. :x
I'm still hoping for Space Invaders 1999 being re released at some point Was one of my favorite games on N64.
@Shiryu ok let’s hope it happens! Would be a day one for me!
I just want Space Invaders Extreme, or something along the lines of Pacman CE.
I really want this but with the price for the spec ed one near £170-200 its totally out of my range. I dont want all the cards etc but i do want the games and the arkanoid vs space invaders game.
I also loved playing lunar rescue both these and of course space uncaders take me right back to my teens!
Anybody any idea who and how i contact to request this??
@YANDMAN I agree. I mean it was ported to last gen consoles, so. One can only hope.
@Cable Yesss, nice to meet a fellow lover of the game. i don't know many people that know it. Yeah man, I really hope so too. I would drop a premium to have that as a physical alone.
I picked it up from Play Asia, don't regret it one bit. Its a great collection and if you love Space Invaders, you'll love the collection. If you don't, are broke or its simply not for you, move on! Or pay $60 for the same FIFA, COD, whatever, that you basically already played last year. That's not an insult, its a fact.
Taste is all personal folks. And Space Invaders is great.
@Shiryu I know someone who got the full edition...I got to say, I was actually tempted, but naw....that would be crazy pricey. Even if you can afford it, it is a bit much. But the regular edition? Mine is already here! Have you ever checked out Pepsi Invaders? It was a one off made by Atari for a Coca Cola convention. I snagged a reproduction Atari 2600 cart copy off Etsy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepsi_Invaders
@Agent721 I've heard of it but never played it. The collectors edition really is that: for collectors. I prefer to invest that money on indie eshop titles rather than physical good that eventually just end up taking precious space at home.
Personally love Radar Scope, Nintendo could bring this back with a few new bells and whistles:)
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