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Space Invaders Extreme ds Game Reviews
Space Invaders Extreme
Critic Score
Metascore: 85 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.2 out of 10
based on 41 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 8 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

New Look: The classic design of the original SPACE INVADERS, now with revamped graphics and new background movies that add to the game’s excitement. New Music: Get in the groove with up-beat techno tunes that are synched to gameplay. New Mini-Games: Experience varied gameplay with mini-games (Rounds) that are launched mid-game – they add to the fun, and are a good way to rack up points. New Twists: Discover exciting twists to the classic game that provide swift, fast-paced game play. New Multiplayer Element: Battle against a friend with the all-new multiplayer element, available on both platforms. [Taito]

PUBLISHER: Square Enix
DEVELOPER: Taito Corporation
GENRE(S): Action, Shooter
PLAYERS: 2
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: June 17, 2008

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
Gaming Age
At a $20 price point, Space Invaders Extreme is an absolute steal for DS/PSP owners out there. There's a lot of hidden depth to the single player experience, and you'll get a decent amount of use from the multiplayer aspect as well.
Read Full Review
95
NintendoWorldReport
An outstanding package complete with everything you could possibly want from a Space Invaders title. The core game experience simply bombards your senses with awesomeness and could not be a greater joy to experience.
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91
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Like Pac-Man: Championship Edition, this budget-priced handheld shooter stays true to the core gameplay and aesthetic of the arcade innovator it seeks to update.
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91
GameShark
Even if you’ve never tried Space Invaders before, the title is totally worth it for the sheer bang for your buck factor. When $20 buys you one of the best-updated classic games of all time, you have no reason to complain.
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91
1UP
Extreme's wonderfully remixed gameplay comes at you in fluid, seamless waves that offer a surprising amount of freedom and replay value.
Read Full Review
91
Gaming Nexus
Space Invaders Extreme is a supremely well done arcade update, and a meaty, addictive portable game in its own right.
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90
IGN
A certified hit and easily the company’s best effort in contemporizing its classic property. The game’s an absolute steal at 20 bucks on either the Nintendo DS or the PlayStation Portable, but if you want the definitive version of this fantastic classic revisit, the Nintendo DS version is it.
Read Full Review
90
Jolt Online Gaming UK
Space Invaders Extreme is easily one of the best games we’ve ever played on the DS and it has some competition. As far as DS shooters go, it is king.
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90
Thunderbolt
While the graphics are definitely dated, it’s the audio that makes the game stand out; crafting a classic game around music was definitely a gamble, and it really paid off this time.
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90
GameTrailers
Space Invaders Extreme shows what can happen when a classic receives the kind of attention needed for rejuvenation, without sacrificing its core. If you’ve never played Space Invaders before, or simply want to rekindle that old arcade flame, you can’t go wrong with this portable invasion.
Read Full Review
90
Gamers' Temple
You'll find that it will make its way into your collection of games that you always take on the road with you and that you'll pull it out for some techno-laced invader blasting fun time and again.
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90
Console Gameworld
A enjoyable experience all around; while perfect for 'retro' gamers, it packs enough style to reel in newcomers as well.
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90
Pocket Gamer UK
Space Invaders may now be the unfashionable side of 30 but it's still able to mix it up with the best modern gaming has to offer. This is a superlative modernisation of a classic game.
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90
GameSpy
The pop- and dance-oriented tunes and beats are pretty darn fine throughout, and the explosions you create are portrayed audibly not as concussive booms but as instrumental blasts that sync with the background music. Just one more reason the game is well worth investigation.
Read Full Review
88
Worth Playing
In light of all that though, Space Invaders Extreme is still an exceptionally worthy addition to the franchise, giving you a healthy dose of nostalgia while still throwing enough good new ideas into the mix to keep the game fun in the short amount of time the experience lasts.
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88
GameZone
The tried-and-true gameplay is intact but with just the right touch of refinement for anyone to pick up and enjoy.
Read Full Review
86
Electronic Gaming Monthly
"Groovy," "trippy"...however you want to describe it, Extreme does right by the classic. [July 2008, p.84]
86
Nintendojo
While a few faults hurt the game -- like the difficulty and meager amount of levels -- the main foundation of this title is fabulous.
Read Full Review
85
NGamer UK
It's brilliant, compelling, and the Wi-Fi score stakes are high. [May 2008, p.65]
83
Game Informer
It takes some clever thinking to take something this old and make it feel new again. Square Enix has done exactly that by maintaining the core "shoot the aliens" gameplay while dramatically expanding the strategy and skill required to succeed in the endeavor. [July 2008, p.95]
Read Full Review
83
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
Fast paced, challenging and totally mental, this is a pumping update of the ancient shooter. [Aug 2008, p.87]
81
Gamer 2.0
If you have friends who enjoy having a little bit of fun, it's the DS version you want.
Read Full Review
80
Cheat Code Central
In theme, premise, and execution, the classic Space Invaders is an archetypal cliché. Space Invaders Extreme recognizes this, and it succeeds where other revivals have failed because it isn't concerned with what Space Invaders was, nor does it try to imagine what Space Invaders would be had it been imagined today. Instead, Extreme looks at what Space Invaders is; what it means to all of us.
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80
VideoGamer
The high-score hunting gameplay makes for an incredibly addictive retro gaming experience, and the sleek presentation gives it a modern appearance and feel.
Read Full Review
80
Games Master UK
The way retro remakes should always be. Fresh, but in keeping with the original spirit. [Sept 2008, p.80]
80
Play.tm
The graphics are crisp and sharp, not too snazzy and not too lazy. It all feels just right. It is simple, but intelligent. It feels fresh and familiar. Not too easy, not too hard. Space Invaders Extreme is a walking oxymoron.
Read Full Review
80
Gamer.nl
Space Invaders Extreme is a surprisingly pleasant sequel to the original game. The gameplay and style have been overhauled to fit more in this time and it only has a positive influence on the concept. The game just works and is a great addition to anyone’s collection.
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80
Eurogamer
If you like 'clever' shooters, those that offer you a challenging and unique range of ways to reach for the highest score, I'm not sure you can do much better than Space Invaders Extreme at the moment.
Read Full Review
80
DailyGame
It may sound simple -- and really, it is -- but Space Invaders Extreme loses nothing in playability.
Read Full Review
80
Gameplayer
As it stands, Space Invaders Extreme is a well priced, solid game that is a shining example of how the classics should be remade.
Read Full Review
80
GameDaily
The multiplayer is excellent too, whether playing with someone locally or uploading scores to an online leaderboard.
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80
games(TM)
Space Invaders Extreme’s nearest contemporary is Ikaruga. But even Treasure’s superb blaster is unable to match the sheer intricacy that Taito has managed to pack into this diminutive shooter. [May 2008, p.125]
80
NTSC-uk
Nothing should stop any self-respecting gamer from picking up this title.
Read Full Review
80
Nintendo Power
The easy-to-learn basics that made the game a hit 30 years ago are still there--just wrapped up in a glitzier and deeper game. [July 2008, p.90]
80
Games Radar (in-house)
For quick-to-play, compelling arcade action - complete with a two-player head to head mode - it's hard to imagine a better package. Don't miss this one.
Read Full Review
80
Modojo
Space Invaders Extreme should be the next game you buy for your DS.
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80
LEVEL (Czech Republic)
Space Invaders in a fancy, modern look. Unusual and catchy gameplay, multiplayer and boss fights makes this game perfect for long trips. [Aug 2008]
80
AtomicGamer
For everyone, it's a great deal—for $20 you not only get hours of great entertainment, you get your own little piece of video gaming history.
Read Full Review
75
GameSpot
Fast-paced shooting action and enjoyable multiplayer help the Space Invaders series celebrate its 30th anniversary in style.
Read Full Review
75
PALGN
An addictive and worthy remake of the arcade classic. While the single-player experience is a little limited, if you're into high scores and competitive multi-player, then you should look no further.
Read Full Review
60
AceGamez
If old school blasting is your bag then you'll find more than enough here to keep you entertained.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.2 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Steven W gave it a10:
This is by far one of the most addicting games I've played on the DS so far. Although the game is really not much like Space Invaders -- it's more like Galaga -- it's is incredibly fun. A must have for all DS owners.

[Anonymous] gave it an8:
Great game. Adds powerups, music and flashy background animations to spice it up. Plus it's a bargain.. got it for 20$.

Toney C gave it a9:
This is a game for old and new. If you like shooters and techno this game is for you. it starts out east but then it get harder and fun. online is easy and fast to set up.

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